Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The rich, spiced flavor of carrot cake meets the soft, buttery texture of cinnamon rolls, resulting in a warm, comforting pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. With tender dough, a fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling, and a hint of sweetness from grated carrots, these rolls are an indulgent twist on a classic.
The dough for these cinnamon rolls is soft and pillowy, enriched with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavors of the filling. As the rolls bake, the cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the dough, creating layers of gooey sweetness with every bite. The addition of grated carrots not only gives the rolls a natural sweetness but also adds a subtle texture, making them moist and tender. To top it off, a creamy cream cheese glaze drizzled over the warm rolls brings a tangy balance that perfectly complements the spiced dough.
What makes these Cinnamon Rolls stand out is how they combine the best of both worlds. The flavors of traditional carrot cake—cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar—are all present, but in the form of a soft, fluffy roll. This makes them both comforting and special, as they’re ideal for any occasion where you want to impress.
These rolls are perfect for Easter brunch, holiday gatherings, or even just a cozy weekend morning. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they’re sure to be a hit. Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) make a delicious snack or breakfast the next day when gently reheated.
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls offer the warmth of a homemade pastry with the nostalgic, comforting flavors of carrot cake. They’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy two classic desserts in one.
These rolls are made with shredded carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and often include chopped nuts and cream cheese frosting—classic carrot cake flavors!
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
No need! Finely shredded raw carrots work best—they bake to a soft texture and blend perfectly into the dough.
Cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for that classic carrot cake flavor, but a vanilla glaze also works if you want something lighter.
Yes, you can freeze them baked or unbaked. For baked rolls, freeze without frosting and add it fresh after reheating.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup milk warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for filling
- 1/4 cup butter softened, for filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese for frosting
- 1/4 cup butter softened, for frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, milk, and salt. Stir in yeast mixture and beaten eggs.
- Add grated carrots and gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for about 8 minutes on a floured surface, until smooth.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut into even slices. Place rolls in prepared baking dish.
- Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls are baking, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once rolls are baked, spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
Not sure about the carrots in a cinnamon roll, feels weird but I gave it a shot. They turned out okay, but I probably won’t make them again.
Nah, man! Carrots in cinnamon rolls is just wrong. Cinnamon rolls should be sweet and fluffy, not veggie-filled. I’m surprised you even tried it!
I totally get why you felt weird about the carrots! I’ve never thought of putting them in cinnamon rolls either. But hey, at least they turned out okay, right? Maybe they’ll grow on you!
These are the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever made! So fluffy and delicious, my family loved them! 😍
Lol, my rolls never turn out that fluffy. Maybe I’m doin’ it wrong? 🤔
I haven’t tried cinnamon rolls with carrots before, but I’m intrigued! Might just give these a go. 🥕
Cinnamon and carrots?? That’s just wrong. Sorry, but this recipe is just too strange for me. Couldn’t even finish one.
I made these last weekend and added raisins. Yum! Just like grandma used to make, totally bringing back memories! 🥰
This recipe calls for too much sugar! I reduced it and they turned out fine, but still really sweet.
I think sugar is what makes desserts taste good! But glad it worked out for you.
Honestly, carrot cake isn’t my fave. Just a bunch of sugar-covered veggies. 😒
I get where you’re coming from! Carrots in cake sounds odd, but you might like it better in roll form. 🤷♀️
Is it alright to use frozen carrots? I got lazy… 🤔
Using frozen carrots should be fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Good luck!
I dunno, frozen carrots seem kinda weird for a cake. Fresh ones are way better. 😕
Yum! The cream cheese frosting takes it to another level. Will make again next Sunday!
5 stars! I even added some nuts and raisins. Super good and moist!!
This recipe is great! My kids helped and they had so much fun rolling the dough! 😊
These are the best rolls I’ve ever made! So fluffy and delicious. I added walnuts 😍. Definitely a 5!
Walnuts in rolls?! That’s a new one! I usually just stick to the recipe. But I’m glad you liked them! 😄
I don’t think those rolls can be the best unless you tasted mine! My grandma’s recipe is unbeatable! 🤨
These are absolutely delicious! The cinnamon and carrot blend perfectly. I made them for a brunch and everyone loved them!
I totally agree! These cinnamon rolls are a hit at any gathering. So fluffy and tasty!
They sound good, but I wonder if they’re really that great. I’ve had some cinnamon rolls that looked better than they tasted. 😕
Yummy! I just wish it wasn’t so many steps. I’m a simple baker, this almost made me giv up. But worth it!
Cake or rolls? Who cares, it’s all sweet! 😂 I love it!
These cinnamon rolls are incredible! The carrot adds a nice touch. My family loved them!
I’m so glad you loved them! The carrot really does bring a unique flavor. Will definitely try making them this weekend!
Carrot in cinnamon rolls? Sounds weird 🤔 But if your family liked it, who am I to judge?
Eh, not impressed. They tasted like regular rolls with some carrots. Meh.
Regular rolls with carrots? That doesn’t sound right… maybe you didn’t make them right?
I totally disagree! The carrots add such a nice flavor. You should give them another try!
I followed the recipe but my dough never rose. What did I do wrong? I’m so confused!
I dunno… my dough didn’t rise like it should’ve. Maybe my yeast was old? I’ll try again.
I followed the recipe, but mine turned out a bit dry. Maybe I kneaded it too much? Need some tips.
Dry?! I never had that problem, but I guess everyone has their own cooking style. Maybe try less flour next time?
If your rolls turned out dry, you might have kneaded it too long. Just knead until it’s soft and smooth, then let it rise properly! Hope that helps!
Yeah, it’s okay I guess. But why so complicated? Just bake a normal cake, simpler.
yum!! rolled them up just like you said, and put extra cream cheese! So good! 10/10🔥
Not sure why everyone loves them. The flavors were kinda bland to me. I expected more carrot taste, tbh.
Whats with the yeast? Can’t you just use baking powder? Gonna try it my way next time.
Using yeast makes them fluffier and tastier! Baking powder just won’t give the same rise. Trust the process! 🥰
This took ages to make, but it’s worth every minute! Best thing I’ve baked this year!
I love carrot cake! Making these for my book club, hope they like them! Thanks for the recipe!
Is it really carrot cake if it don’t have nuts? 🤔 Anyway, still tasted good!
I’m not a baker usually, but these rolls were easy to make! Only took me a couple hours! Will bake again!
Carrot cake IS NOT for breakfast! Who eats dessert for breakfast?!
SO GOOD! My 5-year-old devoured them! 🥕❤️