Table of Contents

Cookie Press Low Fat Butter Cookies

The scent of butter cookies always transports me back to Christmases spent at my grandmother’s house. Her kitchen, a haven of warmth and sugary aromas, was perpetually filled with trays of these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats. While I loved her traditional recipe, these lighter butter cookies remind me that you can still enjoy those nostalgic flavors without sacrificing your health goals. Each bite offers a hint of the past, a comforting embrace of familiar tastes, proving that you can enjoy a little bit of holiday magic any time of year.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 63-65 minutes (includes refrigeration)
Yields: 48 cookies
Serves: 48
Dietary Type: Low-Fat

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Smart Balance butter spread
1 cup artificial sweetener (such as Splenda)
¼ cup Egg Beaters egg substitute
1 tablespoon Egg Beaters egg substitute
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Cookie press
Cookie sheets
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Refrigerator

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the Smart Balance butter spread, artificial sweetener, and Egg Beaters until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it. Creaming the butter and sweetener properly incorporates air, resulting in a more tender cookie.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until the flour disappears into the batter.
Gently blend in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Refrigerate the dough for 45 minutes to one hour. This step is essential, as it allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and press through the cookie press. If the dough is too soft, it will be difficult to create defined shapes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare your cookie sheets.
Load the chilled dough into your cookie press. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific cookie press model.
Press out cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets. Space the cookies about an inch apart to allow for even baking. Feel free to experiment with different disc shapes to create a variety of designs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn easily. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still warm and delicate.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For best results, ensure that the Smart Balance butter spread is softened but not melted. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
If you find that your dough is too stiff to press easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. However, be careful not to let it get too warm, or it will become sticky.
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, make sure your cookie sheets are cool. If you are baking multiple batches, allow the sheets to cool completely between batches.
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter extract in addition to the vanilla extract.
If your cookies are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and increase the baking time slightly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These low-fat butter cookies are delicious served as a snack, dessert, or as part of a festive holiday cookie platter. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	78.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	43 g	55%
Total Fat	4.8 g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	6%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	57.5 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	7.5 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	1 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

Extract Variations: Instead of vanilla extract, try almond extract, lemon extract, peppermint extract, or even a combination of extracts.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Decorations: Before baking, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, colored sugar, or chopped nuts.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate or white chocolate.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular butter instead of Smart Balance butter spread?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular butter, but the nutritional information will change, and the cookies will no longer be considered low-fat.

Q: Can I use a different type of artificial sweetener?
A: Yes, you can use your preferred artificial sweetener, but adjust the amount according to the sweetener’s instructions for substitution.

Q: Why is it important to refrigerate the dough?
A: Refrigerating the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and press through the cookie press. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Q: My dough is too dry. What should I do?
A: Add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough mixing bowl and divide the dough into smaller batches for refrigeration and baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cookie Press Low Fat Butter Cookies offer a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat with a lighter twist. With their delicate texture and customizable flavors, they’re perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and create a batch of these delicious cookies. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different extracts and decorations to make them your own. And most importantly, share them with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cookies. I’d love to hear what variations you create!