These low fat sugar cookies are soft, tender, and just the right amount of sweet—with only 2 grams of fat per cookie. Made without butter and using nonfat Greek yogurt and applesauce, they keep all the classic flavor and texture you love in a sugar cookie, but with a healthy twist. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of tea.
About This Recipe
These cookies bake up slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center. They’re lightly vanilla-scented with a gentle sweetness that makes them a blank canvas for sprinkles, icing, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You’d never guess they’re low fat—just light, simple, and satisfying.
This is a go-to recipe for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want a cookie that’s pretty and portion-friendly.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Diet
By replacing butter with nonfat Greek yogurt and applesauce, this recipe significantly lowers the saturated fat while keeping the cookies moist and tender. These ingredients also add a touch of protein and natural moisture, making them a better choice for heart health and calorie control.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
We’re using simple, clean ingredients with smart swaps to create a light version of this classic treat.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ⅓ cups): Forms the structure—spoon and level for best accuracy.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
- White Sugar (⅓ cup): Keeps them sweet but light.
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt (¼ cup): Adds moisture and creaminess in place of butter.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (2 tablespoons): Helps bind and soften the dough.
- Egg White (1 large): Adds structure without fat.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Key to that classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Almond Extract (⅛ teaspoon): Optional but adds a bakery-style aroma.
How to Make Low Fat Sugar Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix sugar, yogurt, applesauce, egg white, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Stir flour mixture into wet until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop and shape: Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto baking sheet or roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if rolling and cutting shapes—it makes handling easier.
- Add sprinkles before baking or glaze after for decoration.
- Substitute white whole wheat flour for added fiber without changing the texture much.
How to Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 80 Kcal
- Fat: 2 G
- Carbohydrates: 13 G
- Protein: 1.5 G
- Sodium: 50 Mg
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Low Fat Sugar Cookie Recipe
Description
Classic, soft sugar cookies with just 2g of fat—perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix sugar, yogurt, applesauce, egg white, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Stir dry into wet to form dough.
- Scoop or roll out dough and shape.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool 5 minutes on pan, then move to rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if rolling and cutting shapes—it makes handling easier.
Add sprinkles before baking or glaze after for decoration.
Substitute white whole wheat flour for added fiber without changing the texture much.