Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls—Soft, Spiced & Perfectly Sweet

A Cozy Twist on Two Classic Favorites

Imagine waking up to the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon rolls—soft, gooey, and golden brown—then add the spiced charm of a classic carrot cake. That’s exactly what carrot cake cinnamon rolls deliver: a fusion of two comfort-food icons in one unforgettable treat.

The natural sweetness of shredded carrots blends beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. It’s not just about flavor; the carrots also add a delicate moisture that keeps the rolls irresistibly tender from the first bite to the last.

What makes this twist so unique is the perfect balance between sweet and spice. While traditional cinnamon rolls lean purely into sugar and warmth, the carrot cake twist brings depth and a subtle earthiness that feels homey, wholesome, and indulgent at the same time.

If you’re a fan of nostalgic bakes with modern spins, you’ll love our Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins—another cozy classic with a twist. Or explore Fabilous Taste’s Carrot Walnut Rolls, a slightly crunchy variation that adds texture and protein to your morning indulgence.

Whether you’re baking for Easter, autumn mornings, or simply craving something beyond the usual cinnamon swirl, this mash-up is guaranteed to surprise and satisfy. It’s comfort food, elevated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 100g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Making the Dough

The key to irresistibly soft carrot cake cinnamon rolls lies in the dough. Start by activating your instant yeast in warm milk—make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll risk killing the yeast. After about 5 minutes, bubbles should start to form, signaling that it’s ready.

Next, stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, one egg, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These warm spices add that unmistakable carrot cake flavor right into the dough. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough begins to pull away from the bowl and becomes soft but not sticky.

Finally, fold in the freshly shredded carrots. They’ll add moisture, subtle sweetness, and beautiful color to your rolls. Knead the dough gently for about 5–7 minutes, then cover and let it rise in a warm spot for around an hour—or until it doubles in size.

Need a little extra help working with yeast or kneading techniques? Visit our Beginner’s Bread Guide for tips and tricks.

Making the Filling

While the dough rises, it’s time to prepare the heart of every cinnamon roll—the filling. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter to form a smooth, spreadable paste. This classic combo creates those rich, gooey swirls in every bite.

To elevate the flavor and texture, stir in crushed pineapple or chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts. These additions add a tangy-sweet bite and satisfying crunch, enhancing the carrot cake experience.

Want to experiment with creative add-ins? Don’t miss Fabilous Taste’s Ultimate Roll Fillings, featuring everything from spiced apple chunks to maple pecan mixes.

This filling is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to turn every roll into a comforting masterpiece.

Shaping and Cutting the Rolls

Once your dough has risen and is soft to the touch, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle—about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar-carrot filling evenly over the entire surface, reaching right to the edges.

Now, starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. This technique creates those beautiful swirls we all love in a cinnamon roll. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 1.5-inch pieces.

Place each piece in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between rolls. Cover loosely and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up and fill the pan, creating soft, pillowy layers.

Need a visual guide? Check out our Perfect Roll Forming Guide for step-by-step tips.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while your rolls rise. Once ready, bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes—every oven is different, and you don’t want dry rolls.

Finishing with the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are still warm, prepare your glaze. Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you like it thicker, add more powdered sugar; for a pourable glaze, thin it with a bit of extra milk.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the rolls while they’re still warm. It will melt slightly into the swirls and create that signature creamy, tangy carrot cake topping.

This final step takes the flavor to the next level—tying together the sweet, spiced dough and gooey filling with a silky, decadent finish.

Looking for glaze variations? Don’t miss our cream cheese glaze ideas.

Tips for Foolproof Results

• Use freshly shredded carrots for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it’s key for fluffy rolls.
• Glaze while warm, not hot.
• Add raisins or chopped nuts if you like texture.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Explore more easy, cozy bakes in our Fall Baking Collection.

Perfect for Brunch, Holidays, or Just Because

These rolls are ideal for Easter brunch, autumn weekends, or gifting during the holidays. They bring the warmth of carrot cake and the comfort of cinnamon rolls into one irresistible bite.

Discover seasonal inspiration in Fabilous Taste’s Holiday Roll Roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?

Yes, but fresh, finely shredded carrots offer better texture and moisture.

2. Can I make these rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan cream cheese.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5.

4. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes—freeze after baking, without glaze. Reheat and glaze before serving.

5. What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works great. For extra softness, use half bread flour.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and adjust liquid as needed.

Conclusion: Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Reinvent Brunch

Carrot cake cinnamon rolls are more than just a creative twist—they’re a celebration of everything we love about baking. The warmth of cinnamon, the moisture from fresh carrots, the nostalgic comfort of a soft dough, and the tang of cream cheese glaze come together in a way that feels both familiar and new.

They take the best parts of two classic desserts and combine them into one irresistible brunch centerpiece. Whether you’re hosting a weekend breakfast, looking for a new holiday tradition, or just want to surprise your family with something unique, these rolls deliver in both flavor and flair.

Best of all, they’re easier than they look—and every step is filled with opportunities to make the recipe your own.

So go ahead, preheat the oven and roll up something special. With these carrot cake cinnamon rolls, brunch just got a whole lot better.

Want more sweet brunch inspirations? Explore our Top 10 Brunch Baking Recipes or visit Fabilous Taste’s Sunday Brunch Favorites for more cozy, shareable ideas.