Sweet Maple-Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet Maple Carrots: A Buttery Cinnamon Delight Recipe

Sweet, caramelized maple-glazed carrots dance with rich, warm spices in this simple side dish that turns ordinary vegetables into a culinary delight.

Tender orange roots absorb the golden maple syrup, creating a glossy, irresistible glaze.

cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.

butter melts into every crevice, enhancing the dish’s luxurious texture.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that will wow dinner companions.

This recipe proves that vegetables can be both nutritious and incredibly delicious.

You’ll want to make these carrots again and again.

Maple-Glazed Carrots Ingredient

For Base Ingredients:
  • Baby Carrots: Tender, sweet morsels that form the heart of this luscious dish, selecting young, vibrant carrots ensures maximum flavor and delightful texture.
  • Salt: Magical seasoning that amplifies the natural sweetness of carrots and balances the entire flavor profile.
For Warming Spices:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice that infuses warmth and depth, transforming ordinary carrots into a comforting culinary experience.
  • Brown Sugar: Rich, molasses-kissed sweetener that caramelizes beautifully and adds complex, rounded sweetness.
For Liquid Enhancers:
  • Maple Syrup: Pure, golden liquid that brings sophisticated woodland sweetness and creates a glossy, irresistible glaze.
  • Butter: Creamy, luxurious ingredient that adds richness, helps distribute flavors, and creates a silky, indulgent finish to the dish.

Tools to Prep Maple Carrots with Butter

  • Slow Cooker (6-quart): Essential for cooking the carrots with all ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for cubing butter.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to cut butter into small cubes.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and coating carrots with seasonings.
  • Saucepan (optional): Useful for reducing glaze if needed.
  • Whisk (optional): Helps smoothly thicken the sauce in the saucepan.

How to Make Maple-Glazed Carrots with Ease

  • Slow Cooker Preparation A welcoming ceramic slow cooker becomes the perfect stage for transforming simple carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Seasoning Magic Soft baby carrots get a luxurious coating of warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a flavor symphony that dances across your taste buds.
  • Liquid Gold Maple syrup cascades over the carrots, infusing them with a golden sweetness that promises a delectable culinary experience.
  • Butter Bliss Cubes of creamy butter dot the surface, promising a silky smooth texture and rich undertone that elevates these carrots from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Glaze Transformation In the final cooking moments, the liquid transforms into a glossy, caramelized coating that turns these carrots into a show-stopping side dish, glistening with irresistible appeal.

Cinnamon and Spice Tips for Glazed Carrots

  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the finished carrots for a burst of fresh herbaceous notes that complement the sweet glaze.
  • Prepare the carrots up to 24 hours in advance and reheat gently in the slow cooker or oven, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify even more.
  • Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic alternative that still delivers rich sweetness.

Serving Maple-Glazed Carrots on Any Table

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve these sweet and buttery carrots alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin for a balanced and delicious meal.
  • Garnish with Fresh Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, toasted pecans, or sliced green onions on top to add a pop of color and extra crunch to the glossy carrots.
  • Create Holiday Harmony: These maple-glazed carrots make a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive family gathering, bringing warmth and sweetness to the table.
  • Transform Leftovers Creatively: Chop the remaining carrots and mix into a grain salad, fold into mashed potatoes, or use as a topping for a hearty winter grain bowl.

Keeping Maple Carrots Warm or Stored

  • Store Smartly: Transfer leftover maple-glazed carrots into an airtight container, ensuring they cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Refrigerate Efficiently: Keep the carrots sealed in the fridge for up to 4 days, allowing quick and easy reheating for future meals or quick side dishes.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the carrots gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra maple syrup to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze for Later: Portion the cooled carrots into freezer-safe containers, where they can be stored for up to 2 months, providing a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknight dinners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 5

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Sweet Maple-Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet Maple-Glazed Carrots Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Maple-glazed carrots with cinnamon and butter elevate humble root vegetables into a delightful side dish. Sweet maple syrup, rich butter, and warm spices create a memorable companion for hearty meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup (76 grams / 2.68 oz) butter, cubed
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fl oz) real maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fl oz) packed brown sugar
  • 2 pounds (907 grams / 32 oz) baby carrots
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Distribute baby carrots evenly across the slow cooker base, creating a uniform layer that ensures consistent cooking.
  2. Seasoning: Generously coat carrots with salt and ground cinnamon, thoroughly massaging the spices to achieve complete flavor integration.
  3. Sweetening: Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle maple syrup over the carrots, gently tossing to guarantee an even, glistening coverage that will caramelize during cooking.
  4. Butter Infusion: Strategically place butter cubes throughout the slow cooker, allowing them to melt and permeate the carrots with rich, velvety essence.
  5. Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, developing a tender texture while maintaining a subtle firmness that preserves the carrots’ natural integrity.
  6. Glazing Technique: During the final 30 minutes, uncover and elevate heat to high, encouraging liquid reduction and creating a luxurious, glossy finish that intensifies the dish’s overall flavor profile.
  7. Final Touch: If desired, transfer carrots to a serving dish and reduce remaining liquid in a saucepan, whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, decadent glaze that clings perfectly to each carrot.

Notes

  • Optimize Layering: Ensure baby carrots are spread evenly in a single layer for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Master Seasoning Technique: Thoroughly coat carrots with salt and cinnamon by gently tossing, preventing clumping and ensuring uniform taste in every bite.
  • Control Liquid Reduction: Watch closely during the final 30 minutes to achieve the perfect caramelized glaze without burning the sugars.
  • Elevate Final Presentation: Use the saucepan method to create a glossy, concentrated sauce that transforms the dish from good to gourmet.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 38 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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