Print

Cozy Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Maple Cream Cheese Icing

carrot cake cinnamon rolls - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting twist on classic cinnamon rolls featuring shredded carrots in the dough and a rich maple cream cheese icing. Perfect for cozy mornings or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60 g) finely shredded carrots (about 1 medium carrot), packed
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, shredded carrots, and yeast mixture. Mix until sticky dough forms. Knead by hand about 10 minutes or with stand mixer 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  4. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Add nuts if using.
  5. Punch down dough and roll out on floured surface into a 15×10 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
  6. Roll dough tightly from long side into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  7. Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
  10. Cool rolls 10 minutes, then spread maple cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend but expect a denser texture. Use finely shredded fresh carrots for best moisture and texture. Cutting rolls with dental floss gives cleaner edges. If kitchen is cold, place dough near a warm stove or oven light to help rise. Warm leftovers briefly in microwave or low oven to restore softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cinnamon rolls, maple cream cheese icing, cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, breakfast rolls, brunch recipe, cozy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cozy-carrot-cake-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-with-maple-cream-cheese-icing-easy-and-perfect/