Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Inez Rose
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft cinnamon roll dough infused with warm spices and grated carrots, filled with cinnamon-carrot mixture and topped with tangy cream cheese icing. Perfect for weekend brunch.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Filling:

1 cup finely grated carrots

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 tablespoons milk


Instructions

1. Combine warm milk (110°F), sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

4. While dough rises, mix grated carrots, brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts if using in a bowl. Set aside.

5. Punch down risen dough gently and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread carrot filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge.

6. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice into 12 equal rolls.

7. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover loosely, and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

9. While rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach spreading consistency. Spread icing generously over warm rolls right out of the oven.

Notes

Use warm milk around 110°F – not too hot or it kills the yeast.

Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing.

Make dough the night before and refrigerate after first rise.

Don’t skip the second rise – it’s key to fluffy rolls.

Add orange zest to the icing for a citrus twist.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg