Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for anything that pairs the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with a delightful carrot cake twist, then you absolutely need to try this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I first swapped traditional filling for a carrot cake-inspired one, and honestly, it blew my mind! These rolls come out soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, covered in that luscious cream cheese frosting we all love. Stick with me because I’m sharing all my little tips to get yours turning out just as fantastic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is key here. I always suggest fresh yeast and freshly grated carrots to really amplify the flavor. Also, make sure your cream cheese and butter for frosting are at room temperature – it makes a world of difference for the texture!

• Warm Water: This helps activate the yeast, just make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill those little guys.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for that fluffy dough rise – I always double-check the expiration date for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: To feed the yeast and add sweetness to the dough itself.
• Salt: Balances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Large Egg: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the dough tender; you can swap for melted butter if you like it richer.
• All Purpose Flour: The structure builder – fresh, unbleached flour works best.
• Unsalted Butter (for filling and frosting): Melted for spreading inside and softened for frosting, making the rolls decadent.
• Brown Sugar: Brings that deep caramel note for the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Classic cinnamon warmth in every bite.
• Ground Ginger: Adds that subtle spice reminiscent of carrot cake.
• Grated Carrots: Freshly grated for texture, sweetness, and moisture in the filling.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to a tangy, smooth frosting that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the flavor, especially in the frosting.

Variations

I love to tweak this recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. You can easily customize these rolls to suit your taste or dietary needs. Experimenting keeps things fun in the kitchen!

• Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend, but be prepared for a slightly denser roll – adding a bit more moisture can help.
• Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a crunchy surprise (my family goes crazy for this). Just be sure to toast them first for the best flavor.
• Spice Variations: Play around with ground cardamom or clove in the filling for a more complex spice profile – perfect for holiday rolls!
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap vanilla for a bit of pure maple syrup in the frosting for fall vibes I adore.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast Perfectly

Start by warming your water to about 100-110°F — think comfortable bathwater, not boiling. Stir in the yeast, sugar, and salt, then let it sit for around 5 minutes until you see it bubbly and foamy. This step is where you test the yeast’s health; no bubbles usually means it’s time for new yeast.

Step 2: Mix and Knead Your Dough

Transfer your bubbly yeast mixture to a stand mixer bowl. Add the egg, oil, and 1 cup of flour to start. Turn on the mixer and gradually add the remaining flour over 5-10 minutes, letting the dough develop elasticity. You’ll want a soft but slightly sticky dough — this balance keeps rolls tender after baking. If mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Spray a clean bowl with nonstick spray, tuck your dough inside, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it aside to rise until doubled in size. Depending on your kitchen, this takes about 1-1.5 hours. Tip: Placing the dough in a warm spot, like near a draft-free oven, speeds this up.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll It Out

Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and grated carrots for the filling — the fresh carrots add just the right amount of moisture and texture. Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a 12×15-inch rectangle. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the filling mixture generously on top. Roll up the dough tightly, starting at the long edge, and slice into 9 to 12 one-inch rolls.

Step 5: Give Your Rolls a Second Rise or Chill Overnight

Place the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch pan so they just touch. Now you have options: either let the rolls rise again until puffy and doubled (20-30 minutes) or cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge overnight. Chilling is a game-changer for busy mornings and actually develops deeper flavor in the dough.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden top and a firm but springy feel when you gently press down. Avoid over-baking — the rolls should still be soft and tender inside.

Step 7: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until the texture turns a little crumbly before adding the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is silky. Spread generously over warm or cooled rolls — I love when it melts into the crevices of warm rolls!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting. It adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal without stealing the show from that luscious frosting. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of maple syrup on top takes the rolls next-level.

Side Dishes

These carrot cake cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of milk. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these rolls in a wreath shape on a large platter, garnished with a few edible flowers and sprigs of fresh mint, turning them into an eye-catching centerpiece that gets eaten up fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover rolls loosely covered in the fridge for up to two days. Before eating, I bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly — it refreshes their softness beautifully.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! I either freeze the whole batch after baking and frosting or freeze the dough/logs after slicing but before rising. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving. It’s a lifesaver when you want fresh rolls later.

Reheating

I reheat leftover rolls gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Adding a small dish of water in the oven keeps them from drying out. Then I freshen them up with a bit more frosting if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe have become such a warm, comforting staple in my kitchen. I love how they combine nostalgic cinnamon roll vibes with the fresh, bright notes of carrot cake—a little unexpected but totally delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy morning, these rolls won’t disappoint. I’m genuinely thrilled for you to try them and see just how easy it is to transform a classic into something uniquely special!

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