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Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with rich maple syrup and brown sugar. This simple yet delicious recipe creates tender, caramelized carrots that are coated in a glossy glaze, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or weeknight meals. The warm flavors of maple and brown sugar complement the carrots beautifully, making them a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  • Prep the carrots: If using baby carrots, simply rinse them well. If using regular carrots, peel them and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
  • Cook the carrots: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender. Drain the carrots and set aside.
  • Make the glaze: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), ginger (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
  • Glaze the carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the saucepan with the glaze. Stir to coat the carrots evenly in the syrupy mixture. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and coat the carrots.
  • Finish and serve: Once the carrots are well-coated and the glaze has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the glaze for a warm, spiced note.
  • You can also roast the carrots for a more caramelized flavor: Toss the carrots in the glaze and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste.
  • This recipe works well with both baby carrots and sliced regular carrots, but using fresh, tender carrots will yield the best results.