The Best Lemon Crinkle Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

Indulge in the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with these Lemon Crinkle Cookies—a soft, chewy dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your wellness goals. Perfectly cracked on the outside and bursting with citrusy freshness, these cookies clock in at just 2-3 SmartPoints per serving, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low SmartPoints: Crafted with Weight Watchers-friendly ingredients to keep points in check.
• Bright & Refreshing: Fresh lemon zest and juice deliver a vibrant, citrus-forward flavor.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, gifts, or family dessert nights—no one will guess they’re lighter!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour (or substitute with all-purpose for a lighter texture)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve or Monk Fruit)
• 1 large egg (or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free option)
• ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar substitute (for coating, e.g., Swerve Confectioners)

Instructions

Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.

Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar substitute, egg (or applesauce), Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, sticky dough forms.

Form & Coat Cookies

1. Roll dough into 24 small balls (about 1 tbsp each).
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar substitute until fully coated.
3. Place balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and cookies develop a crinkled top.
2. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

(Per cookie, with sugar substitutes)

• Calories: ~60
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 2 (with egg) or 3 (with applesauce, depending on brand).

Tips for Success

• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest taste.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
• Avoid Sugar Meltdown: Coat cookies generously in powdered sugar substitute right before baking to prevent absorption.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze unbaked dough balls for future use.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tea or Coffee: Pair with herbal tea or black coffee for a midday pick-me-up.
• Dessert Platter: Serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of fat-free whipped cream.
• Meal Prep: Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet, portion-controlled treat.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

By using sugar substitutes, nonfat Greek yogurt, and minimal oil, these cookies slash calories and carbs while maintaining their irresistible texture. The combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour adds a hint of fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.

These Lemon Crinkle Cookies are proof that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for fitness. With their sunny citrus punch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a delightful way to stay on track while enjoying a classic dessert. Whip up a batch today and share the joy—guilt-free!