These low fat “butter” cookies give you all the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional butter cookies—with only 2 grams of fat per cookie and zero actual butter. How? A clever mix of Greek yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla creates a soft, buttery feel without the high fat content. They’re light, sweet, and perfect with tea or coffee.
About This Recipe
These cookies are subtly sweet with a smooth, tender crumb. They don’t have the dense richness of a classic butter cookie, but they do deliver a buttery vibe thanks to vanilla, yogurt, and a hint of almond extract. They’re simple, elegant, and surprisingly satisfying.
They’re great for light entertaining, lunchbox treats, or a healthier take on holiday cookie platters. Plus, they come together with just one bowl and minimal cleanup.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Diet
By using nonfat Greek yogurt and applesauce instead of butter, you reduce both saturated fat and calories while still creating a cookie that feels indulgent. Greek yogurt also adds a little protein, giving these cookies a tiny nutritional edge over their full-fat cousins.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
These cookies use pantry staples with two clever substitutions to keep the fat low but the texture just right.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): The base of the cookie dough. Spoon and level for accuracy.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives these cookies a slight puff.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- White Sugar (⅓ cup): Keeps the cookies lightly sweet without being overpowering.
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt (¼ cup): Replaces butter and adds creaminess with protein.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and tenderness without fat.
- Egg White (1 large): Helps bind the dough and keep it light.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Key to creating that classic buttery aroma.
- Almond Extract (⅛ teaspoon): Optional, but adds depth and helps mimic buttery richness.
How to Make Low Fat “Butter” 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.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, stir together sugar, Greek yogurt, applesauce, egg white, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
- Combine: Stir dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop and shape: Drop teaspoon-sized amounts onto baking sheet and flatten gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are barely golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Want them crispier? Bake 1–2 minutes longer or press flatter before baking.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny dot of fruit jam for a festive touch.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping if it’s sticky.
How to Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 70 Kcal
- Fat: 2 G
- Carbohydrates: 11 G
- Protein: 1.5 G
- Sodium: 55 Mg
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Low Fat “Butter” Cookies
Description
Tender and sweet with only 2g of fat, these cookies use Greek yogurt and applesauce instead of butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir together sugar, yogurt, applesauce, egg white, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients into soft dough.
- Drop dough by teaspoons, flatten gently.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on pan 5 minutes, then move to rack.
Notes
- Want them crispier? Bake 1–2 minutes longer or press flatter before baking.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny dot of fruit jam for a festive touch.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping if it’s sticky.