Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the sweet, cozy comfort food you didn’t know you needed. There’s something undeniably healing about the scent of cinnamon and butter baking in the oven—and when it’s wrapped in the soft, spiced hug of carrot cake-inspired dough, it becomes something truly special. The dough is tender and lightly sweetened with fresh shredded carrots, and each swirl is filled with rich brown sugar and cinnamon, then baked in a buttery, cream-kissed base. The final touch? A fluffy whipped cream cheese icing that melts into every nook and cranny. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or just because your soul needs a little joy, these rolls are warm, welcoming, and absolutely unforgettable.
How to make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
To make these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, start by blooming the yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy. Then, mix in the brown sugar, shredded carrots, salt, butter, and an egg. Add the flour and combine everything to form a dough.
Next, use a stand mixer or your hands to knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour and a half, or until it doubles in size.
While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch pan and sprinkle it with brown sugar. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough, then top it with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice it into 6-8 rolls. Place the rolls in the prepared pan, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Let them rise for another 30 minutes before baking.
Bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness at around 30 minutes. While the rolls are baking, make the whipped cream cheese icing. Whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar together, adding heavy cream and a pinch of salt until the icing is smooth and fluffy.
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately ice them while they’re still warm. Let the creamy icing melt into the soft swirls for the perfect finishing touch.
Creative Ways to Serve and Enjoy Your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
While these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are heavenly straight from the pan, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make them even more memorable! Here are a few fun ideas:
1. Cinnamon Roll Sundaes:
Top a warm cinnamon roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel or maple syrup. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some crushed pecans or toasted coconut on top. It’s a decadent twist on the classic dessert!
2. Brunch Buffet Showstopper:
Take these rolls to your next brunch gathering! Serve them alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and savory sides like quiche or avocado toast. They’ll be the centerpiece of the table—and the first thing to disappear!
3. Pair with Coffee or Tea:
There’s something about a warm cinnamon roll and a steaming cup of coffee or tea that just feels right. Serve your rolls with a light floral tea like chamomile or a rich coffee to balance out the sweetness.
4. Mini Rolls for a Party:
Want to make these rolls more party-friendly? Try rolling out the dough thinner and cutting smaller slices to create mini carrot cake cinnamon rolls. They’re perfect for sharing and make for adorable snack-sized bites!
5. Ice Cream Sandwiches:
For a playful twist, slice a warm cinnamon roll in half and stuff it with a scoop of cinnamon or cream cheese ice cream. It’s the ultimate dessert experience for cinnamon roll lovers!
6. Gift them to Loved Ones:
Freshly baked cinnamon rolls make the perfect homemade gift. Wrap them in a cute box or festive paper and hand them out as a sweet surprise for friends, family, or neighbors. You’ll be spreading joy with every roll!
7. Carrot Cake Cinnamon Roll Parfaits:
Layer crumbled cinnamon rolls with whipped cream and chopped pecans in individual glasses for a fun, layered parfait. It’s an unexpected yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of your rolls!
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious options!
- Petite Rhubarb Butter Cake
- Pecan Pie Butter Cake Cobbler
- Pumpkin Triple Chip Cookies
- The Softest Yellow Cake with Granny Thora’s Fudge Frosting
- Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake
Purchase Books by Danielle Kartes of Rustic Joyful Food from these booksellers:
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
- Dough hook (if using mixer)
- Box grater
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups shredded carrot about 3 medium carrots
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons soft butter
- 1 egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Pan
- 4 tablespoons soft butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
Filling
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Whipped Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces soft cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, add the warm milk and yeast. Stir to combine and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar, shredded carrot, kosher salt, soft butter, and egg. Stir briefly, then add the flour.
- Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for 7–10 minutes. If mixing by hand, stir until the dough comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl lightly with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare your 9×13-inch pan by spreading the soft butter across the bottom. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly, then drizzle the heavy cream on top.
- Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle about 10×14 inches on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, followed by cinnamon and salt.
- Roll the dough tightly, starting from the edge farthest from you, rolling toward you. Finish with the seam side down.
- Slice into 6–8 even rolls using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Place the rolls into the prepared pan. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary. The rolls should be golden brown and bubbling.
- While the rolls bake, make the icing: whip the cream cheese for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then pour in the heavy cream while mixing. Add a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for 5–10 minutes before spreading the icing generously over the warm rolls. Enjoy every cozy bite.