Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls blend the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the warm spices and textures of carrot cake. With a soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-carrot filling, and a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They offer a cozy twist on a traditional favorite that’s sure to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm milksugarunsalted buttereggsaltgrated carrotsbrown sugarcinnamonnutmegclovescream cheesepowdered sugarvanilla extract

directions

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms.

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and grated carrots in a bowl.

Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the carrot-cinnamon mixture evenly on top.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the cream cheese glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 2.5 hours

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra flavor.
Incorporate crushed pineapple or raisins into the filling for a more carrot-cake-like experience.
Use maple syrup in the glaze for a richer topping.
Swap cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla icing if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Rolls can be frozen (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.

Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s not essential.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are preferred for better moisture and texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use a simple icing made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Are these very sweet?
They’re moderately sweet, with the glaze adding most of the sugar content.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Do these taste more like cinnamon rolls or carrot cake?
They’re a balanced fusion of both, with the spice and carrot notes standing out.

Can I add other spices?
Absolutely—ginger or allspice are great additions.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser; try half whole wheat, half all-purpose.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fusion of two beloved treats. With their warm spices, soft texture, and creamy glaze, they’re a delightful addition to any brunch table or holiday gathering. Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or just love a good cinnamon roll, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.