Candied Carrots Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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This sweet and simple candied carrots recipe features freshly cooked, tender carrots coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze. A few simple ingredients transform ordinary carrots into a special addition to any meal!

Why You Will Love This Candied Carrots Recipe

We covet a classic, standby recipe. You know the ones – tried and true, simple and amazing. Here’s a few reasons why you will adore this recipe for candied carrots:

  • Quick and Easy: These caramelized carrots hit the dinner table in under 30 minutes. If you can simmer and stir, you will have no issues!
  • Wholesome: Cooked carrots pack a nutritional punch. Along with fiber, they’re an excellent source of vitamins A & C, Beta-carotene, and calcium.
  • Simple Elegance: The method and ingredients are so simple, but these beautifully glazed candied carrots definitely impress!
  • Potluck Favorite: Double or triple this candied carrot recipe for a crowd and keep them warm in a crockpot for easy serving.
  • Prep Ahead: Prep this recipe for candied carrots and store them for up to two weeks! Just keep them in an airtight container or food storage bag.

Hint: Use these carrots make the perfect side dish for my easy crockpot ham or my juicy baked chicken recipe!

Ingredients for candied carrots recipe arranged on a marble countertop, from top to bottom: cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, carrots, salt, pepper and water.

Ingredients Needed

These brown sugar glazed carrots require no fancy equipment to make. Just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts.

  • Carrots: Peel and cut them into chunks, or use baby carrots to save time.
  • Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is milder, while dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor. You can also use honey or agave instead.
  • Butter: Melted butter gives the carrots a irresistibly buttery taste.
  • Seasonings: Including cinnamon, salt and pepper.
  • Water
Side view of glazed carrots piled into a shallow white dish.

How to Make Candied Carrots

With just a few simple steps, it doesn’t get much easier than this delicious glazed carrot recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card for full detailed instructions. 

  • Combine: Use a large pot with a lid and all the ingredients.
  • Simmer Covered: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with the lid, and simmer for ten minutes.
  • Simmer Uncovered: Uncover and turn up the heat to medium-high. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a syrupy, glaze consistency and carrots are tender. This should take about 10 minutes more.
  • Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite main course!
A serving spoon filled with candied carrots resting in a pot of carrots topped with fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

A few helpful recipe notes and tips to guarantee your carrots turn out perfectly:

  • Similar-Sized Carrots: Cut your carrots to roughly the same size for even cooking.
  • Substitute Baby Carrots: Make this recipe faster and easier by using baby carrots! Evenly sized, pre-peeled and washed these provide a great short-cut for busy cooks. Rinse and dry before adding to the recipe.
  • Candied Carrots with Garlic: Try mincing or pressing a few garlic cloves and add while cooking for a savory addition.
  • Fresh Herbs: Customize by adding a couple of tablespoons of your favorite, finely chopped herb. Thyme, basil (pictured), tarragon, or parsley add color and a subtle flavor.
  • Keep Warm: Serving a crowd? Keep these carrots warm in a crockpot set to warm. Give them a stir occasionally.
Close-up shot of candy carrots garnished with chopped herbs.

Yummy Serving Suggestions

Fish, pork and chicken are all fantastic choices and perfectly compliment this easy candied carrot recipe. Here are a few recipes to try:

Two pieces of candy carrots on a fork, with a bowl of carrots in the background.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These candied carrots store wonderfully, I often make a double batch to ensure we have leftovers!

  • Fridge: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat: Heat carrots on the stove, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. To loosen glaze, add a splash of maple syrup or a couple of teaspoons of hot water.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled carrots to a freezer safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Close-up shot of candied carrots in a white bowl.
4.5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Recipe
Yield: 6 servings

Candied Carrots

This candied carrots recipe is a classic that may easily become your new favorite side dish! Just a few simple ingredients make these carrots a sweet and delicious addition to any meal. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup water
  • cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • In a large saucepan with a lid, bring all ingredients to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring as needed.
  • Uncover and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring often, until liquid is reduced to a glaze and carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Serve immediately!

Notes

Store: Transfer cooled leftover carrots to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Heat carrots on the stove, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. To loosen glaze, add a splash of maple syrup or a couple of teaspoons of hot water.
Freeze: Transfer cooled carrots to a freezer safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Similar-Sized Carrots: Cut your carrots to roughly the same size for even cooking.
Substitute Baby Carrots: Make this recipe faster and easier by using baby carrots! Evenly sized, pre-peeled and washed these provide a great short-cut for busy cooks. Rinse and dry before adding to the recipe.
Candied Carrots with Garlic: Try mincing or pressing a few garlic cloves and add while cooking for a savory addition.
Fresh Herbs: Customize by adding a couple of tablespoons of your favorite, finely chopped herb. Thyme, basil (pictured), tarragon, or parsley add color and a subtle flavor.
Keep Warm: Serving a crowd? Keep these carrots warm in a crockpot set to warm. Give them a stir occasionally.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 176kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 498mg, Potassium: 504mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 25493IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 1mg

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Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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Jessica
For the past 15 years, Jorge & Jessica have loved getting to share their families' favorite recipes with all of you. They live in Florida with their 3 kids.