Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Print Version)
Fluffy rolls filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and shredded carrot, topped with creamy frosting.
# Ingredients:
Dough
01 -
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°F)
02 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
04 -
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
05 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
07 -
1 1/4 cups shredded carrots
08 -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 -
1 teaspoon salt
Filling
10 -
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
11 -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 -
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
14 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
15 -
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Frosting
16 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
17 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 -
2 cups confectioners' sugar
19 -
1 tablespoon 2% milk
20 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Instructions:
01 -
In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of flour, melted butter, eggs, shredded carrots, cinnamon, and salt. Mix on medium speed, gradually adding remaining flour until dough forms and pulls away from bowl sides. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with towel, and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and half the melted butter. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Brush remaining melted butter evenly over dough. Spread brown sugar mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using. Starting with the long side, roll dough jelly roll style and pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
03 -
Place rolls cut side down in a greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
04 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until lightly golden brown, 25 to 28 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
05 -
Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract; beat another 1 to 2 minutes until creamy. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure milk temperature stays between 110° and 115°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.