WW Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious, healthier version of the classic cinnamon roll that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers points plan. With a lighter, reduced-fat dough and a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, these cinnamon rolls satisfy your craving for a comforting, indulgent breakfast or dessert while keeping the calorie count low. By swapping out high-fat ingredients like butter and heavy cream for healthier alternatives, you can enjoy these cinnamon rolls without feeling guilty.
In this WW Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Rolls recipe, the dough is made with whole wheat flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added fiber. Instead of using full-fat butter, unsweetened applesauce is used to keep the dough moist and tender while cutting down on fat. The filling is made with a small amount of brown sugar (or a sugar substitute) and cinnamon, and the rolls are baked until golden brown and gooey. For an even lighter treat, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar or a sugar substitute and a little bit of milk adds just the right amount of sweetness without the extra calories.
These WW Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. They’re light enough to fit into your daily points without sacrificing flavor, and they’re easy to make, whether you’re baking them fresh or preparing them in advance. You can even freeze them to have a healthy, homemade cinnamon roll on hand whenever the craving strikes!
WW Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or a combination of 1/2 whole wheat and 1 cup all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon honey or monk fruit sweetener (or any sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for flavor in the dough)
For the cinnamon filling:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or sugar substitute (like monk fruit)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (to keep the filling moist)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or sugar substitute (like powdered erythritol or stevia)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, heat the almond milk (microwave or stovetop) until it’s lukewarm (not too hot). Stir in the applesauce, honey (or sweetener), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar (or sweetener), cinnamon, and applesauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough up from the long side into a log and pinch the seam to seal it.
- Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the cinnamon rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps the rolls rise a bit more.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
- Prepare the glaze (optional):
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar (or sugar substitute) and almond milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency for drizzling.
- Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make them ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge, covered tightly. In the morning, let them rise for 30-45 minutes before baking. This makes them perfect for a quick breakfast!
- Freezing option: These cinnamon rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until warm.
- Glaze: The glaze is optional, and you can reduce the amount of sweetener in the glaze or omit it entirely if you prefer. You can also experiment with a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping (but note that it may add some points).
