WW-Friendly Milk Brioche Rolls – A Soft, Light, and Delicious Low-Point Recipe

Brioche rolls are a beloved bakery treat—soft, pillowy, and buttery—but they often come with a hefty calorie count and a significant amount of sugar. If you’re following Weight Watchers (WW) or simply looking for a lighter, healthier version of this classic recipe, you’re in luck. These WW-Friendly Milk Brioche Rolls maintain the rich flavor and texture of traditional brioche but are lower in points to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step of making Milk Brioche Rolls with a light, fluffy texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re serving them as a side for dinner, using them for sandwiches, or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these low-point rolls are perfect for any occasion.

Here’s everything you need to know to make these delicious, WW-approved Milk Brioche Rolls that will be your new go-to baking treat.

Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)

For the Brioche Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for an even healthier version)
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature, helps the dough rise more evenly)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (heated to about 110°F, a great lower-calorie substitute for whole milk)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons, the leavening agent)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (instead of butter to lower the fat content)
  • 2 tablespoons stevia or monk fruit sweetener (to keep sugar and calories low while still maintaining sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a subtle depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dough)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Before you begin the dough, you need to activate the yeast. This step ensures that your brioche rolls rise properly.

  1. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of almond milk (heated to about 110°F) with 2 tablespoons of sweetener (such as stevia or monk fruit). Stir gently until the sweetener dissolves.
  2. Sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and stir. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce is an excellent substitute for butter in this recipe, reducing fat and calories without compromising on the softness and moisture of the rolls.

  1. Once the eggs and applesauce are fully incorporated, add the activated yeast mixture into the bowl and stir to combine.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The salt helps enhance the flavor of the dough while balancing the sweetness.

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  2. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Knead the Dough

Now it’s time to knead the dough to develop the structure and texture of the brioche rolls.

  1. Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
  2. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, slightly sticky, and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much.
  3. Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball.

5. Let the Dough Rise

For the dough to rise and develop its characteristic light and fluffy texture, you’ll need to let it rest in a warm area.

  1. Lightly grease a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  2. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. This rising period allows the yeast to work its magic and creates the airy texture we love in brioche.

6. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the rolls.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Punch down the dough gently to release any trapped air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  3. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place it in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Alternatively, you can line the baking dish with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

7. Second Rise

Allow the rolls to rest and rise again. This second rise will ensure that the rolls are light and fluffy once baked.

  1. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes. They should puff up and touch each other in the pan.

8. Bake the Brioche Rolls

After the second rise, your rolls are ready to bake.

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
  2. If you want a more golden, shiny finish, you can brush the tops with a little bit of almond milk or a sugar-free glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.

9. Cool and Serve

Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These rolls are best served warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

  1. Serve them with a pat of butter (consider a light spread to keep points low) or enjoy them on their own as a delicious, low-point treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

This is a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for one WW-friendly Milk Brioche Roll (makes 12 rolls):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Net Carbs: 16g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Vitamin A: 2% of the Daily Value
  • Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value
  • Iron: 6% of the Daily Value
  • WW SmartPoints: 4 SmartPoints per roll (based on the Blue, Green, or Purple WW plans, using almond milk and applesauce for reduced fat content)

Why These Milk Brioche Rolls Work for WW

The WW-Friendly Milk Brioche Rolls are a fantastic treat that satisfies your cravings for fresh, homemade bread without breaking your points bank. Here’s why these rolls are a great choice for anyone on the WW plan:

  1. Lower in Points: Traditional brioche recipes can be high in calories, fat, and sugar, but this WW-friendly version uses applesauce and almond milk to lower the fat content and keep the calories in check. This makes it a 4-point treat per roll, which fits well within your WW plan.
  2. Fiber-Rich: Using whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour can increase the fiber content of the rolls, making them more filling and helping with digestion. Fiber is crucial in keeping you feeling full longer and maintaining healthy digestion.
  3. Less Sugar: By using unsweetened applesauce and a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, this recipe cuts down on refined sugar, making it more compatible with your WW goals. This means you can enjoy the sweetness of brioche without the sugar crash.
  4. Protein Boost: The addition of eggs and the use of almond milk ensures that these rolls contain a moderate amount of protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, and having protein in your carbs helps maintain your energy levels and keeps you feeling full longer.

Tips for Success with WW-Friendly Brioche Rolls

  1. Measure Ingredients Carefully: When making low-point baked goods, measuring your ingredients carefully is essential. Even a small excess of flour or oil can affect the nutritional values and point count. For best results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour and other ingredients.
  2. Use the Right Sweetener: Depending on your taste preferences, you can choose stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol as a sweetener. These options provide the sweetness of sugar without the added calories, keeping the rolls low in points.
  3. Experiment with Toppings: If you’re craving extra flavor, top your rolls with a light spread of butter or cream cheese (mind your points). You can also use a light sugar-free jam for added sweetness without extra carbs.
  4. Freeze for Later: If you’re preparing these rolls in advance, feel free to freeze them. Once baked and cooled, place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Conclusion: A Delicious, WW-Friendly Treat

These WW-friendly Milk Brioche Rolls are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in soft, fluffy rolls without sacrificing their weight loss or health goals. With just 4 SmartPoints per roll, they’re a great addition to your WW plan, whether as a side dish, a snack, or even as part of a sandwich.

By swapping out high-calorie ingredients with healthier alternatives, such as applesauce, almond milk, and stevia, you can enjoy the satisfying taste of brioche with a fraction of the calories and points. Whether you’re on the Blue, Green, or Purple WW plan, these rolls will fit seamlessly into your daily points allowance.

Give these light and delicious rolls a try today – and you might just find yourself making them again and again!