Introduction to WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
When you’re following the Weight Watchers (WW) program or any low-carb, low-sugar diet, it can often feel challenging to indulge your sweet tooth without derailing your progress. Traditional cookies loaded with sugar, flour, and unhealthy fats are a big “no-no” when you’re tracking your SmartPoints, but this is where the WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies come in—a sweet treat that fits seamlessly into your plan without costing you any points.
These Almond Joy-inspired cookies are a healthy, low-sugar version of the classic candy bar, made with just a few simple ingredients like almond butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, and unsweetened cocoa powder. The best part? These cookies come in at 0 WW SmartPoints when you follow the official WW guidelines, making them a guilt-free, delicious snack or dessert option for anyone on the WW program.
In this in-depth recipe guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies. From ingredient selection to preparation and baking tips, we’ll ensure that you get a perfect batch of cookies every time. Plus, we’ll provide the nutritional breakdown, SmartPoints per serving, and additional tips for customizing this recipe to suit your needs. Whether you’re following the Blue, Green, or Purple WW plan, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a low-calorie, low-sugar treat.
Ingredients for WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
This recipe only requires a handful of simple, whole food ingredients. They come together quickly to create a cookie that’s crunchy, chewy, and full of flavor. Let’s take a look at the ingredients that go into these delicious cookies.
For the Cookies:
- Almond Butter (unsweetened): ½ cup (provides healthy fats, protein, and a rich base for the cookies)
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: ½ cup (adds texture, flavor, and a touch of tropical sweetness)
- Cocoa Powder (unsweetened): 1 tablespoon (gives the cookies a rich chocolate flavor without any added sugar)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (adds depth and sweetness to the flavor)
- Sweetener (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons of erythritol or Stevia (adjust sweetness to your taste; this is optional, as almond butter and coconut add some natural sweetness)
- Egg White: 1 large (binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie)
- Almonds (whole): 12-16 (used as a topping for each cookie to resemble the famous Almond Joy candy)
- Salt: A pinch (balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor)
For the Drizzle (Optional):
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: 2 tablespoons (optional, for a small drizzle of chocolate on top)
- Coconut Oil: ½ teaspoon (to melt the chocolate chips for drizzling)
Why These WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies Are Perfect for Weight Watchers
These cookies are designed with the WW program in mind, which is why they are so low in SmartPoints—in fact, they are 0 points on all WW plans (Green, Blue, and Purple). The primary reason for this is that they’re made from whole foods that are nutrient-dense and low in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats.
Unlike traditional cookies, which are typically loaded with refined sugars, flour, and processed oils, these cookies are nutritious, filling, and satisfy your cravings for something sweet without the excess calories or added sugar. By using almond butter as the base and relying on unsweetened shredded coconut, this recipe avoids any ingredients that would spike your SmartPoints.
Furthermore, because almond butter and shredded coconut are relatively low in carbohydrates and sugars, they also align with other low-carb and low-sugar diets, such as keto or paleo. For Weight Watchers members, this is a wonderful way to stay on track with your SmartPoints while still enjoying a rich, satisfying treat.
Each cookie is also high in protein and healthy fats, thanks to the almond butter and almonds, which helps to keep you feeling full longer. With just a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder and optional sweetener, the cookies are low in sugar, making them an excellent choice for those monitoring their blood sugar or following a diabetic-friendly diet.
Nutritional Breakdown of WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
Each cookie is a satisfying, low-calorie, and nutrient-dense treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in how it combines healthy fats, fiber, and a small amount of natural sweeteners for a satisfying snack without breaking your WW SmartPoints bank.
Per Serving (1 cookie, without the chocolate drizzle):
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Net Carbs: 2 grams
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 2% of Daily Value
- Iron: 4% of Daily Value
SmartPoints: 0 SmartPoints (for 1 cookie)
If you choose to drizzle with the sugar-free chocolate and coconut oil, the SmartPoints will slightly increase. For reference, the chocolate drizzle typically adds an additional 1 SmartPoint for a few extra chocolate chips per cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
Making these cookies is incredibly easy, and you can have a batch of delicious treats ready to go in under 30 minutes. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results.
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up easy.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined. If you prefer sweeter cookies, add erythritol or stevia to taste.
Next, add the egg white to the mixture. Stir again until everything is thoroughly mixed and a dough-like consistency forms. The dough should be thick but manageable. If it seems too dry, add a small splash of water or almond milk to bring it together.
3. Shape the Dough into Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of the spoon to form a cookie shape.
4. Top with Almonds
Place 1 whole almond on top of each cookie, pressing it gently into the dough. This gives the cookies the iconic look of an Almond Joy candy bar.
5. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they can become dry if left in the oven for too long.
6. Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and ensures they don’t fall apart.
7. Optional Chocolate Drizzle
If you want to add an extra touch, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a small, indulgent treat. This step is optional but adds a rich chocolatey flavor to the cookies.
Storing and Freezing WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
If you have leftover cookies (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Simply take a cookie out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Variations and Tips for Customizing Your WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies
- Add Some Extra Protein: For an additional protein boost, you can mix in a scoop of unflavored protein powder into the dough.
- Make Them Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, simply replace the egg white with flaxseed meal or chia seeds (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Change the Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, you can swap out the almonds for pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a unique twist.
- Add Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
Conclusion
The WW 0-Point Almond Joy Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone on the Weight Watchers program who wants to indulge their sweet tooth without compromising their dietary goals. These cookies are easy to make, low in calories, and packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied. Best of all, they’re 0 SmartPoints, making them an excellent choice for a guilt-free snack or dessert.
With the flexibility to make them your own with different variations and toppings, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your WW recipe collection. Enjoy the flavor of a beloved candy bar in a healthier, more weight-conscious form!
