2-Point Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: Your Easy & Healthy Fall Recipe
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these perfectly soft and irresistibly delicious Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls. Each roll is a remarkably low 2 SmartPoints, making them an ideal guilt-free indulgence for any meal. This recipe puts a delightful, festive twist on the popular two-ingredient Greek yogurt dough, offering an equally easy preparation with even more flavorful results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these rolls are designed for simplicity and incredible taste.
These charming dinner rolls are the ultimate complement to your favorite fall dishes. Imagine them alongside a hearty soup, a spicy chili, a comforting casserole, or simply as part of a classic dinner with baked chicken and a fresh salad. The addition of pumpkin not only imparts a beautiful, inviting orangey hue, but also a subtle, delicate flavor that enhances the rolls without overpowering them. The blend of warming spices perfectly complements the pumpkin, creating a savory experience that will leave you reaching for another.
Baking these rolls in a cast iron skillet is highly recommended, as it creates a wonderfully crispy bottom while ensuring they bake evenly throughout. However, if a cast iron skillet isn’t available, any other oven-safe baking dish will work beautifully to achieve these fluffy, golden-brown delights. Get ready to elevate your fall dining experience with these healthy, homemade pumpkin rolls!
Why These Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Are a Must-Make
If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful addition to your meal plan, these Weight Watchers pumpkin dinner rolls tick all the boxes. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your fall rotation:
- Effortlessly Easy & Yeast-Free! Forget the long wait times associated with traditional bread making. This recipe utilizes self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, eliminating the need for yeast and extensive proofing. You’ll go from mixing bowl to warm rolls much faster, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The simplicity of the dough process ensures a stress-free baking experience, even for beginners.
- The Epitome of Fall Comfort. Infused with the warm, inviting essence of pumpkin and fragrant pumpkin pie spice, these rolls are the quintessential fall bread. Their unique color and subtle autumnal flavor make them a standout on any table, instantly adding a festive touch to a casual family meal or a sophisticated dinner party with friends. They perfectly capture the spirit of the season in every bite.
- Remarkably Low-Calorie and Low-Fat. Each delightful dinner roll clocks in at just 76 calories and a mere 1.1 grams of fat, aligning perfectly with Weight Watchers principles for healthy eating. This means you can enjoy a comforting bread without derailing your wellness goals. The low point value makes them an excellent choice for satisfying carb cravings while maintaining mindful portion control.
Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: Recipe Overview
Before diving into the full details, here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect from this fantastic recipe:
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approximately 46g)
- Number of Servings: This recipe yields 8 perfectly portioned rolls.
- Active Prep Time: Just 10 minutes!
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time (including resting): Approximately 50 minutes
- WW Points Per Recipe: A fantastic 2 WW points per roll, totaling 17 points for the entire batch. You can click here to view the recipe directly in the WW app (WW login required).
Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Pumpkin Rolls
Crafting these delicious Weight Watchers pumpkin dinner rolls requires only a handful of common ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these components come together to create something truly special. Make sure to gather fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Self-rising flour: This is the foundation of our easy dough. Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents (baking powder) and salt, which eliminates the need to add them separately, simplifying the process and ensuring a lovely rise without yeast.
- ⅔ cup 100% Pumpkin puree: Crucial for both flavor and moisture, ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would alter the final taste and point value.
- ⅓ cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: This is the other star of our “two-ingredient dough” concept. Greek yogurt adds protein, tang, and contributes significantly to the rolls’ soft, tender texture while keeping them light and low in fat.
- 2 tbsp butter or substitute (e.g., I Can’t Believe It’s Not butter, Light): A small amount of butter or a light butter substitute is used to coat the pan and brush the rolls, adding a rich, golden finish and enhancing flavor without excessive calories.
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling: This spice blend truly brings out the autumnal essence of the rolls. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding warmth and depth of flavor. A little extra sprinkled on top after baking provides a beautiful aroma and presentation.
- Cooking spray as needed: Handy for preventing sticking, especially if your dough is a bit on the softer side, making it easier to handle and shape your rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls. Precision and a little patience will yield the best results!
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the self-rising flour, the entire ⅔ cup of pumpkin puree, ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and the ⅓ cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Use your hands to thoroughly mix these ingredients until a cohesive dough starts to form. Continue gently kneading the dough within the bowl for a few minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer excessively sticky. If the dough still feels a bit too sticky to handle easily, incorporate the remaining 2 tablespoons of self-rising flour into the dough before transferring it to a lightly floured or cooking-sprayed work surface. The goal is a manageable, soft dough.
2. Portion and Shape the Rolls: Once your dough is ready, separate it into 8 equal portions. For consistent sizing, a kitchen scale is incredibly helpful here, ensuring each roll bakes evenly. Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball. If you find the dough becoming sticky as you work with it, a quick spray of cooking spray on your hands, the dough, or your work surface will help immensely, preventing it from adhering and making shaping much easier.
3. Rest and Preheat Skillet: Allow the shaped dough balls to rest for 10-15 minutes. This brief resting period helps the gluten relax, resulting in a more tender roll. While the dough rests, place your cast iron skillet (or chosen oven-safe dish) into the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy bottom crust. Once the skillet is sufficiently hot, carefully remove it from the oven, add 1 tablespoon of butter (or substitute) to the pan, and swirl it around to ensure the entire bottom is evenly coated. This will prevent sticking and add rich flavor.
