Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe That’s Soft, Spiced, and Sweet

Imagine your favorite slice of carrot cake, soft and spiced just right, now rolled into a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll. That’s exactly what these carrot cake cinnamon rolls deliver. Packed with finely shredded carrots, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a swirl of sweet cream cheese frosting, they’re the best of two beloved bakes in one easy recipe. In this article, I’ll walk you through each step to make them from scratch, share the secret to that perfect dough texture, and answer common baking questions like whether cream or milk makes a difference when baking rolls. Let’s bring some cozy into your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the cozy spices of carrot cake with the gooey swirl of a cinnamon roll
• Uses real shredded carrots for soft, moist dough
• Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that melts right in
• Can be made ahead for easy mornings or holiday brunches
• No fancy tools needed make by hand or with a stand mixer
• A sweet way to impress guests without stress

Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or celebrating something special, these rolls are the kind of baking win that makes the kitchen feel like home.

Ingredients List

These carrot cake cinnamon rolls come together with pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays a role in texture, flavor, or structure here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour – builds structure while staying soft
• Instant dry yeast – helps the rolls rise faster and fluffier
• Fine salt – balances sweetness and deepens flavor
• Whole milk – adds richness and moisture
• Unsalted butter – softens the dough and enriches it
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps yeast activate
• Finely shredded carrots – bring natural moisture and softness
• Egg – binds everything together and adds tenderness

For the Filling

• Soft unsalted butter – spreads easily and binds the spices
• Brown sugar – gives that warm, molasses-rich sweetness
• Ground cinnamon – key for that classic roll flavor
• Cornstarch – helps the filling set and stay thick
• Ground nutmeg, cloves, and allspice – adds depth and carrot cake warmth
• Fine salt – a tiny pinch sharpens the spice blend
• Chopped pecans (optional) – toasted for texture and nutty flavor

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese – soft, tangy, and luscious
• Vanilla extract – enhances the frosting’s flavor
• Powdered sugar – creates a smooth, sweet finish

Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card at the end of this article.

If you love warm, spiced rolls, try our easy sourdough cinnamon rolls or top your bakes with our classic cinnamon roll icing for a gooey finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
To make soft and fluffy carrot cake cinnamon rolls, begin by mixing flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, gently heat milk, butter, and sugar until just warm. Pour this into the dry mix and stir to form a shaggy dough.

2. Add Carrots and Egg
Squeeze out excess moisture from your grated carrots using a towel. Add them to the dough along with an egg. Stir until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Adjust with more flour if needed. These steps create the tender base that makes carrot cake cinnamon rolls irresistible.

3. Knead and Rest
Knead by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten, which makes it easier to roll and shape the cinnamon rolls.

4. Mix the Filling
Combine soft butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, salt, and cornstarch. Stir into a paste. This spiced blend is what gives carrot cake cinnamon rolls their nostalgic flavor.

5. Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a 14 by 24 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle toasted pecans if using. The sweet spice and crunch turn your rolls into a layered treat.

6. Shape and Slice
Slice the dough into 12 even strips. Roll each into a swirl and place in a greased and lined 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Carrot cake cinnamon rolls rise best when spaced evenly.

7. Let Rise
Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm oven for 30 minutes or until puffy. If you are prepping ahead, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before baking.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake 26 to 30 minutes. The tops should be golden and centers just set.

9. Make the Frosting
Mix cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the frosting so it melts just right. If you prefer a glaze finish, you can use our cinnamon roll icing as an alternative topping.

Curious about more homemade breakfast ideas? Try sausage crescent rolls or the fluffy texture of our Japanese pancakes next.

Tips and Substitutions

When baking carrot cake cinnamon rolls, a few smart tips can make the process easier and your results more consistent.

If your dough feels too sticky, don’t over-flour it. Add small amounts gradually and stop when the dough pulls cleanly from the bowl but still feels soft. For best flavor, use fresh carrots and squeeze them dry before mixing them in. This prevents excess water from making the dough soggy.

Don’t skip the cornstarch in the filling. It helps keep the spiced sugar blend from leaking out while baking. If you’re out of cornstarch, a teaspoon of flour works too.

You can swap pecans with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version. For added flavor depth, a little orange zest in the frosting creates a citrus twist that complements the carrot base perfectly. And if you love bold spice, increase the cinnamon or nutmeg just slightly for a warmer flavor.

Want to explore more variations? Try our banana pudding cake for another soft and comforting dessert, or get inspired by our cookie croissant recipe for a creative breakfast bake.

Storage and Reheating

To store your carrot cake cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five.

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls individually wrapped, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before frosting.

To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a 300 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps them soft without drying out.

Looking for more sweet storage-friendly treats? Don’t miss our peanut butter fudge or quick-fix fried apples.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a carrot cake bomb?
A carrot cake bomb is a bite-sized dessert made by wrapping spiced carrot cake batter or dough around a sweet center like cream cheese or frosting. It’s typically baked or fried and served as a handheld treat. Think of it as a portable, gooey version of carrot cake in one satisfying bite.

Why put heavy cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?
Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking helps create extra moisture and richness. The cream soaks into the dough, producing a softer, more tender roll. It also blends with the brown sugar filling as it bakes, forming a gooey, caramel-like base.

Why pour milk on cinnamon rolls before baking?
Milk works similarly to cream but with a lighter texture. It keeps the rolls moist and soft while encouraging even browning. If you’re out of heavy cream, milk is a simple substitute that still enhances texture and flavor. Many bakers use it to ensure soft layers without overbaking.

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon cinnamon rolls?
The often-quoted secret ingredient is Makara cinnamon, a rich and sweet variety that Cinnabon claims adds a unique flavor. Alongside that, their use of cream cheese frosting and a tightly rolled dough contributes to their signature taste. You can mimic this flavor at home by using high-quality cinnamon and real butter.

Making these carrot cake cinnamon rolls is about more than baking it’s about slowing down, enjoying the process, and bringing warmth to your table. Whether you’re new to baking or coming back to it with fresh energy, this recipe gives you something special without the pressure.

Let’s keep things simple and satisfying, one sweet swirl at a time.