Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of two beloved treats: soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and moist, flavorful carrot cake. This delightful recipe is not just a great way to enjoy a classic dessert, but it’s also perfect for breakfast or brunch. With warm spices, sweet carrots, and a creamy icing, these rolls are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls because they are a delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. They combine the sweetness of carrots and spices with the fluffy texture of a roll. Plus, they are easy to prepare and make your kitchen smell amazing while baking. Whether it’s for a weekend treat, a holiday celebration, or just because, these rolls are a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of these delightful rolls:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for icing)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix the dry ingredients well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until everything combines.
- Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Make sure to add the grated carrots while kneading.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
- To prepare the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, spread the filling evenly on top, and roll it up from the long side.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Serve your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls warm, drizzled with cream cheese icing for the best experience. They go great with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacks.
How to Store Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
To store your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for 1-2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Tips to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, when mixing it with the other wet ingredients. This helps activate the yeast properly.
- For extra moisture and flavor, add nuts or raisins to the filling if you like.
- If you want a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Variation
You can also try making these cinnamon rolls with different spices or incorporating other ingredients such as chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, or even a layer of chocolate chips for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe.
2. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Your rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F (88°C).
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Enjoy your homemade Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls! They are sure to please everyone!
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