Brown sugar glazed carrots happen to be one of our all-time favorite side dishes ever!!
We first made them for Christmas over a decade ago, and we’ve been making them for holidays ever since. The butter and brown sugar bring out the flavor, and the carrots become so tender after cooking them that they literally melt in your mouth.
Now, the kids request these brown sugar glazed carrots for birthdays, special meals and every holiday dinner because they love them so much. Once you try them, you’ll easily see why they’re a favorite.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- They pair well with every main dish! This is the perfect vegetable side dish, especially for special occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Quick and easy. Made with just a few ingredients and in 20 minutes.
- Many ways to make. This easy side dish can be made on the stove, in the oven, slow cooker, or instant pot!
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Ingredients
- Baby carrots (1, 16-ounce bag): You can also use larger carrots – peel and cut into coins or sticks. Just make sure the carrot slices are all equal in size.
- Water (½ cup): Steam cooks the carrots before the glaze reduces.
- Packed light brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and creates a glossy, caramel kissed finish. Or use dark brown sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup. Reduce brown sugar for less sweet carrots.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the glaze coat smoothly. We use unsalted butter but salted butter can be used as well – just lessen the amount of salt added at the end.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the sweetness and brightens flavor. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also squeeze an orange or lemon juice over the top for a bright twist.
How to Cook Glazed Carrots
BOIL. Bring carrots, water, butter, and brown sugar to a boil in a pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.
SIMMER. Turn to low, simmer for approximately 6 minutes.
EVAPORATE WATER. Turn back to high and cook until all the water is evaporated, and carrots are fork tender. It took me another 5-8 minutes.
SEASON & SERVE. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Keep the lid on during the first simmer so the carrots steam fast and stay tender.
- Remove the lid to reduce the liquid to a syrupy glaze that clings to the carrots.
- Taste at the end and add a pinch of salt to make the sweetness pop.
- For extra shine, swirl in a small pat of butter off the heat.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Slow cooker. Place the carrots in a greased crock pot. Combine melted butter, salt, pepper, brown sugar and water. Drizzle over carrots, mix until carrots are coated. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until carrots are tender.
- Oven. Place your baby carrots in a buttered baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and drizzle on 2 tablespoons melted butter. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour.
- Instant pot. To cook in an instant pot or pressure cooker, place all ingredients in the pot, cover, and secure the vent. Set the pot to “sealing”, press “pressure cook” or “manual” button”. Set the timer for 3 minutes. Once done, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to “venting”.
Glazed Carrots Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) bag baby carrots
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine carrots, water, butter, and brown sugar in a pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to cook on low for approximately 6 minutes.
- Keeping covered, turn the heat back to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the water is evaporated and carrots are tender, another 5–6 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Add ⅓ cup pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans (chopped and toasted) after simmering for 6 minutes.
We suggest making them fresh, but if needed, you can make them a day ahead. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stove.
To reheat, throw them back into a buttered pan, and cook until carrots are heated through.
Complete The Meal
Main Dish
Crock Pot Pot Roast
7 hrs 5 mins
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
40 mins
Easy Flat Iron Steak Recipe
2 hrs 35 mins
Roast Chicken Recipe
1 hr 30 mins
Carrot Sides
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This recipe was originally published March 2013.
Sounds like Your Husband needs to do the Cooking from now on for Himself & the Kids, especially if They’re all gonna be so Nasty & Disrespectful to You. You Deserve Better.
I love this recipe, I used regular carrots not baby & did have to cook a bit longer but geez they are so good. We had some leftover & I kept picking at them until they are gone! Just like a potato chip, can’t eat just one. Thanks for a great & simple recipe.
About to cook this recipe now, but I do not have baby carrots. I have canned sliced carrots, as well as whole carrots in the fridge. To be honest, I’m not sure which one which is better so I’m going to cook to different parts a little each any guesses as to which one is better. I’ll let you know in about an hour my feedback anyway.
Family approved! I’ve made glazed carrots before. This recipe had fewer ingredients and got more rave reviews! It’s a keeper! I think the amount of cooking time to get the carrots tender may vary based on the size of the carrots. Mine took a few more minutes.
For some reason the water wouldn’t reduce enough to make the carrots glazed. But no problem. I drained the butter/ water/ brown sugar and added a dollop of butter and sprinkle of brown sugar. Still delicious!
Very delicious and easy, especially liked by those with a sweet tooth. I made it for my family on Christmas using full-grown carrots, sliced of course, and it was a big hit!
Can you do this in a crock pot?
Best carrots!!
This recipe is awesome! Love it!!
Love the flavor!