Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe features soft rolls filled with carrots, butter, brown sugar, spices, and smooth cream cheese icing.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Rolling Pin
- Box grater (for fresh carrots)
- 9×13 baking dish
- Clean kitchen towel
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Carrot Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup finely grated carrots freshly grated
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Make sure your carrots are finely grated and not wet. Pat them gently with paper towel if needed.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
- Roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the butter. Scatter grated carrots evenly. Add nuts if using.
Step 6: Roll and Slice
- Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
- Place rolls into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Add milk as needed for spreadable consistency.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
- Spread frosting over warm rolls. Let it melt slightly into the swirls.
- Serve warm.