Go Back
Freshly baked Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls topped with cream cheese glaze and chopped walnuts in a baking pan.
Layla

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, pillowy rolls swirled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and fresh carrot, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for the ultimate breakfast-meets-dessert hybrid.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 0.75 cup whole milk warmed to 110 degrees F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Filling
  • 1 cup finely grated carrot about 2 medium carrots, squeezed dry
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter very soft
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp whole milk or as needed

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Stand Mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky; add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
  2. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60-75 minutes. The dough is ready when a gentle poke leaves an indentation that springs back slowly.
Prep filling and roll
  1. While dough rises, grate carrots on the fine side of a box grater. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture; you want about 3/4 cup after squeezing. Set aside. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger in a small bowl.
  2. Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12x16 inch rectangle with the long side facing you. Spread soft butter evenly to the edges, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over butter, then scatter squeezed carrots evenly. Starting from the bottom, roll tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
  3. Slice into 12 even pieces using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife. Arrange in a greased 9x13 inch dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy and touching, about 30-40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake and frost
  1. Bake until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F, 22-26 minutes. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  2. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy, adding milk 1 teaspoon at a time if needed for spreading consistency. Spread generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the crevices. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Squeeze the grated carrots thoroughly - excess moisture will make the filling soggy and prevent the rolls from baking through properly. For overnight prep, complete through shaping, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 16 hours; let sit at room temperature 45 minutes before baking. These freeze beautifully unfrosted; wrap individual cooled rolls and freeze up to 2 months, then thaw and warm in a 300 degree F oven for 10 minutes before frosting.