These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a combination of pillowy carrot and spice filled dough, a buttery spiced cinnamon mixture, and a browned butter cream cheese glaze.

As Easter approaches, it's the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats that bring warmth and comfort to your gatherings. What better way to celebrate the season than with a twist on a classic favorite? Enter: Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls. Combining the comforting flavors of moist carrot cake with the indulgent sweetness of cinnamon rolls, these heavenly creations are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll filled with warm spices, sweet brown sugar, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a browned butter creamy cream cheese glaze. It's a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Let’s make them.

Recipe for these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:
- 1-¼ Ounce Pack of Yeast, instant or dry active {.25 ounce if weighing}
- ⅓ Cup brown Sugar, measured and leveled {not packed}
- 1 ⅓ Cup Whole Milk, warmed to about 110°
- ⅔ Cup Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 ¾ Cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting and rolling out the dough
For the Filling:
- ½ Cup Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed (light or dark is fine as well)
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional
For the Browned Butter Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter, browned and cooled to room temperature
- 2 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, sifted to remove any lumps
- ½ Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 3-4 Tablespoons Half and Half

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: Add softened butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded carrots to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
Roll out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll up the Dough: Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal-sized rolls. Roll each slice up tightly and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Second Option: Log and Cut Method: Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a log and then slice it into 12 equal-sized rolls using a sharp knife.
Final Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half and half until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them while they are still warm.
Serve: Serve the carrot cake cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate them overnight, then let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed.
Are the walnuts optional?
- Yes, the walnuts are optional. While they add a delightful crunch to the rolls, feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. The rolls will still be deliciously flavorful thanks to the warm spices and sweet filling.
How should I slice the rolls for the perfect presentation?
- I recommend using a pizza cutter to slice the dough into equal-sized rolls before rolling them up. This ensures that each roll is uniform in size and bakes evenly, resulting in picture-perfect treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Dietary Substitutions:

I love providing gluten and dairy free substitutions so that those with alternate dietary needs can enjoy my recipes to their fullest! These are subs that I have either used and continue to stock in my own home, or that have come highly recommended from others. I want your baking experience to be the best it can be, and avoiding gluten or dairy shouldn’t hinder that process in the slightest.

As always, here is a list of tried and true dietary substitutes, so that you can enjoy this recipe without the additions of gluten or dairy.

Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a wonderful all-purpose sub, and it’s cup for cup, so use the same measurements as you would all-purpose flour.

Miyokos butter is a plant based brick that closely resembles dairy butter not only in its look, but it’s taste as well. It melts, browns, and spreads just like real butter, and truly is a fantastic substitute in this recipe. Use it as a 1:1 ratio sub, same as the flour, so the recipe measurements will not change.

Miyokos also makes a wonderful cream cheese that would be an excellent dairy free base in the glaze recipe.

Silk Plant Based Half and Half Alternative is a great alternative to dairy based cream.

Conclusion:

Don't let the thought of making homemade cinnamon rolls intimidate you. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be whipping up these Easter delights in no time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So this Easter, gather your loved ones around the table and treat them to something truly special. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a new Easter tradition in your home. Happy baking and happy Easter!

XO,

Heather

PS- Try my Carrot Cake Cookies and my Carrot Cake with Browned Butter Frosting for even more frosted carrot cake goodness! 🥕

Print Recipe