Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not just any rolls; they blend the comforting flavors of carrot cake and cinnamon rolls into one delightful breakfast experience. Perfect for Easter brunch or any family gathering, this recipe brings joy to the table with its warm spices and creamy frosting.

What makes these rolls truly special is how they can brighten up busy weeknights too. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house? Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want them in your rotation all year long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, anyone can whip these up without a fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors—who can resist a cinnamon roll?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them the night before, pop them in the oven in the morning, and enjoy fresh-baked goodness!
• Deliciously Indulgent: The blend of carrots, coconut, and cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These rolls are sure to impress at brunches or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! Each one plays a key role in making these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls not just tasty but full of goodness.

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 (6 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 grams)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrot (200 grams)
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened will work, 83 grams)
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour (divided, 535-590 grams)

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut, leave it out or replace it with raisins for added sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Cream Cheese Alternative: Try using a dairy-free cream cheese for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. This step is crucial as activating the yeast helps create those fluffy rolls we all love. Let it sit for about five minutes until it’s frothy!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Then fold in those finely shredded carrots and coconut. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add in four cups of flour. Use your paddle attachment to mix just until everything is barely combined. Allowing this mixture to rest for five minutes gives the flour time to absorb all that yummy goodness.

Step 4: Knead Your Dough

Switch to your dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, add more flour up to half a cup until it forms a dough. It’s okay if it’s slightly tacky—this means it’ll be soft and tender when baked!

Step 5: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place until nearly doubled—this usually takes about 30 minutes. A proper rise is key to achieving those soft rolls!

Step 6: Prepare Filling

While your dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This filling adds that signature sweetness when rolled inside!

Step 7: Roll It Out

Turn out your dough onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 24×15 inches—don’t stress about perfection! Spread that delicious filling over the dough evenly.

Step 8: Form Your Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll up tightly jelly-roll style. Slice into 12-15 pieces using dental floss or a serrated knife. Place them in a greased baking pan and let them rise again while preheating your oven.

Step 9: Soak with Cream

Warm your heavy cream until it’s just comfy—not hot! After letting your rolls rise for about twenty minutes, pour this luxurious cream over them so they soak up all that moisture during baking.

Step 10: Bake Those Rolls!

Bake at 350ºF for about 27-30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; if they start browning too much before they’re cooked through, cover with foil.

Step 11: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While they cool down slightly, combine softened cream cheese and butter with vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. This frosting is what dreams are made of!

Step 12: Frost & Enjoy!

Spread that heavenly frosting over each roll while they’re still warm! If you like nuts on top—go ahead and sprinkle some chopped walnuts for an extra touch.

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are bound to become your new favorite treat! Enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends around you!

Pro Tips for Making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Making the perfect carrot cake cinnamon rolls might seem daunting, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh yeast and spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your rolls. Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it’s active for a great rise.

• Knead to the right texture – The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. This texture allows for soft, fluffy rolls that rise beautifully without becoming too dense.

• Optimal rising conditions – For best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly preheated oven (turned off) or a sunny window can create an ideal environment for rising.

• Don’t rush the baking – Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing them to cook through.

• Cool before frosting – Allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting away and keeps it beautifully spreadable.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These carrot cake cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas to present this delightful dish at your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts – Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top of the frosted rolls adds a lovely crunch and brings out the nutty flavors in the carrot cake.

• Fresh mint leaves – A few sprigs of mint can brighten up your presentation and add a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

• A dusting of powdered sugar – Lightly sifting powdered sugar over the top of your rolls creates an elegant finish that looks enticing and indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cinnamon rolls, making for a balanced brunch option.

• Greek yogurt with honey – Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a tangy complement that pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors of carrot cake.

• Scrambled eggs or egg muffins – Adding some protein with scrambled eggs or savory egg muffins rounds out your meal and keeps everyone satisfied through brunch.

Enjoy these scrumptious carrot cake cinnamon rolls at your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade treats throughout the week. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just want a sweet breakfast option on hand, these rolls store beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For individual rolls, microwave them on a plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• For multiple rolls, preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while preparing your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast in Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just make sure to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I know when my Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?

To check if your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are done, gently pull up on the edge of a roll in the center of the pan. If it looks cooked and not too doughy inside, they are ready! Baking times may vary based on your oven and the size of your rolls.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time for Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They bring together all the comforting flavors of carrot cake wrapped in a warm cinnamon roll – perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a delicious treat that’s sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!