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Cozy Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Soft and tender carrot cake cinnamon rolls with warm spices and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy weekends and comforting breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 440g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F / 180ml)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled (57g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (150g)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (85g) – for filling
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (110g) – for filling
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – for filling
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, 60g) – for filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115g) – for frosting
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (28g) – for frosting
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted (180g) – for frosting
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – for frosting
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice – for frosting
  • Pinch of salt – for frosting

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle yeast over warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and grated carrots to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
  4. Make the dough: Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until sticky dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 6 minutes with mixer). Add flour sparingly if too wet.
  6. First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled.
  7. Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Fold in nuts if using.
  8. Roll out dough: Punch down dough, roll into 16×12 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread filling evenly over dough.
  9. Form rolls: Roll dough tightly from long edge into log. Slice into 12 even rolls about 1 ½ inches thick.
  10. Second rise: Arrange rolls cut side up in greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  12. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  13. Frost and serve: Cool rolls 10 minutes, then spread frosting generously. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep milk temperature around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Knead dough until elastic but not sticky. Let rolls rise fully for soft texture. Frost rolls while warm for best gooey experience. Can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping before second rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, carrot cake twist, cozy breakfast, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cozy-carrot-cake-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-for-easy-homemade-treats/