Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect weekend treat that combines the tender, dairy-rich comfort of cinnamon rolls with the moist, warmly spiced goodness of carrot cake, this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls infused with shredded carrots and coconut, swirled with a decadent cinnamon sugar filling, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a sweet, cozy hug in pastry form that will brighten any morning or satisfy any afternoon craving with its charming balance of flavors and textures.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s providing structure, moisture, sweetness, or that signature cinnamon warmth, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.

• Warm milk (3/4 cup): The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast for a fluffy dough rise.
• Instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp): Helps the dough rise quickly and develop that soft, airy texture.
• Large eggs (2): Add richness and help bind the dough together.
• Salted butter, melted (1/2 cup) and softened (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup): Infuses richness and tenderizes the dough and filling.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp + 3 tbsp): Delivers that unmistakable warm spice explosion inside and out.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds gentle sweetness to the dough.
• Finely shredded carrot (1 1/2 cups): Brings moistness, subtle sweetness, and a lovely pop of color.
• Shredded coconut (3/4 cup): Adds texture and a tropical hint that pairs wonderfully with carrot.
• Bread flour (4 1/2 cups): Provides the ideal protein content for chewy, resilient dough.
• Packed brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Offers a deep caramel sweetness in the cinnamon filling.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Poured over the risen rolls for moistness and a golden crust.
• Cream cheese (6 oz): The base for a rich, tangy frosting that steals the show.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tbsp): Brings warmth and depth to the frosting.
• Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast on top.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring warm milk, ideally around 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkling the instant yeast over it. This warm bath wakes the yeast up gently, setting the stage for a dough that rises beautifully. It’s an essential first step to ensure your rolls become light and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Add Texture

Next, whisk in the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar into the yeast mixture. Then stir in your finely shredded carrots and shredded coconut. These natural additions not only add moisture and flavor but also give the dough that uniquely satisfying carrot cake character we’re chasing.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Rest

Add four cups of bread flour to the mix and stir it just enough to combine. Then let the dough rest for five minutes. This short pause allows the flour to absorb all the lovely liquids, which will help your dough develop the perfect texture in the next kneading phase.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Swap to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed, slowly incorporating up to an additional half cup of flour if the dough seems too sticky. You’re aiming for a tacky, elastic dough that will still cling slightly to the bowl but holds its shape—a sure sign it’s perfectly kneaded and ready.

Step 5: First Rise

Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and transfer your dough there. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and tuck it into a cozy warm spot. In about 30 minutes, your dough should nearly double in size. Be vigilant here – letting it rise too much can make your cinnamon rolls too airy, so aim for just the right puff.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, whip together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is velvety and fragrant. This is the delicious heart of the rolls, so take a moment to really enjoy the rich aroma you’re creating.

Step 7: Roll Out and Fill

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle roughly 24 by 15 inches. Use a rubber spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, ensuring every bite will be packed with cinnamon sweetness.

Step 8: Shape and Cut the Rolls

Starting at one long edge, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Slice the roll into 12 to 15 even pieces with a serrated knife or dental floss for neat cuts, then place them closely but not crowded in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Cover and let them rest for another 20 minutes while your oven preheats.

Step 9: Add Cream and Bake

Warm the heavy cream just until it’s no longer cold and gently pour it over the tops of the rolls, letting it seep down between them. Bake your rolls at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 27 to 30 minutes, watching carefully towards the end. If they brown too quickly, cover with foil. To test doneness, gently lift an edge of a center roll; it should look cooked through, not doughy.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

As the rolls cool slightly, whip up a luscious cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together, then adding vanilla and powdered sugar until silky. Slather this frosting thickly over the warm rolls and, if you like, sprinkle with chopped walnuts for an added crunch.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

These cinnamon rolls are already stunning on their own, but topping them with extra chopped walnuts adds a delightful textural contrast. For a festive twist, a light dusting of cinnamon or even edible flower petals can elevate presentation and wow guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich rolls with a simple cup of black coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness perfectly. A fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad can also refresh the palate, making your cinnamon roll breakfast or brunch a well-rounded celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual rolls in decorative cupcake liners for a charming look. You could also drizzle extra cream cheese glaze on each roll after plating for that bakery-style finish, or arrange rolls in a wreath shape on your serving platter to delight your guests visually as well as gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They’ll stay moist and tender for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy a warm treat whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen rolls hold up wonderfully for up to two months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for a convenient, indulgent breakfast on the go.

Reheating

Rewarm rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until soft and heated through. If you prefer a slightly crispy top, a quick 5-minute stint in a 350-degree oven will revive them beautifully while maintaining their soft interior and melty frosting.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without coconut?

Absolutely! Coconut adds a lovely texture and subtle flavor, but if you’re not a fan or have allergies, feel free to omit it. Your rolls will still be deliciously moist and full of carrot cake warmth.

Is bread flour necessary for the dough?

Bread flour provides the higher protein content that creates chewy, elastic dough perfect for cinnamon rolls. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the texture might be slightly softer and less chewy.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish rising before shaping the rolls in the morning. This slow-rise method can even enhance the flavor complexity.

Why is heavy cream poured over the rolls before baking?

This step keeps the rolls extra moist during baking and helps create a tender crust. It seeps down between the layers, adding richness that complements the carrot and cinnamon perfectly.

Can I use a stand mixer without a dough hook?

While a dough hook is ideal for kneading, you can knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and tacky. Just be patient and enjoy the hands-on process!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about blending two amazing favorites—carrot cake and cinnamon rolls—into one stunning treat, and this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe hits the mark every time. It’s a perfect way to bring comfort and a little wow factor to your kitchen, whether for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence. Trust me, once you try them, these rolls will be earning a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Enjoy the warmth, the spice, and the joy they bring!

Print