Go Back
–+ servings

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine warm cinnamon rolls with sweet carrots, featuring a soft texture and inviting aroma, perfect for brunch or any cozy occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4.5 cups bread flour Use as the base for the dough.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Add to dough for flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Add to dough for flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Add to dough for flavor.
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors.
  • 1 cup whole milk Warmed for activating yeast.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast For dough rising.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Divided for dough and filling.
  • 1 large egg At room temperature.
  • 1 large egg yolk At room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Very soft, for dough.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots Use fresh grated carrots.
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar Packed, for filling.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For filling, adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger For filling, adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg For filling, adjust to taste.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 4 ounces cream cheese Use brick-style, at room temperature.
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar Sifted if lumpy.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Very soft, for frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavoring the frosting.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Optional, balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts Optional for garnishing.

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. Combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Warm the milk to around 110°F and add to a stand mixer with the yeast and part of the granulated sugar.
  3. Let it rest until foamy.
  4. Add remaining sugar, egg, yolk, and soft butter, mixing until combined.
  5. Incorporate the flour mixture gradually until dough pulls away from the sides.
  6. Switch to a dough hook and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth.
  7. Let rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Mix sugar and spices in a bowl for filling.
Shape the Rolls
  1. Roll out the risen dough and spread with softened butter.
  2. Sprinkle the spiced sugar and grated carrots evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll into a log and slice into rolls.
  4. Allow the rolls to rise again in a greased baking dish for about 30 minutes.
Bake & Frost
  1. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and frost while warm or let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!