Name: Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486508H13M29S
Total time: PT-486508H13M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp instant yeast; 3 Tbsp granulated sugar; ¾ tsp salt; ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43 °C); ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 cup finely grated carrots; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these rolls blend the coziness of cinnamon rolls with the flavor of carrot cake. They’re fluffy, warmly spiced, and packed with grated carrots, making them feel a bit wholesome while still indulgent. Perfect for holidays or a lazy weekend morning.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough & Filling:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup finely grated carrots
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

directions

I start by whisking the flour, yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Next, I add the warm milk, softened butter, and egg, mixing until a soft dough forms. I knead it for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

I cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.

While it rises, I combine the grated carrots, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl and set it aside.

Once the dough has risen, I roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16‑inch rectangle.

I spread the carrot-cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.

Then I roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and slice it into 10–12 rolls.

I arrange the rolls in a greased 9‑inch round or square baking pan, cover them, and let them rise until puffy—about 30–40 minutes.

Meanwhile, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

I bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

While they bake, I make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then adding the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beating until creamy.

After baking, I let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the frosting generously over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 rolls. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to bake, and around 1 hour 55 minutes total time including rises. Each roll is approximately 320 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or raisins to the filling for more texture. For extra spice, I stir in a bit of ground ginger or cloves. A maple glaze also works beautifully in place of the cream cheese frosting.

storage/reheating

I store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4. To reheat, I warm them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until soft and warm.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. In the morning, I let them rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

I prefer freshly grated carrots because they’re finer and moister, which blends better into the filling.

Can I freeze these?

Absolutely. I freeze unfrosted rolls after baking and reheat them before adding fresh frosting.

What type of flour works best?

I use all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give slightly chewier rolls.

Can I double the frosting?

Definitely! If I want extra indulgence, I double the frosting for a thick, creamy topping.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect mash-up of two classic desserts. They’re soft, spiced, and slathered with luscious cream cheese frosting—comforting, celebratory, and just plain delicious.