Introduction
Explore the delightful fusion of flavors in these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, where the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls meets the moist sweetness of carrot cake. This recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the texture-enhancing qualities of grated carrots and crushed pineapple, making for a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Each bite is a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough, a spiced filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, set to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday gatherings, these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls invite you to indulge in a warm, spice-filled treat topped with creamy frosting. The inviting aroma wafting from the oven as they bake will draw your family and friends into the kitchen, eager to experience these irresistible rolls. Whether served as a breakfast delight or a sweet dessert, these rolls represent comfort food at its finest.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 2 hours
– Yield/Servings: 12-15 rolls
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dough
– All-purpose flour: 4 cups
– Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
– Instant yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp)
– Salt: 1/2 tsp
– Warm milk: 1 cup (approximately 110°F)
– Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted
– Large eggs: 2
Ingredients for the Filling
– Packed brown sugar: 1/2 cup
– Ground cinnamon: 1 tbsp
– Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
– Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, softened
– Grated carrots: 1 1/2 cups (about 3 medium carrots)
– Crushed pineapple: 1/2 cup, thoroughly drained
– Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (optional)
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
– Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened to room temperature
– Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened to room temperature
– Powdered sugar: 2 cups
– Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
– Milk: 1-2 tbsp (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
**Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
– Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a cohesive dough forms.
– Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
– Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
**Make the Filling:**
– In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg together, then set aside.
– Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×24 inches in size.
– Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top.
– Distribute the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the filling.
**Roll and Cut:**
– Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape.
– Slice the log into 12-15 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, ensuring there is a little space between each roll.
– Cover the rolls with a cloth and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
**Bake:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
**Prepare the Frosting:**
– While the cinnamon rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
**Frost and Serve:**
– Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
– Serve warm and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls!
Preparing the Dough
The dough is the foundation of any good cinnamon roll, and in this recipe, it plays a critical role in achieving that perfect soft and pillowy texture. Start by mixing the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. The combination of these elements provides structure and flavor to the dough.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
As you whisk the dry ingredients together, ensure they are well blended to promote even yeast activity. Instant yeast is a key player in this recipe, acting quickly to help the dough rise and achieve a light texture. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is crucial to avoid clumps of yeast or sugar in the final dough.
Whisking Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until fully combined. The warmth of the milk (ideally around 110°F) is essential, as it activates the yeast. Once the wet ingredients are combined, gradually introduce them to the dry mixture, stirring continuously.
Forming the Dough
As you combine the wet and dry ingredients, a cohesive dough will begin to form. Transfer this dough onto a floured surface and knead it for approximately 5-7 minutes. This kneading process develops gluten, which lends strength to the dough and ensures it can rise effectively.
Rise Time
After kneading, place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for developing flavor and texture, as the yeast ferments and produces gases that make the dough light and airy.
Making the Filling
The filling transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into a delightful treat that combines the flavors of carrot cake with the traditional cinnamon roll experience. Each element of the filling is carefully crafted to enhance the overall taste.
Mixing Spices and Sugar
Start by mixing packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl. This mix will give the filling its warm, inviting flavors. Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses undertones while cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm spice notes that perfectly complement the sweetness of the carrots and pineapple.
The balance of these spices is crucial to creating a filling that is both tasty and fragrant. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the filling components, ensuring that those vibrant flavors are ready to be spread generously over your perfectly rolled-out dough.
Rolling Out the Dough
To achieve the perfect Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, start with the risen dough. Dust your workspace with flour to prevent sticking, then gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a rectangle about 16×24 inches in size, maintaining an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures uniform baking and helps you load the filling evenly, promoting a richer flavor with each bite.
Assembling the Filling
The filling is critical to the flavor profile of your rolls. Begin by grabbing a stick of softened butter and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. This step not only adds richness but also acts as an adhesive for your sugars and spices. Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar mixture—comprising brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg—across the entire surface, allowing the spices to mingle with the butter.
Next, distribute the grated carrots evenly over the sugar mixture. The natural sweetness and texture of the carrots are what make these rolls truly stand out. Following the carrots, add a layer of thoroughly drained crushed pineapple. This fruit component brings a burst of sweetness and moisture to the rolls. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle those last, ensuring they are evenly spread for a delightful crunch amidst the soft texture of the rolls.
