Description
Soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon rolls infused with warm carrot cake spices, freshly grated carrots, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. A cozy, bakery-style treat perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) active sourdough starter
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Instructions
- Mix the active sourdough starter, warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add the flour, grated carrots, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 4–6 hours, or until nearly doubled in size.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll tightly into a log from the long side and slice into 10–12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 2–3 hours until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a smooth frosting.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Mix in 1/3 cup raisins for extra sweetness.
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrus note.
- Replace part of the brown sugar with maple sugar for deeper flavor.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour 1–2 tablespoons at a time.
- Store in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze unfrosted up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
