Description
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious mashup of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and spiced carrot cake. Filled with grated carrots and warm spices, then topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for brunch, holidays, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, or pineapple bits
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the milk to about 110°F and combine it with the yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk mixture with eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and flour. Knead by hand or in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- In a separate bowl, mix grated carrots, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir in any optional add-ins.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough and evenly sprinkle the carrot filling on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While baking, make the frosting: beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the warm rolls with cream cheese frosting and serve fresh.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- Don’t overbake—start checking at 25 minutes to prevent dry rolls.
- Frost while warm for a melty glaze effect or wait until cool for a thicker layer.
- These rolls freeze well unfrosted; frost after reheating for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 90 minutes rise time)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
