Delicious Weight Watchers Sticky Buns: Your New Favorite 5-Point Treat!
Indulge your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals with these incredible **Weight Watchers Sticky Buns**! This recipe transforms a classic, often indulgent, breakfast pastry into a delightful treat that’s just 5 WW points each. Traditionally, sticky buns are loaded with syrup made from high-calorie ingredients like copious amounts of brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup, making them a significant point splurge on the Weight Watchers program. But what if you could enjoy that same warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness with a fraction of the points?
That’s precisely what this recipe delivers! I was determined to find a way to lighten up the beloved sticky bun, and after some clever ingredient swaps, I’m thrilled to share this significantly lower-point version. The secret lies in using reduced-fat crescent roll dough as the versatile base, which provides that perfect fluffy texture without the heavy point count of traditional dough. For the irresistible filling and topping, we opt for a light butter substitute and a brown sugar replacement. These thoughtful changes make an enormous difference in the overall Weight Watchers points, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for fitness.
I couldn’t be happier with how these WW sticky buns turned out. Not only are they incredibly delicious, boasting all the familiar flavors of a classic sticky bun, but they are also remarkably easy to make. You certainly don’t need to be an experienced baker to whip up a batch, thanks to the convenience of pre-made crescent roll dough. These versatile rolls are perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch item, an afternoon snack, or even a satisfying dessert. They’re a fantastic addition to any menu, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet and satisfying for yourself. If you’re planning a full breakfast spread, be sure to explore my breakfast recipe collection for more delightful ideas on what to serve alongside these sticky buns.
Why These Weight Watchers Sticky Buns are a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a delightful and guilt-free treat, these Weight Watchers Sticky Buns are an absolute game-changer. Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your rotation:
- Effortlessly Simple: Say goodbye to the complexities of making dough from scratch! This recipe harnesses the convenience of crescent roll dough, saving you a significant amount of time and effort in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you want a homemade treat without the fuss. The straightforward steps make it accessible for even beginner bakers, ensuring a successful outcome every time.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Prepare for a flavor explosion! Each bite offers fluffy, tender rolls infused with the warm, comforting essence of cinnamon and the rich sweetness of brown sugar replacement. The sticky, pecan-studded topping adds an extra layer of gooey texture and nutty crunch that truly elevates this treat. You’ll find it hard to believe these are a lighter version, as they deliver all the traditional sticky bun satisfaction.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: Planning a brunch, a family breakfast, or a small get-together? This recipe makes a generous batch of 16 individual sticky buns, making it ideal for serving a crowd. They’re a guaranteed hit and a fantastic way to offer a healthier option that still feels indulgent. Everyone will appreciate a warm, freshly baked sticky bun, especially one that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
- SmartPoints Friendly: The most compelling reason for Weight Watchers members! At just 5 WW points per serving, these sticky buns offer a much lower-point alternative to traditional versions, which can often be 15-20 points or more. This allows you to enjoy a sweet breakfast or dessert without overspending your daily points, making healthy eating both enjoyable and sustainable.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you prefer them warm from the oven for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a satisfying evening dessert, these sticky buns are incredibly versatile. Plus, with simple variations and substitutions available, you can easily tailor them to your personal taste or point allowance.
Recipe Snapshot: Quick Guide to Your WW Sticky Buns
Get ready to bake! Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from this fantastic recipe before we dive into the details:
- Serving Size: 1 delectable sticky bun
- Number of Servings: This recipe yields 16 generous sticky buns, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes – minimal effort for maximum flavor!
- Cook Time: Just 12-18 minutes, ensuring fresh, warm buns in under 20 minutes.
- WW Points Per Recipe: A lean 5 WW points per serving. (Click here to view the recipe in the WW app. WW login is required)
Essential Ingredients for Your Low-Point Sticky Buns
Creating these delightful Weight Watchers Sticky Buns is simple with a few key ingredients, many of which are clever swaps to keep the points low. Here’s what you’ll need for both the fluffy rolls and the irresistible sticky topping:
For the Rolls:
- 2 cans (16 rolls) reduced-fat crescent roll dough: This is our secret weapon for ease and lower points. The reduced-fat version significantly cuts down on the overall calorie and fat content, making these buns more WW-friendly while still delivering that tender, flaky texture.