4. Arrange and Bake: Carefully transfer your dough balls into the buttered cast iron skillet, arranging them in a single layer. If desired, you can use a sharp knife to score the top of each dinner roll with a shallow “X” or a single line; this is primarily for aesthetics but can also help with even rising. Brush the tops of the rolls with some melted butter (remember to reserve a portion of the melted butter for after baking). Place the skillet back into the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are thoroughly baked through and golden brown on top. A good indicator of doneness is if the bottom of a roll sounds hollow when gently tapped with your finger.
5. Finish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately brush the remaining melted butter onto the warm rolls. This step adds moisture, shine, and extra flavor. For an extra festive touch and enhanced aroma, sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice generously over the tops. Serve these delightful Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls warm with your favorite entrées and enjoy!
Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions
While these pumpkin dinner rolls are fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some ideas to customize them to your taste and dietary needs:
- Adjust the Size for Any Occasion: If you prefer larger, more substantial rolls, simply divide the dough into six equal portions instead of eight. Keep in mind that larger rolls may require a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure they are cooked through. The current small size is perfect for pairing with a full meal, but bigger rolls can be great for sandwiches or as a more filling side.
- Infuse with Herbs or Cheese: For a savory twist, consider folding shredded cheese (like a sharp cheddar or a creamy mozzarella) directly into the dough mixture before shaping. Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, chives, or parsley to the dough for an aromatic boost. These additions will create a more complex flavor profile.
- Boost with Seeds: Add a delightful crunch and visual appeal by sprinkling various seeds on top of the rolls before baking. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) would naturally complement the pumpkin flavor, while sesame seeds or even poppy seeds could offer a different texture and nutty note. To help the seeds adhere, brush the rolls with an egg wash or a little extra melted butter before sprinkling.
- A Touch of Sweetness: While designed to be savory, you can easily adapt these for a sweeter profile. Instead of extra pumpkin pie spice, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking would also be delicious, transforming them into a delightful breakfast or dessert roll.
- Flour Alternatives: If self-rising flour isn’t on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. For a slightly denser, more fiber-rich roll, experiment with using a whole wheat self-rising flour, though this might slightly alter the texture and Weight Watchers points, so recalculate if precise tracking is essential.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Rolls
Achieving perfectly soft, savory, and healthy pumpkin dinner rolls is easy with a few key techniques. These tips will help you master this recipe every time:
- The Importance of a Preheated Cast Iron Skillet: Do not skip the step of preheating your cast iron skillet in the oven. This ensures that when the dough balls are added, the bottom of the rolls immediately begins to cook and crisp up, leading to a wonderfully golden-brown and slightly crunchy base. This initial burst of heat promotes even baking throughout the entire roll, preventing a soggy bottom.
- Don’t Rush the Dough’s Rest: While these are quick, yeast-free rolls, allowing the dough balls to rest for 10-15 minutes is beneficial. This short rest period gives the gluten a chance to relax, making the dough easier to handle and contributing to a more tender, less dense final product. You can even extend the resting time a bit longer if your schedule allows, without negatively impacting the outcome.
- Mastering Dough Consistency: The perfect dough consistency is key. If your dough is too sticky to work with after the initial mix, add self-rising flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s pliable but still soft. Conversely, if your dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more Greek yogurt or pumpkin puree (half a teaspoon at a time) until it comes together. Remember that the water content in Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree can vary, so adjust as needed. The dough should feel light and airy, capable of being shaped without excessive sticking. Always remember to adjust your WW recipe builder if you add extra ingredients.
- Always Use 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree: This is a critical distinction. Ensure the can clearly states “100% Pure Pumpkin Puree” and not “Pumpkin Pie Filling.” Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and often other ingredients that will significantly alter the flavor profile, sweetness, and Weight Watchers point value of your rolls.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and soft. This helps retain their tender texture.
- Serving Suggestions Beyond Dinner: While perfect for dinner, these rolls are versatile! Serve them warm with a smear of light cream cheese for breakfast, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea as a delightful afternoon snack. They’re also fantastic with a drizzle of honey or a sugar-free maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Discover More Healthy Bread Recipes
If you loved these low-point pumpkin dinner rolls, you might enjoy exploring these other delicious and healthy bread options:
Lentil Bread: A Protein-Packed Weight Watchers Favorite
Pull Apart Cheesy Bread: A Fun & Flavorful Appetizer
Cloud Bread: Just 3 Ingredients for a Low-Carb Treat
Weight Watchers Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Self-rising flour
- ⅔ cup 100% Pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp butter or substitute, I used I Can’t Believe It’s Not butter (Light)
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling
- cooking spray as needed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of self-rising flour, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and Greek yogurt. Work with your hands until a dough forms. Gently knead the dough inside the bowl until it is smooth and not sticky. Add the last 2 tablespoons of flour to the dough before transferring to a work surface.
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Separate the dough into 8 equal portions (a kitchen scale is recommended for accuracy). Roll each portion into a smooth ball. If the dough is still sticky, lightly spray your hands, the dough, or the work surface with cooking spray to aid in shaping.
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Let the dough balls rest for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven for about 5 minutes until hot. Carefully remove the hot skillet and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
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Transfer your dough balls to the buttered cast iron skillet. Score the top of the dinner rolls if desired for aesthetics, and brush them with some melted butter (be sure to reserve some butter for after baking). Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly baked and golden. The bottom of the roll should feel hollow when tapped.
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Brush the remaining melted butter onto the warm rolls immediately after baking and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top for added flavor and aroma. Serve warm with your favorite entrées.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.