Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Easter breakfast never looked so good! These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, perfect for your Easter brunch. With a rich blend of spices and the sweetness of carrots, these rolls are sure to impress your guests. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they offer a unique flavor combination that makes them suitable for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to cozy family breakfasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and requires no special skills.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet carrots creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed any time of the day.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits based on your taste preferences.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 rolls, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Serrated knife or dental floss

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough effortless.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for rolling out the dough.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and easy serving of the rolls.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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 in the bowl of your stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast overtop.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Then add in the carrots and coconut.
3. Add in 4 cups of flour and mix using the paddle attachment until barely combined. Allow resting for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

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

Step 3: Let it Rise

1. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough into greased bowl.
2. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 4: Make Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well mixed.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. Turn out dough onto a floured surface; roll into a rectangle about 24×15 inches.
2. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over rolled-out dough.

Step 6: Shape and Cut Rolls

1. Starting on one long edge, roll tightly into a log shape.
2. Cut into 12–15 slices using a serrated knife or dental floss; place in greased baking pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Cover rolls; let rise for another 20 minutes while preheating oven to 350ºF.

Step 8: Bake Rolls

1. Pour warm heavy cream over risen rolls before baking.
2. Bake at 350ºF for about 27–30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While cooling, beat together softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl; add vanilla and powdered sugar until combined.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting over baked rolls; sprinkle with walnuts if desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or rewarm before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Carrot cake cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can elevate any breakfast or brunch occasion. Pair these sweet rolls with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of fresh, juicy flavor.
• Citrus: Add slices of orange or grapefruit to bring a zesty contrast to the sweetness.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of cream cheese frosting.
• Herbal Tea: Choose a calming herbal blend for a soothing experience alongside your rolls.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider vanilla or cinnamon-infused whipped cream for added depth.

Accompanied by Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Flavored Yogurt: Opt for fruit-flavored varieties for an extra layer of taste.

How to Perfect Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

For the best carrot cake cinnamon rolls, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and visually appealing.

• Use Warm Milk: Ensure your milk is warm (about 110-115ºF) to activate the yeast effectively.
• Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough time to double in size without rushing; this gives your rolls better texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature for even baking.
• Add Fillings Generously: Spread the filling evenly across the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Cool Before Frosting: Let the rolls cool slightly before adding frosting to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

To create a well-rounded meal around your carrot cake cinnamon rolls, consider serving them with these delicious side dishes.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus adds freshness and color.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and complement the sweetness of the rolls nicely.
3. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add a savory crunch that pairs well with soft cinnamon rolls.
4. Oven-Baked Bacon: Choose turkey bacon as a leaner option that provides a satisfying crunch without pork products.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with granola offers a healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the rolls.
6. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread gives a trendy twist and balances the sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect yeast temperature: Using milk that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always ensure your warm milk is around 110-115°F for optimal activation.
• Adding too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to dry rolls. Start with the recommended amount and only add more if the dough is overly sticky.
• Overproofing the dough: Allowing the dough to rise for too long can result in airy rolls. Monitor the rising time and stop once it has nearly doubled in size.
• Skipping the heavy cream step: Pouring cream over the rolls before baking keeps them moist and adds richness. Don’t skip this step!
• Not letting rolls cool before frosting: Applying frosting on hot cinnamon rolls can melt it away. Let them cool slightly for a perfect finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls that might help you out:

Can I make these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just refrigerate overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives these rolls their chewy quality.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done?

Check by pulling up on the edge of a roll in the center; if it looks cooked through without being doughy, they are done baking.

Can I customize the filling of Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins, nuts, or even swap out some spices for a unique flavor.

Are Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! They make an impressive addition to brunches or holiday festivities like Easter.

Final Thoughts

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious; they offer versatility that makes them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as is or customize with your favorite additions like nuts or dried fruits. Try this recipe today and indulge in a treat that’s sure to impress!