Carrot cake cinnamon rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a slice of luscious carrot cake and the gooey goodness of a warm cinnamon roll, this recipe is truly a culinary dream come true. Carrot cake cinnamon rolls capture all the cozy spice and sweet earthiness of classic carrot cake, then swirl it into soft, fluffy rolls topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting. This is the kind of treat that brightens up brunch, delights guests, or gives you a little lift on an ordinary morning. Once you’ve tried these unique rolls, it’s hard not to crave the brilliant combination of carrot cake and cinnamon roll in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of carrot cake cinnamon rolls is how simple, honest ingredients turn into something unforgettable. Each component brings its own charm, from the warm spices to the tender carrots and the tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that ties it all together.

• All-purpose flour: Provides sturdy structure, resulting in soft-yet-fluffy rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives the rolls a beautiful lift without yeast.
• Baking soda: Works with the acid in the carrots—helping with tenderness.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature cozy spice—don’t be shy!
• Ground nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic depth to every bite.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Makes both the dough and the frosting melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Milk: Binds and softens the dough, resulting in moist rolls.
• Large egg: Enriches the dough, giving it texture and a golden color.
• Grated carrots: The star ingredient—moisture, color, and a hint of sweetness all come from here.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty finish—absolutely delicious, but you can leave them out.
• Cream cheese, softened: A little tang in the frosting makes these rolls unforgettable.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a silky-smooth finish in the frosting.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors in both roll and frosting.
• Milk (for frosting): Helps adjust the frosting to your perfect creamy consistency.

How to Make Carrot cake cinnamon rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps your carrot cake cinnamon rolls lift out easily, keeping those delicious edges intact and ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking not only combines everything, but also aerates the flour, giving your rolls extra lightness.

Step 3: Create the Dough

Add the softened butter, milk, and egg to your dry mixture. Stir gently just until the dough begins to come together—overmixing can lead to tougher rolls. Once it’s loosely mixed, fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if you’re adding them) for that signature carrot cake texture.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread a thin layer of softened butter all over, then sprinkle with a pinch of extra cinnamon and sugar if you want an added swirl of sweetness. It’s these little touches that make carrot cake cinnamon rolls truly unforgettable!

Step 5: Shape and Arrange the Rolls

Starting from one long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice it into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges. Arrange the spirals, cut side up, in your prepared baking dish so they nestle together but still have a little space to rise and bake up fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your carrot cake cinnamon rolls are puffed, golden, and gorgeously aromatic. They should spring back when lightly touched, and your kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are finishing, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, adding milk a spoonful at a time until you reach your preferred spreadable consistency. You’ll want the frosting ready to slather as soon as the rolls are just cool enough.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops (the warmth helps the frosting swirl into every crevice). Now’s the best part—grab one while it’s fresh and gooey, and savor your homemade carrot cake cinnamon rolls!

How to Serve Carrot cake cinnamon rolls

Garnishes

A finishing flourish makes all the difference. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even a few curls of orange zest. These bright, contrasting touches make each roll look bakery-worthy and add layers of flavor that play up the carrot cake vibes.

Side Dishes

Carrot cake cinnamon rolls are a showstopper at brunch or as a special breakfast treat. Pair them with a simple fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a big pot of strong coffee. Their lightly spiced sweetness balances beautifully with tangy or fresh accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these rolls for a crowd, arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter and let guests pull them apart family-style. Or, serve individual rolls in parchment wrappers for a whimsical grab-and-go treat. For a festive touch, stack them on a cake stand and drizzle extra frosting over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them moist and soft by storing your carrot cake cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, pop them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature or warm gently before eating for best texture.

Freezing

Carrot cake cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling fully, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. For the freshest results, freeze the frosting separately and spread it on after reheating.

Reheating

For just-baked softness, reheat rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them, covered with foil, in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. Add the cream cheese frosting after reheating if possible—it gets deliciously melty and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make these carrot cake cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as needed. The rolls will still be deliciously tender and full of flavor.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Shredding your own carrots yields the best moisture and texture, but if you’re short on time, pre-shredded carrots can be used. Just make sure they’re finely grated, as larger pieces may not soften as well in the dough.

Is it possible to prep these rolls ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the rolls and set them in the dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake and frost as usual for fresh-from-the-oven magic.

Can I add raisins or coconut to the dough?

Go for it! A handful of golden raisins or shredded coconut adds extra carrot cake flair. Stir them in with the carrots and nuts for more flavor and texture. Just don’t overload the dough, as too many add-ins can affect rising.

What’s the best way to get perfectly even rolls?

Use a measuring tape or ruler to pat your dough to an even rectangle, then use dental floss to slice the log cleanly into equal pieces. This helps your carrot cake cinnamon rolls bake evenly and look picture perfect!

Final Thoughts

Sharing these carrot cake cinnamon rolls really feels like spreading a little extra joy. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a celebratory brunch, or just because, this recipe is bursting with homey, vibrant flavor and comfort. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll fall in love with every spiced, creamy, tender bite!

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