Introduction
Who needs a fancy bakery when you can whip up these incredible Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls right in your own kitchen? We’re taking everyday ingredients – carrots, cinnamon, and a whole lotta love – and transforming them into a breakfast (or anytime!) treat that’ll have everyone begging for more. Get ready for a deliciously comforting experience!
Why This Works
These cinnamon rolls aren’t your average kind. The subtle sweetness of the carrot cake filling beautifully balances the spice of the cinnamon, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make – perfect for a weekend baking project the whole family can enjoy!
Key Ingredients
🥕 2 cups grated carrots
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar
🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour
🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍂 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
🌰 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
🍦 1 cup cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions
1️⃣ Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk.
3️⃣ Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
4️⃣ Incorporate the carrots and walnuts (optional): Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
5️⃣ Assemble the rolls: Spread half of the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture (see below). Top with the remaining dough and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool and frost: Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before frosting with the cream cheese frosting.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
Combine ½ cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
Handy Tips
- Use a box grater for easy carrot grating.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or your rolls will be tough.
- If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or even raisins would be delicious additions!
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the rolls bake through evenly without burning. Keep an eye on them during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
The chopped walnuts (if used) add a delightful crunch to the soft, tender rolls. The slightly crisp edges of the baked rolls also offer a nice textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Use a stand mixer for easier mixing, especially if you’re making a double batch!
Storage Tips
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cinnamon rolls make a wonderful homemade gift! Package them in a pretty tin or basket, tied with a ribbon. Include a small card with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Pumpkin: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough.
🌟 Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, refreshing twist.
🌟 Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips along with the carrots.
🌟 Gingerbread: Add 1 teaspoon ground ginger and ½ teaspoon ground cloves to the dough.
Troubleshooting
- Rolls are too dry: Next time, add a tablespoon or two more milk to the dough.
- Rolls are too flat: Make sure your baking powder is fresh.
- Rolls are burnt: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) next time, and keep a closer eye on them.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these rolls? Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls before baking, or baked rolls after cooling completely.
- How long do the rolls take to bake? Approximately 30-35 minutes.
- What kind of frosting should I use? Cream cheese frosting is classic, but you could also use a simple glaze or even a caramel sauce.
- Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious substitutions for walnuts.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan? You can use a similar sized baking dish. The baking time might need slight adjustments.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these delightful Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls! They’re perfect for a cozy weekend morning, a special occasion, or just because. Share your baking adventures with us – we’d love to see your creations! Happy baking!
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls: Sweetest Family Treat
Deliciously soft and spiced cinnamon rolls infused with the flavors of carrot cake, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, yeast, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread the melted butter over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough, followed by the grated carrots and chopped walnuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 20 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add raisins to the filling mixture.
- Make ahead by preparing the dough and filling the night before, store in the refrigerator, and bake in the morning.