- ¼ cup Light butter substitute: Using a light butter substitute helps to maintain that rich, buttery flavor without the high saturated fat and calories of regular butter. It spreads beautifully and ensures the filling adheres perfectly.
- 2 ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon: The heart of any good cinnamon roll or sticky bun! This spice provides warm, aromatic notes that are essential for that classic taste.
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar replacement: A crucial swap to reduce sugar and points. These replacements offer the same sweet, molasses-like flavor and granular texture of brown sugar without contributing excess calories, making the rolls perfectly sweet.
For the Topping:
- ⅔ cup Brown sugar replacement: Again, using a replacement here is key for keeping the topping delicious and low in points. It caramelizes beautifully to create that signature sticky texture.
- ½ cup Light butter substitute: Combined with the brown sugar replacement, this forms the gooey, luscious base of our sticky topping. It melts into a rich syrup that coats every bun.
- ½ cup Chopped pecans: These add a wonderful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, complementing the sweet and savory notes of the buns. Pecans are a classic sticky bun addition, providing texture and richness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Weight Watchers Sticky Buns
Follow these easy instructions to create perfect, low-point sticky buns:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Topping: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a large baking dish; a standard 9×13 inch dish works well, or one slightly larger if you have it. Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking. Next, prepare the irresistible topping: gently melt the designated light butter substitute in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar replacement until well combined. Pour this delicious mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a sweet, gooey base. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the brown sugar mixture. This forms the sticky, nutty layer that will coat your buns once flipped.
- Assemble the Crescent Roll Dough: To create the base for your rolls, carefully unroll both cans of reduced-fat crescent roll dough. Lay the two sheets out next to each other on a clean, lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. Press the seams where the two sheets meet firmly together to create one large, unified rectangle of dough. This will ensure your rolls hold together beautifully during baking.
- Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: Once you have your large dough sheet, spread the remaining light butter substitute evenly over the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges. In a separate small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and the remaining brown sugar substitute together. This fragrant mixture will be the heart of your cinnamon-sugar filling. Evenly sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered dough. The butter helps the sugar stick and prevents it from spilling out during rolling.
4. Roll, Slice, and Arrange: Now for the fun part! Gently but firmly roll the dough lengthwise, starting from the long side closest to you. Aim for a tight roll to ensure well-formed sticky buns. Once rolled into a log, use a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 16 even pieces. A trick for even cuts is to first cut the log in half, then each half in half, and then each quarter into four pieces. Carefully place these 16 individual rolls into the prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly on top of the pecan topping. Leave a little space between them, as they will expand slightly during baking.
5. Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the rolls should turn a beautiful golden brown and be baked through to the center. To check for doneness, you can gently lift one roll to ensure the underside is also cooked. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the sticky buns to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the hot topping to thicken and become perfectly gooey. When you’re ready to serve, place a large serving platter or cutting board upside down over the baking dish. Carefully but quickly flip the entire dish over, so the sticky pecan topping is now beautifully exposed on top of the buns. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Weight Watchers Sticky Buns!
Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions for Your Sticky Buns
This Weight Watchers Sticky Buns recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, or point allowance. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Indulgent “Splurge” Version: If you find yourself with extra Weight Watchers points to use up, or if you’re making these for a mixed crowd, you can certainly opt for a more traditional approach. Instead of reduced-fat crescent roll dough, use regular crescent roll dough for a richer base. Similarly, you can swap the light butter substitute for regular butter. Remember, these changes will increase the point value significantly, so be sure to adjust the recipe in your WW app to calculate the exact points if you track diligently.
- Even Lower Point Options: For those looking to further reduce the points, consider skipping the cinnamon-sugar filling inside the rolls altogether. Simply roll the plain crescent dough pieces and place them on top of the sticky pecan topping before baking. They will still absorb the delicious flavors from the gooey pecan topping and provide a satisfyingly sweet treat with fewer points. Another idea is to reduce the amount of pecans in the topping or omit them if you prefer.
