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Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

These Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, incorporating freshly grated carrots and warm spices for a moist, flavorful treat. Topped with a creamy orange-vanilla cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or a special dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 4 ¼ cups bread flour (1 pound 2 ½ ounces, by weight)
  • 3 tablespoons plain instant mashed potato flakes (any brand)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry or instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups lukewarm milk
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled or scrubbed and very finely grated

Filling

  • ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg (preferably freshly grated)
  • A pinch ground cloves

Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar (plus up to ¼ cup extra if needed to thicken)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or extract
  • The zest of one orange

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the bread flour, instant potato flakes, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and yeast until evenly mixed.
  2. Add wet ingredients and carrots: Set aside the whisk and switch to a sturdy wooden spoon. Stir in the lukewarm milk, softened butter, beaten egg, and finely grated carrots until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and set it aside in a warm, draft-free place to rise until nearly doubled in volume and puffy, about 1 hour.
  4. Prepare baking pan: Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  5. Make the filling: In a small bowl, toss together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves using a fork. Add softened butter and mix, first mashing the butter in with the fork, then creaming the mixture with a spatula until evenly combined and smooth.
  6. Roll out the dough: Roll the risen dough into a 12-inch by 15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the butter and sugar spice mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one long edge free of filling.
  7. Form the roll: Starting from the long edge with the filling, roll the dough jelly-roll style, pinching the seams to seal.
  8. Cut and arrange rolls: Cut the dough roll into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls into the prepared pan in four rows of three. Loosely cover with plastic wrap.
  9. Second rise and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the rolls rise until doubled in size, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25 minutes, or until the center rolls reach an internal temperature of 190°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let cool for 15 minutes.
  10. Prepare the frosting: While the rolls cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sturdy spoon until fluffy and smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the orange zest. Add up to ¼ cup more confectioner’s sugar if needed to thicken.
  11. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cinnamon rolls. Store any leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Notes

  • Instant mashed potato flakes help improve dough texture and moisture.
  • The lukewarm milk can be scalded and cooled to reduce stickiness but it’s optional.
  • Freshly grated carrots add flavor and moisture without making the dough too wet.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer for best doneness results in baking.
  • The frosting can be adjusted in sweetness and thickness by adding more or less confectioner’s sugar.
  • These cinnamon rolls are best eaten the same day but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Keywords: carrot cake cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, spiced cinnamon rolls

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