Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Easter breakfast never looked so good! These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine the warm spices of traditional carrot cake with the gooey, sweet goodness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to impress. With fluffy dough and a creamy frosting, every bite is a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of carrots and cinnamon creates a sweet and spiced treat that stands out on any breakfast table.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Easter brunch or a Sunday morning treat, these rolls fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious rolls.
• Customizable Options: Add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make them your own!
• Frosting Finish: The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a rich texture that makes these rolls irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Dough hook attachment
• Rolling pin
• Serrated knife or dental floss
• 9×13-inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough easier, saving time and effort.
• Dough hook attachment: Helps develop gluten in the dough for the perfect texture without strenuous manual labor.
• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness when rolling out the dough for consistent baking results.

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Ingredients

Easter breakfast never looked so good! Serve these homemade carrot cake cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting for your Easter brunch.

• 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)

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of your stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast over top.
2. Add in eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Then stir in the carrots and coconut.
3. Mix in 4 cups of flour until barely combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flour to soak up liquids.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Scrape off any dough from the paddle attachment and switch to the dough hook.
2. Beat the dough on medium speed, adding up to ½ cup more flour if necessary until it forms a smooth elastic dough. Knead at low speed for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the dough into this bowl.
2. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise:
1. In a small bowl, mix together soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 5: Shape Rolls

1. Turn out risen dough onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a rectangle approximately 24×15 inches.
2. Spread filling evenly over rolled-out dough.
3. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up dough into a log shape and slice into 12–15 pieces.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Place cut rolls in a greased baking pan; cover and let rise for another 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350ºF.

Step 7: Bake

1. Warm heavy cream slightly; pour over risen rolls before baking.
2. Bake for about 27–30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Frosting Preparation

While cooling:
1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together; gradually add vanilla extract and powdered sugar until well combined.

Step 9: Serve

Spread frosting over cooled rolls and sprinkle with optional chopped walnuts if desired!

Enjoy your delightful Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious carrot cake cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, especially for Easter brunch. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: Add some sliced bananas on the side for natural sweetness and creaminess.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• Pure Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.

Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Extra Frosting: For those who can’t get enough, serve additional cream cheese frosting on the side for dipping or spreading over each roll.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Fresh Brewed Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced flavors of the rolls.
• Herbal Tea: Opt for a light herbal tea to balance the sweetness and add a soothing touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your carrot cake cinnamon rolls come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the freshness of your yeast and other ingredients to ensure maximum rise and flavor.
• Knead properly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This ensures a nice texture in your rolls.
• Don’t skip resting: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop flavor and makes it easier to work with.
• Watch your oven temperature: Ovens can vary; keep an eye on your rolls as they bake to prevent over-browning.
• Cool before frosting: Let the rolls cool slightly before adding frosting so it doesn’t melt away completely.
• Adjust fillings as desired: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for additional texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Pair your carrot cake cinnamon rolls with these delightful side dishes for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy, crunchy complement.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs add protein and savory contrast to sweet rolls.
4. Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy roasted or fried potatoes offer a hearty addition that rounds out the meal.
5. Green Smoothie: A refreshing green smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond milk gives an energizing boost.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide a chewy snack option that pairs well with coffee or tea.
7. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on whole-grain toast adds a nutritious element to your plate.
8. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit is a wholesome addition that complements the sweet rolls nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot cake cinnamon rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast temperature: Using milk that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Ensure your warm milk is between 110-115ºF for optimal activation.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading the dough for too long can lead to tough rolls. Aim for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Not allowing enough rise time: Rushing the rising process results in dense rolls. Let the dough rise until it nearly doubles in size, about 30 minutes.
• Skipping the cream soak: Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking adds moisture and richness. Don’t skip this step for soft, gooey centers!
• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking times can vary based on roll size and pan type. Monitor closely and check for doneness by pulling up on the center roll.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and heat over low until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about carrot cake cinnamon rolls.

How do I make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?

To make these delicious rolls from scratch, follow the provided recipe instructions carefully, ensuring you measure ingredients accurately for best results.

Can I customize my Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or different spices to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with frosting flavors as well.

How should I store leftover Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for future enjoyment.

What’s the best way to reheat Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

The oven is ideal for reheating them evenly; however, you can use a microwave or stovetop if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

These carrot cake cinnamon rolls are not only perfect for Easter breakfast but also versatile enough to enjoy year-round. With options for customization, you can tailor them to fit your personal preferences. Give them a try and indulge in this delightful treat!