Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Easter breakfast never looked so good! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds—carrot cake and cinnamon rolls—then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe. These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, gooey, and topped with a delightful cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds sing. They’re not just for Easter brunch; these rolls are perfect for any family gathering, cozy weekend morning, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and fresh carrots, making it hard to resist sneaking one before they cool down. Trust me, once you try them, they will become a go-to favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, even for novice bakers! With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have no trouble whipping these up.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good cinnamon roll! These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Easter or just a Sunday breakfast, these rolls elevate any meal into something special.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh in the morning—perfect for busy days!
• Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of carrots, spices, and cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls. You likely have many of these in your pantry already!

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 115 degrees F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (I like Red Star Platinum Baking Yeast)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrot
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened will work)
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour (divided)

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup salted butter (almost melted)
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over the risen rolls)
• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup salted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings.

• Add More Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger to add extra warmth and flavor to your rolls.
• Incorporate Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries can be mixed into the filling for an unexpected burst of sweetness.
• Change Up the Frosting: Swap out cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
• Go Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds if you want a nut-free version without losing texture.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Pour the warm milk into the bowl of your stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. This step is crucial because activating the yeast ensures that your dough will rise beautifully, leading to fluffy rolls later on.

Step 2: Mix in Ingredients

Add in the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar to this yeast mixture. Then fold in those freshly grated carrots and shredded coconut. The combination adds moisture and sweetness to every bite!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add in four cups of flour while gently mixing with the paddle attachment until everything is barely combined. Letting it rest for five minutes allows the flour to absorb all those lovely liquids.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth

Scrape off any dough stuck on the paddle, switch to your dough hook attachment, then knead on medium speed. Add up to half a cup more flour if necessary until you have an elastic and smooth dough. Remember—it should feel tacky but not overly sticky.

Step 5: Let it Rise

Grease a large bowl and transfer your dough into it. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until nearly double in size—this usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. This filling is what makes each roll irresistibly flavorful!

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 24×15 inches. Spread that delicious cinnamon filling evenly across this rectangle.

Step 8: Shape Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Cut this long log into 12–15 slices using either a serrated knife or dental floss (trust me—it works wonders). Place them into a greased baking pan.

Step 9: Final Rise

Cover those beautiful rolls again and let them rise for another 20 minutes while your oven preheats to 350ºF. This second rise helps them become even fluffier!

Step 10: Pour Cream Over Rolls

Warm up some heavy cream until just lukewarm—not hot—and pour it gently over your rolls after their final rise. This gives them an incredible moistness when baked!

Step 11: Bake Away!

Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 27–30 minutes. Check halfway through; if they’re browning too quickly, cover with foil until fully baked.

Step 12: Make Frosting While Cooling

As your rolls cool slightly after baking, whip up that scrumptious cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese and butter until smooth!

Step 13: Frost Those Rolls!

Spread generous amounts of frosting over each roll while they’re still warm so it melts slightly into all those nooks.

Step 14: Add Optional Toppings

If you like walnuts for crunchiness, sprinkle some over top before serving!

Step 15: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge—if there are any left! Rewarm them quickly in the microwave when you want another taste.

With these steps complete, you’re ready to enjoy heavenly Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to impress everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Making these delicious carrot cake cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast, flour, and spices will greatly enhance the flavor of your cinnamon rolls. If your yeast isn’t active, it won’t rise properly, leading to dense rolls.
• Knead just enough: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial for creating that perfect roll texture. However, over-kneading can lead to tough rolls, so stop as soon as the dough is tacky yet smooth.
• Let them rise properly: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment helps develop the flavors and gives you light, fluffy rolls. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-proofing, which can make them too airy.
• Don’t skip the heavy cream: Pouring warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking ensures they stay moist and adds richness to each bite. It’s a game changer for achieving that gooey texture!
• Cool before frosting: Allowing your cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting helps it stay in place rather than melting into a puddle. This way, you get the perfect frosting layer!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These carrot cake cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Present them beautifully at your next brunch or family gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of your frosted cinnamon rolls for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Shredded coconut: A light dusting of shredded coconut can enhance the tropical feel of these rolls while adding visual appeal.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves on top will add a pop of color and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light and healthy contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls. It’s vibrant and adds a burst of flavor.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side dish that complements the sweetness of the rolls without overwhelming it.
• Scrambled eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein to balance out your plate and round out your Easter brunch menu nicely.
• Coffee or tea: Serve these rolls with freshly brewed coffee or tea; their warm flavors pair perfectly together, making for a comforting drink option alongside your sweet treat.

Happy baking! Enjoy these delightful carrot cake cinnamon rolls with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time or even bake them in advance, making your morning routine a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They can last for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if desired.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
• Microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds until warm or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before rolling and baking. This way, you’ll have fresh cinnamon rolls ready for your Easter brunch!

How do I store Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months.

What makes these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls special?

These rolls combine the warm flavors of carrot cake with the delightful twist of cinnamon rolls. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they’re a sweet treat everyone will love!

Can I use different nuts in my Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or even leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They’re not only a treat for special occasions like Easter but also a delightful addition to any breakfast table. Remember that cooking is all about joy and creativity—so feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!