Cinnamon Butter Glazed Carrots
Delight your family with these fragrant Cinnamon Butter Glazed Carrots, a perfect side dish that combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the rich flavors of butter and cinnamon. This dish not only pleases the palate but also adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these tender, sticky-glazed carrots are sure to impress both adults and children alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Baby Carrots
1 1/2 lbs (Trimmed and scrubbed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Water
As needed (N/A)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Once the butter has melted, add the trimmed and scrubbed baby carrots to the pan.
3
Sprinkle the salt over the carrots, along with the brown sugar.
4
Pour in enough water to just cover the carrots and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the saucepan and let the carrots cook on medium heat for approximately 25 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
6
After the carrots are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Allow the water to evaporate completely, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the carrots are coated in a thick, sticky glaze.
8
Once the water has evaporated, remove the saucepan from the heat and sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the carrots. Gently toss to incorporate the cinnamon evenly.
9
Serve the glazed carrots hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Butter Glazed Carrots?
They are a side dish combining the natural sweetness of baby carrots with a rich, sticky glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ingredients: butter, baby carrots, salt, water, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Can I use large carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can use regular carrots; just peel and cut them into uniform pieces similar in size to baby carrots for even cooking.
How much butter is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of brown sugar to create a deep, rich caramelized flavor for the glaze.
How long do the carrots need to cook?
They should cook for approximately 25 minutes on medium heat while covered, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative to make the dish vegan.
When should I add the cinnamon?
Add the ground cinnamon at the very end after the water has evaporated and the saucepan is removed from the heat.
Do I need to peel the baby carrots?
The recipe recommends using trimmed and scrubbed baby carrots, which are usually pre-peeled and ready to use.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness of the sugar and carrots.
Can I substitute honey for the brown sugar?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What is the serving temperature for this dish?
These carrots are best served hot, immediately after tossing them with the cinnamon.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the sweet glaze and tender texture make these carrots very popular with both children and adults.
Can I add other spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding small amounts of nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I reheat glazed carrots?
Yes, they can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a tiny splash of water to help loosen the glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What heat setting should I use for cooking?
Start with medium heat to cook the carrots and then increase it to a boil once the carrots are tender to reduce the liquid.
Why do I cook the carrots covered first?
Cooking with the lid on helps trap steam, which ensures the carrots cook through and become tender without the water evaporating too quickly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, although butter is recommended for the richest flavor and best glaze consistency.
How much cinnamon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, but you can add an extra sprinkle as a garnish if desired.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 4-6 hours, though you may need to reduce the water and thicken the glaze at the end.
What main dishes go well with these carrots?
They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, holiday ham, turkey, or even grilled pork chops.
Can I use frozen baby carrots?
Yes, but frozen carrots may release more moisture and require less cooking time than fresh carrots.
What do I do if the glaze is too thin?
Continue to boil the mixture uncovered while stirring frequently until the water has evaporated and a thick, sticky glaze forms.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, just ensure your saucepan is large enough to allow the carrots to cook evenly.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, this is a simple, easy-to-follow recipe with basic ingredients that produces an elegant side dish.
Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts at the end provides a nice crunch that complements the soft carrots.
How do I prevent the glaze from scorching?
Stir the carrots frequently once the water begins to boil off and the glaze starts to thicken.
Do I need a specific type of cinnamon?
Any standard ground cinnamon will work perfectly for this recipe.