Name: Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Milk (warmed to 110°F); 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (a full packet); 2 Large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup Finely grated carrots; 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour; 1/4 cup White granulated sugar; 1 tsp Salt; 2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 10 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature, cubed); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark); 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; 1 cup Finely grated carrots; Honey (for drizzling on top of filling); 1/3 cup Heavy cream (for pouring between rolls); 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature); 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

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If you are looking for a delightful twist on two classic favorites, you simply must try this Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. Imagine the tender, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls infused with the warm, spicy, and moist flavors of carrot cake, all topped off with a luxuriously creamy, tangy cream cheese icing. These rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat. Each bite is a comforting hug of cinnamon, carrots, and just the right sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting on a white plate. The roll is partly eaten, showing soft, fluffy layers of light brown dough with visible orange specks, likely shredded carrot, and a dark cinnamon swirl inside. The cream cheese frosting is thick and creamy, covering the top and melting slightly into the roll. The white plate has fine ridged edges and light crumbs scattered around, with a silver fork on the right side. In the background, two orange carrots lie on a wooden surface with two small white ceramic bunny-shaped decorations, the whole scene set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right balance of ingredients for these Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is easier than you think. Each ingredient is simple yet plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes these rolls so irresistible.

Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F): Gently warms the dough and activates the yeast for a perfect rise.

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The magical leavening agent that makes the dough soft and fluffy.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Add richness and structure to the dough.
Finely grated carrots (1 cup, plus 1 cup for filling): Fresh carrots contribute moisture, natural sweetness, and color—grate them yourself for the best texture.

All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The foundation for your dough, providing the necessary gluten to hold everything together.
White granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (2 tsp in dough, 1 tbsp in filling): Brings warmth and that signature cinnamon roll flavor.

Ground ginger (1/2 tsp in dough, 1/2 tsp in filling): Provides a subtle spicy kick that complements the carrots perfectly.
Unsalted butter (10 TBSP cubed for dough, 1/2 cup softened for filling, 4 TBSP for icing): Makes the dough tender and the filling luscious.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup packed, light or dark): Adds deep, caramel notes to the filling.

Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Enhances the warmth and complexity of the spice blend in the filling.
Honey (for drizzling): A touch of natural sweetness to brighten the filling.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Poured between the rolls for extra moisture and richness.

Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The star of the icing for that tangy, silky finish.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): Sweetens and smooths the icing.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a fragrant depth to the cream cheese icing.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by finely grating your carrots using the fine side of a grater—this ensures they blend seamlessly into the dough without any dry or chunky bits. Warm your milk until it reaches about 110°F, then sprinkle in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it foams, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Add the activated yeast milk, lightly beaten eggs, the grated carrots, and the cubed butter. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, start mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Then, increase to medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, just a little tacky, and elastic enough to hold its shape.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Preheat your oven to a low 200°F. Lightly spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place your dough inside, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and pop it into the warm oven with the door cracked open. This cozy environment allows the dough to rise gently for about 1 hour until it doubles in size, becoming light and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Carrot Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until creamy and fluffy. This spiced butter mixture will melt beautifully inside the rolls, imparting that irresistible carrot cake flavor.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

Turn your risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the carrot cinnamon filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula. Sprinkle the second cup of finely grated carrots on top and finish it off with a light drizzle of honey for an extra layer of natural sweetness and moisture.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough log up starting from the short side, making sure to keep it tight yet gentle. Trim off the uneven ends with a serrated knife, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Use light sawing motions to prevent squishing and keep each roll perfectly round.

Step 7: Final Rise and Add Cream

Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan, place the rolls evenly spaced inside, and cover them with a towel to rest and rise for 20 more minutes. After they puff up, pour the heavy cream between the rolls to add richness and keep them wonderfully moist during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen smells utterly heavenly.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls bake, whip together the room temperature cream cheese and butter on high until silky and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until the icing is luscious and easy to spread.

Step 10: Ice and Enjoy

Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly so the cream isn’t bubbling, dollop and spread the cream cheese icing over each warm roll. The icing will melt slightly and seep into every swirl, creating an utterly delightful finish.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

To add a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for a crunchy contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or even a few edible flowers can make them extra special when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat. A simple bowl of fresh fruit or a citrusy salad can also balance the sweetness beautifully if you’re serving brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these rolls as sliders for a dessert party by slicing them smaller. You can also make a layered carrot cake cinnamon roll trifle by cubing leftover rolls and layering with whipped cream and chopped nuts in glass jars for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to keep the cream cheese icing fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then storing them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to rise before baking. Leftover baked rolls can also be frozen—simply wrap individually and thaw as needed.

Reheating

Reheat your rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave a roll for 20 to 30 seconds for a quick warm-up. Adding a light drizzle of cream or a little extra icing after reheating brings back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?

It’s best to grate the carrots fresh yourself using the fine side of a grater. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be too chunky and dry, which can affect the texture and moisture of your rolls.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook?

You can absolutely make the dough by hand. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. It’s a great arm workout and totally worth it!

How important is the heavy cream poured between the rolls?

The heavy cream adds moisture and richness as the rolls bake, resulting in an extra tender crumb. If you prefer, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but cream gives the best results.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

With some adjustments like using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and egg replacers, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. The cream cheese icing can also be made vegan-friendly with dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.

Is it possible to make smaller or larger batches?

Definitely! This recipe scales nicely whether you want fewer rolls or a big batch for a crowd. Just keep the ratios consistent and adjust your baking time accordingly. Smaller rolls may bake faster, so keep an eye on them.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the combination of carrot cake flavors wrapped in the comforting embrace of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a creamy, tangy icing that feels like a warm welcome on a plate. This Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is one you will return to time and time again, whether for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or when you just need a sweet moment to yourself. I can’t wait for you to try this and share the joy with your loved ones!