Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake

Featured in: Sweet Comforts

These lightened-up sugar cookie cake pops combine a tender sugar cookie base with creamy Greek yogurt for added moisture and reduced fat. Baked until just golden, the crumble is formed into balls, chilled, and dipped in a smooth white chocolate coating. Sprinkles add a touch of fun, making these bite-sized treats perfect for a delightful, guilt-free dessert or snack. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this an ideal choice for a quick sweet fix.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:37:00 GMT
Golden, bite-sized Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pops, ready to be enjoyed, covered in sprinkles. Pin
Golden, bite-sized Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pops, ready to be enjoyed, covered in sprinkles. | panpatriot.com

A delightful, bite-sized treat featuring soft sugar cookie cake combined with Greek yogurt and coated in a thin layer of chocolate—perfect for guilt-free indulgence.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite as a fun and healthier dessert option that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Sugar Cookie Base: 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 1/4 cup (56 g) light cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low-fat), 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Cake Pop Coating: 1 1/2 cups (250 g) white chocolate or vanilla candy melts, 2 tsp coconut oil (optional for thinning)
  • Decoration: Sprinkles as desired

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat butter, light cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake:
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Crumble:
Let the cookie base cool completely, then crumble it into fine pieces in a large bowl.
Add Yogurt:
Add an extra 2 tbsp Greek yogurt to the crumbs and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed (add more yogurt if needed 1 tsp at a time).
Form Balls:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Melt Coating:
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Insert Sticks:
Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert into each cake ball.
Coat Cake Pops:
Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate to coat, gently tapping off excess. Immediately add sprinkles if desired.
Set:
Stand the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Let set at room temperature or in the fridge until the coating is firm.
A close-up of a dreamy Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pop, showing its creamy chocolate coating and colorful sprinkles. Pin
A close-up of a dreamy Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pop, showing its creamy chocolate coating and colorful sprinkles. | panpatriot.com

Making these cake pops always brings smiles and a warm family moment when we gather to enjoy this sweet treat together.

Notes

For a lower-sugar option use a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Pair with coffee or a light dessert wine to enhance flavor.

Required Tools

9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, parchment paper, baking sheet, microwave-safe bowl, cake pop sticks, styrofoam block or cake pop stand

Nutritional Information

Calories: 115, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 2 g per serving

Sweet, perfectly round Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pops, dipped in melted chocolate and waiting to set. Pin
Sweet, perfectly round Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake Pops, dipped in melted chocolate and waiting to set. | panpatriot.com

Enjoy these lightened-up sugar cookie cake pops as a guilt-free, fun dessert that everyone will love.

Recipe Questions

What makes these cookie pops lighter?

The addition of Greek yogurt replaces some fat, adding moisture while reducing calories, making the texture soft yet light.

Can I use other coatings besides white chocolate?

Yes, dark or milk chocolate can be used as alternatives to customize flavor and sweetness levels.

How long should I chill the cake balls before coating?

Chill the shaped balls in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm them up and ensure easy coating.

Are there any allergy considerations?

These pops contain wheat, egg, and dairy. Candy melts may contain soy; always check ingredient labels carefully.

What tools are needed for preparation?

You will need a baking pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, parchment paper, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute non-dairy Greek-style yogurt and vegan butter to accommodate dairy-free needs.

Lightened-Up Sugar Cookie Cake

Soft sugar cookie cake bites with Greek yogurt and a thin chocolate coating, perfect for light indulgence.

Prep duration
25 min
Cooking duration
15 min
Total duration
40 min

Category Sweet Comforts

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 18 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Base

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened
07 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 1 large egg
09 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low-fat)
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Pop Coating

01 1 1/2 cups white chocolate or vanilla candy melts
02 2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, for thinning)

Decoration

01 Sprinkles, as desired

Directions

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, light cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Bake Cookie Base: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 06

Form Cake Pop Mixture: Crumble the cooled cookie base into fine pieces in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed, adding more yogurt one teaspoon at a time if needed.

Step 07

Shape and Chill: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.

Step 08

Melt Coating: Melt white chocolate or candy melts with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 09

Assemble Cake Pops: Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into melted chocolate, then insert into each cake ball.

Step 10

Coat Cake Pops: Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate to coat, gently tap off excess, and immediately decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Step 11

Set Coating: Stand cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until the coating is firm.

Necessary tools

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Cake pop sticks
  • Styrofoam block or cake pop stand

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy; candy melts may contain soy. Check labels for nut or soy traces.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 115
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Protein: 2 g