Rolling and Cutting
Rolling and cutting the dough requires a delicate approach to preserve the filling while achieving nicely shaped rolls.
Rolling the Dough
Begin with the long edge of the rectangle closest to you. Carefully but firmly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Be cautious to maintain even pressure and keep the dough tight without overly squishing it. This technique is crucial in achieving swirl patterns that will look appealing once baked.
Cutting the Rolls
Once you have a neatly rolled log, the next step is slicing it into 12 to 15 equal pieces. A sharp knife or a piece of string can be effective for cutting without compressing the dough. For a clean cut, consider using a serrated knife and sawing through gently. As you cut, arrange each piece in a greased baking dish, leaving a small space between each roll. This spacing allows for expansion during the second rise and baking, creating airy rolls that pull apart easily.
Second Rise
Cover your arranged rolls with a clean cloth and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise is essential for creating light, fluffy rolls. The ideal environment for this step is a warm, draft-free space; alternatively, you can turn your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place your covered rolls inside to rise.
Baking the Cinnamon Rolls
Baking Your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls correctly is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and color.
Preheating the Oven
Before your rolls finish their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to create the ideal baking environment for achieving a golden-brown finish.
Baking Time and Doneness
Once preheated, place your dish of rolls in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for a golden brown color on the tops of the rolls. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center, which should come out clean or with moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls, so keep a close eye on them toward the end of the baking time.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
The final touch that pulls everything together is the cream cheese frosting.
Mixing Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is rich and creamy in texture. This should take about 2-3 minutes to get rid of any lumps, ensuring a smooth frosting.
Adding Sweetness
Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing after each addition to avoid a cloud of sugar dusting your kitchen. This method helps achieve a creamy texture without lumps. Add the vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor profile, and blend until well incorporated.
Adjusting Consistency
If you find your frosting too thick, remedy it by adding milk one tablespoon at a time. Mix well until you reach your desired spreading consistency. Keep in mind that the frosting should be thick enough to cling to the rolls but soft enough to glide on easily.
Frosting and Serving the Rolls
This luxurious frosting is what makes your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls so indulgent.
Timing for Frosting
After baking, let the rolls sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. This waiting period ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt entirely upon contact but instead slightly warms and flows over the edges.
Generously Frosting
Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the tops of the warm rolls. Allow the frosting to drip down the sides for an artistic, delicious presentation. This layer adds flavor and a creamy texture that complements the spiced, sweet rolls.
Presentation Tips
For a beautiful serving presentation, sprinkle some grated carrot or a handful of chopped nuts over the frosted rolls. Serving them on a rustic wooden board adds a touch of charm to the presentation, appealing visually and elevating the dining experience.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The combination of flavors and textures in every bite of these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls is a true delight.
Sweet and Spicy Elements
Each roll bursts with the warmth of cinnamon combined with brown sugar and nutmeg, enhancing the natural sweetness of the carrots and pineapple. This perfect blend of spices creates a comforting flavor profile that’s reminiscent of classic carrot cake.
Moistness from Ingredients
The grated carrots and crushed pineapple contribute significantly to the moistness of the rolls. This added moisture ensures that each roll remains tender, preventing dryness that can occur in baked goods.
Creamy Frosting Contrast
The tangy cream cheese frosting acts as a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the rolls. Its creamy consistency balances the flavors, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy textures.
Timing and Serving Suggestions
These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed freshly baked but can also be offered in various ways.
Total Preparation and Baking Time
The overall preparation and baking time for these rolls is approximately 2 hours. This includes the time for rising, baking, and letting the rolls cool slightly before icing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm, perhaps paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. You may also enjoy them as a sweet afternoon snack or dessert item. For added fun, consider pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to complement the sweet, spiced flavors.
The Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls emerge with a luscious cream cheese frosting atop a tender, spicy roll, creating a delightful taste experience in every bite. With thoughtful care in each step, these rolls exemplify warmth and comfort, making them ideal for any occasion.
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast 2 ¼ tsp
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk to adjust consistency
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, and eggs together.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter on top.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture, then add carrots, pineapple, and nuts.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12-15 pieces.
- Place in a greased dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Spread frosting over rolls after they cool for 10 minutes.