Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect blend of classic cinnamon rolls and the rich flavors of carrot cake. These fluffy rolls are packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion, especially Easter brunch. With straightforward instructions and customizable options, even novice bakers can create this impressive dish. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, these rolls promise to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 3/4 cup salted butter (almost melted)
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 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)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and instant yeast; let it sit until foamy.
- Mix in eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Add carrots and coconut.
- Gradually incorporate 4 cups of flour until just combined; let rest for 5 minutes.
- Switch to dough hook; knead for 5–7 minutes, adding more flour if needed.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle; spread filling evenly over it.
- Roll tightly from one edge and slice into 12–15 pieces; place in a greased baking pan.
- Let rolls rise again for 20 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F.
- Pour warm heavy cream over risen rolls before baking for added moisture.
- Bake for 27–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (65g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg