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Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 63 reviews

Delight in these soft and flavorful Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls featuring a tender dough infused with warm cinnamon and packed with shredded carrots and coconut. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of heavy cream before baking for extra moistness, these rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (Red Star Platinum Baking Yeast recommended)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (6 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 grams)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrot (200 grams)
  • 3/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, 83 grams)
  • 4 1/2 cups bread flour (divided, about 535–590 grams)

Cinnamon Filling

  • 3/4 cup salted butter (almost melted)
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Topping and Finish

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for pouring over risen rolls)
  • 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/3 cup salted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Pour the warm milk (110-115ºF) into the bowl of your stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit briefly to activate.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Then stir in the shredded carrots and coconut.
  3. Mix Initial Dough: Add 4 cups of the bread flour (reserve 1/2 cup) and mix on low with the paddle attachment until just combined. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb moisture.
  4. Knead Dough: Scrape down the bowl, switch to the dough hook attachment, and knead on medium speed, gradually adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if needed. Knead for 5-7 minutes until dough is elastic, smooth, and slightly tacky.
  5. First Rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough inside. Cover with a towel, plastic wrap, or wax paper, and let it rise in a warm spot until nearly doubled (about 30 minutes). Avoid over-proofing.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a roughly 24×15-inch rectangle. Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough.
  8. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12-15 equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss. Place the slices into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  9. Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350ºF.
  10. Prepare Heavy Cream: Warm the heavy cream so it is just warm to the touch (not hot or cold). After rising, pour the cream over the rolls, allowing it to soak in.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes. Check after 15 minutes; if the rolls brown too quickly, tent with foil. Rolls are done when the center roll edge looks cooked and not doughy.
  12. Make Frosting: While rolls cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until combined.
  13. Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls and sprinkle with walnuts if desired.
  14. Store and Serve: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rewarm rolls in the microwave before serving for best results.

Notes

  • Keep the dough slightly tacky; adding too much flour can make rolls dense.
  • Do not over-rise the dough either time to prevent overly airy and fragile rolls.
  • Warming the heavy cream before pouring helps it absorb better into the rolls while baking.
  • Adjust baking time based on roll size and oven characteristics.
  • Use dental floss for clean, even cuts without squishing the rolls.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently to preserve softness.

Keywords: carrot cake cinnamon rolls, carrot cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, carrot dessert

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/carrot-cake-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/