- Speedy Sticky Buns with Canned Cinnamon Rolls: Short on time but still craving sticky buns? You can make the process even quicker by using canned cinnamon rolls as your base. In this variation, you would only need to prepare the sticky pecan topping, then place the pre-made cinnamon rolls directly on top of it in the baking dish before baking according to package directions. Be mindful, however, that the Weight Watchers points amount will vary significantly depending on the brand and type of canned cinnamon rolls you choose, as they often contain higher sugar and fat content than our custom crescent roll filling. Always check the nutritional information.
- Using Real Brown Sugar: While the brown sugar replacement is crucial for keeping this recipe low in Weight Watchers points, some individuals prefer not to use sugar substitutes. If you fall into this category and are comfortable with a higher point value, you can substitute the brown sugar replacement with the same amounts of regular brown sugar in both the filling and the topping. Just be aware that this will substantially increase the caloric and point count of each sticky bun. The flavor will be rich and classic, but it won’t be as “light” as the original WW-friendly version.
- Nut Alternatives: While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other chopped nuts in the topping. Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts would provide a delightful textural and flavor variation.
- Add a Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness (and points!), you could drizzle a light cream cheese glaze over the finished sticky buns. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and a hint of vanilla can be made WW-friendly with sugar substitutes and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Weight Watchers Sticky Buns
Achieving perfectly baked and delicious sticky buns is easy with a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your Weight Watchers Sticky Buns turn out wonderfully every time:
- Ensure They Are Fully Baked: It’s important to make sure your sticky buns are cooked all the way through, especially the dough base. To do this, gently lift one of the buns with a spatula or fork and check the underside. It should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch, not doughy. Underbaked buns can be disappointing, so a thorough check ensures a consistently pleasant texture.
- Prevent Filling Spillage: When spreading the light butter substitute and sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture onto your crescent roll dough, leave a small margin (about half an inch) around the edges. This little bit of empty space acts as a buffer and helps prevent the filling from oozing out of the sides when you roll up the dough. It keeps the filling neatly inside the rolls, ensuring maximum flavor with every bite.
- Achieve Even Cuts: For professional-looking and evenly sized sticky buns, precise cutting is key. An excellent method is to first cut your rolled dough log in half down the middle. Then, cut each of those halves in half again, leaving you with four shorter logs. Finally, cut each of these four smaller logs into four equal pieces. This technique naturally yields 16 consistently sized buns. Alternatively, for ultimate precision, you can use a ruler to measure and cut even slices, or even unflavored dental floss for a clean, non-crushing cut.
- Proper Storage for Leftovers: If you happen to have any sticky buns left over (a rare occurrence, I know!), ensure they stay fresh by storing them properly. Once completely cooled, place the sticky buns in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat them gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) until warmed through.
- Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: For an even easier cleanup, especially with sticky toppings, consider lining your baking dish with parchment paper before pouring in the topping. Leave an overhang on the sides to create “handles” that you can use to lift the entire batch of sticky buns out of the dish after they’ve rested. This makes transferring them to a serving platter incredibly simple and mess-free.
- Serving Suggestions: These sticky buns are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a complete breakfast, serve them alongside some scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Weight Watchers Sticky Buns, you might also like these other delicious and lighter recipes:
Two Ingredient Dough Cinnamon Rolls
Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Cranberry Pecan Muffins
Weight Watchers Sticky Buns
Ingredients
Rolls
- 2 cans (16 rolls) reduced-fat crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup Light butter substitute
- 2 ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar replacement
Topping
- ⅔ cup Brown sugar replacement
- ½ cup Light butter substitute
- ½ cup Chopped pecans
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease a large baking dish (mine was slightly larger than 9×13, but 9×13 will work). Make the topping by melting the designated butter substitute and mixing it with the brown sugar substitute. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, and then sprinkle the pecans on top.
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To make the rolls, lay out the two crescent roll sheets next to each other and press them to remove any seams. You should have one large sheet now. Spread the butter substitute evenly over it.
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Mix the cinnamon and sugar substitute together, and then sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
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Now, roll the dough like cinnamon rolls. You want to start rolling with the long side of the dough facing you. Make sure to roll it tightly. Cut the log into 16 even pieces. Place the 16 rolls in the baking dish on top of the pecan topping.
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Bake in the oven for 12-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and baked through. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes for the topping to thicken. When serving, flip the rolls upside down so the sticky pecan topping is exposed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.