Glazed Carrots

These buttery-glazed carrots are simple and sweet with a brown sugar glaze.

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Flavor: Brown sugar-glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and lightly caramelized, with a warm maple richness that makes each bite taste almost candy-like.
Skill level: Maple-glazed carrots are so simple to make; perfect for beginners.
Time-Saving Tip: Skip the peeling and chopping and use baby carrots instead.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with any protein from roast chicken to holiday ham.

brown sugar , butter , maple syrup , carrots , salt and pepper with labels to make Glazed Carrots

Ingredient Notes

Carrots: Baby, fresh carrots, or rainbow carrots can be used; peeling is optional. Fresh garden carrots will cook more quickly than store-bought carrots. Baby carrots will need extra cooking time.
Glaze: This quick glaze is made with light or dark brown sugar melted with real maple syrup. Either one will work fine in this recipe.
Variations:
- Garnish glazed carrots with herbs like sprigs of fresh parsley, dill, thyme, or rosemary.
- For a festive holiday flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Swap maple syrup for honey or omit for a classic brown sugar glaze.
- For a dish with citrus notes, add a splash of orange juice.

adding brown sugar, maple syrup and butter to pan with carrots to make Glazed Carrots

How to Make Glazed Carrots

Add all ingredients to a skillet (full recipe below).
Simmer until carrots are fork-tender.
Keep cooking until the water evaporates and the carrots are glazed.

Smart Tips for the Perfect Glaze

Make sure to cut thicker carrot ends in half to keep all pieces uniform.
To reduce prep time, use frozen or baby carrots.
If the glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water.
Add a tiny pinch of salt at the end to balance the sweetness.

Storage and Leftovers

Keep leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in a saucepan with a little extra butter.
Glazed carrots can be frozen, but it may soften the carrots. They will keep for up to two months. Thaw, then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.

Quick Comfort Sides

Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Side Dishes

Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes

Side Dishes

Did you enjoy these Glazed Carrots? Leave a rating and comment below!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

4.98 from 103 votes

Author Samantha

Glazed Carrots

Author Samantha

Servings 4 servings

These maple-glazed carrots turn out soft, tender, and lightly sweet. They’re simple to make and add a warm, cozy touch to any meal.

Save Rate Print

Servings 4 servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound carrots 2" sticks
▢ ½ cup water
▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar tightly packed
▢ 1½ tablespoons butter
▢ 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt plus additional to taste, as needed
▢ black pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine carrots, water, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup in a skillet over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until butter is melted. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook 8-10 minutes or until carrots are just becoming tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove lid and turn the heat up to high, continue cooking until water is evaporated and carrots are coated in glaze.
Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Notes

*I recommend using maple syrup but you can substitute honey instead or leave it out entirely for brown sugar glazed carrots.

You can use fresh or frozen, whole or baby carrots for this recipe.

Ensure the carrots are about the same size so they cook evenly, cut the thicker ends in half if needed.

Fresh garden carrots will cook faster than store-bought carrots.

You can make glazed carrots in the microwave. Place carrots in a dish and add about ½” of water. Cover and microwave for 6-7 minutes or until carrots are tender. Add glaze ingredients and cook 1-2 minutes more.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4.98 from 103 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

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