Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a cinnamon glazed carrots recipe that just makes your heart sing? Seriously, these little beauties are not only simple to whip up but they also bring a delightful sweetness and warmth to any meal. I remember the first time I made them; my family couldn’t get enough! The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen instantly transports me back to cozy dinners at home.
What I love most about this dish is how it transforms plain old carrots into something absolutely magical. It’s all about that buttery glaze that coats each carrot slice, making them tender and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just a handful of everyday staples. I promise, once you try this cinnamon glazed carrots recipe, it’ll become a staple at your table, too!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into even pieces for uniform cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for that rich, creamy base
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, which adds a lovely caramelized sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, because what’s a cinnamon glazed carrots recipe without cinnamon?
- 1/4 cup water, to help steam and soften those carrots to perfection
How to Prepare the Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of transforming those carrots into a delicious side dish! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful dish in no time.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, let’s get that butter melting. In a large skillet, set your heat to medium. You want the butter to melt slowly, allowing it to be perfectly creamy without burning. Trust me, this is where the flavor starts! Once it’s melted and bubbling just a bit, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots
Now, add those beautiful carrot slices to the skillet. Give them a little stir to coat them in that luscious butter. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start softening but not mushy yet. Look for a nice vibrant color and a tender bite—this is going to be the foundation of your dish!
Step 3: Add Sugar and Cinnamon
Next up, it’s time to sweeten the deal! Sprinkle in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Oh, the smell is going to be heavenly! Stir everything together so that the sugar and cinnamon coat each carrot piece evenly. This is where the magic happens, turning simple carrots into a sweet and fragrant delight.
Step 4: Simmer with Water
Now, pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is crucial because the steam will help soften the carrots even more, bringing out their natural sweetness. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if it starts bubbling too vigorously. We want a nice, gentle simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
After simmering, cover the skillet with a lid. This traps all that steam and helps cook the carrots through. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally. The goal here is to get those carrots tender. If they’re not quite there yet, don’t worry! Just let them cook a little longer.
Step 6: Final Cooking Steps
Once the carrots are tender and beautifully glazed, remove the lid and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the glaze to thicken up a bit and give that lovely shiny finish. If you find they’re not as tender as you’d like, just add a splash more water and give them a few extra minutes. And voilà! Your cinnamon glazed carrots are ready to shine on your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Deliciously sweet and aromatic, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main course—think roasted chicken, steak, or even veggie dishes!
- Beautifully glazed, these carrots add a pop of color to your plate.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins while still being indulgent.
- A great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters—trust me, they’ll love them!
Tips for Success
Now, before you dive into making these scrumptious cinnamon glazed carrots, I’ve got a few pro tips to help you achieve perfect results every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Don’t rush the butter: Make sure you melt the butter gently. If it starts to brown too quickly, it can impart a burnt taste to your dish. Patience is key here!
- Cut evenly: Slice your carrots into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and gives you that perfect tenderness throughout. No one likes a crunchy carrot amongst the tender ones!
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can scale it back a bit, or even use honey for a unique flavor twist!
- Keep an eye on the simmer: When you add the water, maintain a gentle simmer. If it’s boiling too hard, the carrots can overcook and lose their vibrant color and crunch. Aim for a nice, easy bubble.
- Try fresh herbs: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley in the last few minutes of cooking. It elevates the dish and adds a lovely freshness!
- Taste as you go: Always sample your carrots before serving. This way, you can adjust the seasoning or sweetness right before they hit the table!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this cinnamon glazed carrots recipe! Here are some of my favorite ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Maple Glaze: Instead of brown sugar, use maple syrup for a delightful twist. The caramel notes of the syrup pair beautifully with the cinnamon and add a lovely depth of flavor!
- Spiced Up: Want to bring in some extra warmth? Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. It gives the dish a cozy, spiced vibe that’s perfect for fall dinners.
- Sweet and Savory: Mix in a dash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for a sweet and savory combo that’ll knock your socks off! It might sound unusual, but trust me—it’s delicious!
- Citrus Zest: Add a sprinkle of orange or lemon zest right before serving. The bright citrus flavor will really elevate the dish, making it feel fresh and vibrant.
- Herb-Infused: Toss in some fresh herbs like dill or rosemary during the last few minutes of cooking. The herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add a lovely aromatic touch to your carrots.
- Nuts for Crunch: For a delightful textural contrast, consider adding some toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving. It adds a crunchy element that makes every bite more interesting!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of cinnamon glazed carrots. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these cinnamon glazed carrots, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These delightful carrots not only pack a flavorful punch but also come with a nice array of nutrients that make them a great addition to any meal. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating yourself to something both sweet and wholesome!
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Baby carrots are a great option for this cinnamon glazed carrots recipe. They’re already prepped and will cook up nicely, just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may soften a bit quicker than regular carrots.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
No worries! If you’re out of ground cinnamon, you could try using a cinnamon stick while the carrots simmer, or even opt for a different spice like allspice or pumpkin pie spice. Just remember, each spice will give a unique twist to the flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the cinnamon glazed carrots as directed, then let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the glaze.
How do I know when the carrots are done cooking?
You’ll know the carrots are done when they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork but still have a bit of bite to them. They should be vibrant in color and coated in that luscious glaze—trust your senses!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like sliced parsnips or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Just ensure they’re all cut to a similar size for even cooking!
Cinnamon Glazed Carrots Recipe That Will Melt Hearts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cinnamon glazed carrots recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add water and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until carrots are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- You can use honey instead of brown sugar for a different flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cinnamon glazed carrots recipe
