Sweet Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

Cozy Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe: A Sweet Veggie Treat

These tender carrots with a sweet cinnamon glaze bring a burst of flavor to any dinner table.

The vibrant orange vegetable transforms when coated in a warm cinnamon honey mixture.

Earthy and sweet notes dance together, creating a side dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Roasted to perfection, these carrots offer a delightful balance of natural sweetness and warm spice.

The simple preparation makes this recipe a go-to for busy weeknight meals or elegant dinner parties.

Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, these glazed carrots will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let this recipe become your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

For Base Vegetable:
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that provide vibrant color and nutritional boost, choose fresh, firm carrots with bright orange color and smooth skin without blemishes.
For Sweetening and Flavoring:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates rich caramelized coating that enhances natural carrot sweetness, select high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for deeper flavor.
For Enhancing and Binding:
  • Butter, Salt, Nutmeg, Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and smooth texture, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control and fresh ground nutmeg for most intense aroma.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright color and subtle herbal note, choose crisp green leaves without wilting for maximum visual appeal.

Tools For Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling and cooking carrots evenly and thoroughly.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining water from carrots quickly and efficiently.
  • Large Skillet: Crucial for creating the delicious cinnamon glaze and coating carrots.
  • Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring glaze ingredients and tossing carrots smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping fresh parsley and preparing carrots.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring spices and sugar.

Steps To Prepare Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

  • Boil Carrots

Toss fresh carrots into bubbling water and let them dance for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still have a delightful crunch. Carefully drain and set them aside.

  • Create Glossy Magic Coating

Heat a skillet and let butter melt into a golden puddle. Sprinkle in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, stirring until they transform into a luscious, shimmering sauce. Gently tumble the cooked carrots into this sweet river, twirling them until every inch is beautifully glazed.

  • Add Final Touches

If you’re feeling adventurous, splash in a hint of vanilla for extra depth. For a beautiful pop of green, scatter some chopped parsley across the top. Serve these glistening carrots while they’re warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Flavor Tips For Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

  • Boil with Care: Cook carrots just until tender to maintain their crisp texture and prevent turning into a mushy mess. Aim for a bright orange color and slight resistance when pierced with a fork.
  • Butter Swap Magic: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier alternative that keeps the dish flavorful and suitable for dairy-free diets.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different warming spices like ginger, cardamom, or ground cloves to add depth and complexity to the cinnamon glaze.
  • Vegan-Friendly Twist: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and plant-based butter to create a delicious vegan version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
  • Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare the glazed carrots in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain their glossy coating.

How To Serve Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe Warm

  • Family Feast Centerpiece: Place these glistening cinnamon carrots as a stunning side dish alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or herb-crusted chicken for a spectacular holiday meal.
  • Breakfast Breakfast Companion: Pair these sweet glazed carrots with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and whole grain toast for a delightful morning twist that adds vibrant color and nutrition to breakfast.
  • Potluck Party Star: Bring these glazed carrots to community gatherings or potluck dinners in a warm serving dish, where their golden-brown shine and aromatic cinnamon will surely attract curious taste buds and earn compliments.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Serve atop quinoa or brown rice with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a satisfying vegetarian main course that highlights the carrots' natural sweetness and rich glaze.

Best Way To Store Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

  • Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer leftover glazed carrots to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave to maintain their delicious coating and tender texture.
  • Quick Meal Prep Boost: Chop carrots in advance and keep them in cold water in the refrigerator for easy cooking. Prepare the cinnamon glaze separately and store in a sealed jar for quick weeknight dinner upgrades.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Carefully pack cooled carrots in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, knowing the glaze might slightly separate upon thawing but will still taste delicious when reheated.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Strategy: Prepare carrots completely up to 24 hours before serving. Keep covered in the refrigerator and gently warm just before your meal, which allows flavors to meld and intensify while saving precious cooking time.
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Sweet Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent cinnamon glazed carrots bring warmth from grandmother’s kitchen to modern dining tables. Tender carrots shine with sweet spice, promising a delightful side dish to complement any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) carrots, peeled and sliced (or baby carrots)
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar (or honey)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tbsp water (if needed for steaming)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Blanching: Immerse whole carrots in vigorously boiling water, cooking for 6 minutes until achieving a tender-crisp texture. Drain and set aside on a platter.
  2. Glaze Preparation: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Blend brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.
  3. Coating and Caramelizing: Introduce blanched carrots into the aromatic glaze, rotating to ensure complete coverage. Sauté for 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the rich, sweet essence and develop a caramelized exterior.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle vanilla extract into the glaze, creating a complex, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the carrots. The liquid should develop a translucent, glistening appearance.
  5. Finishing and Serving: Transfer glazed carrots to a serving dish, garnishing with finely chopped parsley to add a vibrant green accent. Serve immediately while warm, showcasing the harmonious blend of sweet and spiced flavors.

Notes

  • Optimize Cooking Temperature: Medium heat prevents sugar from burning and ensures a smooth, even glaze without scorching the butter or caramelizing too quickly.
  • Select Fresh Carrots: Choose firm, bright orange carrots with smooth skin for the best texture and sweetness, avoiding wilted or dry vegetables that might compromise the dish’s quality.
  • Adjust Seasoning Flexibility: Modify spice levels by reducing nutmeg for sensitive palates or adding a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Master Glaze Consistency: Watch the sauce carefully, stirring continuously to achieve a glossy, thick coating that perfectly clings to carrots without becoming dry or runny.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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