Description
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful combination of moist carrot cake and sweet cinnamon rolls, swirled with a rich spiced filling and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting—perfect for brunches or festive treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the yeast mixture.
- Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While rising, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out the risen dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread butter over it, sprinkle with filling, and add grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.
- Frost warm rolls generously and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is active before using.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
- Let butter and eggs come to room temperature before using.
- Don’t overbake to prevent dryness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: carrot cake cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, brunch, spiced rolls, carrot dessert