Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Featured in: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes That Soothe

Maple syrup and brown sugar create a sweet glaze for these soft slow-cooked carrots, with cinnamon adding warmth. An easy side for big meals.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 18:16:33 GMT
Close view of sweet glazed carrots in a dark bowl, lightly seasoned. Pin it
Close view of sweet glazed carrots in a dark bowl, lightly seasoned. | cookingkitchn.com

Crock Pot Honey & Dark Sugar Caramelized Carrots

These Crock Pot Honey & Dark Sugar Caramelized Carrots make any holiday meal complete—buttery, sweet, and flavored with perfect spices. Baby carrots cook until fork-tender in a decadent honey-brown sugar mixture that'll wow everyone. They're fantastic for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special gathering. Best part? They're super simple and cook themselves!

What Makes This a Must-Try

You'll want this dish at every celebration because:

  • Totally Hands-Off: Everything happens in your slow cooker, leaving your stovetop and oven free.
  • Cozy, Sweet Taste: The blend of honey and dark sugar creates a sticky-sweet coating with gentle cinnamon warmth.
  • Family Favorite: Works beautifully at dinner parties, get-togethers, and everyday meals.
  • Plan Ahead: Can be made early and warmed up when needed.

What You'll Need for Honey Glazed Carrots

  • Baby Carrots: Easy and already prepped for cooking. Regular carrots cut into chunks work too.
  • Honey: Use pure honey for the tastiest results, though maple syrup or even pancake syrup can work in a pinch.
  • Dark Sugar: Brings a molasses-like richness that pairs with the honey.
  • Butter: Use salted butter to add creaminess and cut the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Adds that homey, autumn flavor everyone loves.
  • Salt: Brings out flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Them

Get Your Carrots Ready
Pour those baby carrots into your 6-quart crock pot. I always give them a quick wash beforehand so they're squeaky clean.
Add Flavor Boosters
Toss in a bit of salt across all the carrots then sprinkle that warm cinnamon and sweet dark sugar over everything. Mix it all up so each carrot gets coated in the sweet stuff.
Pour in the Sweet Stuff
Drizzle honey all over, making sure it reaches all the carrots. Spread them out flat in the pot and put little butter chunks all over the top – they'll melt down into something amazing.
Set it and Forget it
Put the lid on and cook them based on your schedule – pick "high" if you need them in 3 hours or "low" if you've got 5-6 hours to wait. If you remember, stir them once or twice during cooking.
Make That Sauce Amazing
Want that sauce extra sticky? Just take the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or pour all that yummy liquid into a pan and boil it down until it gets thick. Then pour it back over your carrots right before you serve them.

How to Get Perfect Results

  • Go for Pure Honey: It tastes way better than the fake stuff. If you don't have any, just add more dark sugar.
  • Try Regular Carrots: Peel and cut whole carrots into sticks or rounds for a more homemade look.
  • Thicken That Sauce: Taking time to reduce the sauce makes the carrots look and taste extra special.
  • Serve Hot: Use your slow cooker's "warm" setting to keep everything at the perfect temperature during your meal.
A black bowl filled with glossy, glazed cooked carrots. Pin it
A black bowl filled with glossy, glazed cooked carrots. | cookingkitchn.com

Mix It Up Your Way

No Dairy: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based spread.

Natural Sweeteners Only: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or just add more honey.

Maple Version: Try pure maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor.

Add Some Crunch: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts at the end for extra texture.

The Ultimate Festive Side

These Crock Pot Honey & Dark Sugar Caramelized Carrots bring amazing taste to your dinner table. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, they go great with turkey, ham, or any main dish you're serving. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a big holiday party, this dish will quickly become everyone's favorite tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular carrots?

Yep, just peel and cut into pieces. Cook until they’re fork-tender.

→ What can replace maple syrup?

You can switch to honey, corn syrup, or even use extra brown sugar instead (about 3/4 cup).

→ Why thicken glaze separately?

It thickens better on the stovetop compared to the slow cooker.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, you can keep them warm in the slow cooker for about 2 hours on the low setting.

→ Why stir during cooking?

This helps everything cook evenly and makes sure the glaze covers all the carrots.

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Soft and sweet slow-cooked carrots glazed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple. Ideal for holiday meals or everyday treats.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
370 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/3 cup cubed butter.
02 1/4 cup packed brown sugar.
03 1/4 cup pure maple syrup.
04 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
05 1/2 teaspoon salt.
06 2 pounds small carrots.

Instructions

Step 01

Put the carrots into a slow cooker, spreading them out evenly over the bottom.

Step 02

Scatter cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar over the carrots, mixing to coat everything well.

Step 03

Drizzle the maple syrup over the seasoned carrots and mix again to combine.

Step 04

Evenly spread the coated carrots across the bottom for uniform cooking.

Step 05

Place the small cubes of butter on top of the carrots, spreading them out evenly.

Step 06

Put the lid on the slow cooker and pick a temperature based on how much time you've got.

Step 07

Let it cook for 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low until carrots are tender.

Step 08

Give the carrots a stir once or twice during cooking if you can for even glazing.

Step 09

Remove the lid and cook for 30 more minutes on high for an extra glaze.

Step 10

Or move the carrots to a separate bowl and cover them to keep warm.

Step 11

Pour the leftover liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium-high heat.

Step 12

Stir constantly as it cooks down into a thicker glaze, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 13

Pour the finished glaze back over the carrots and stir them until evenly coated.

Step 14

Taste and tweak the seasonings as needed before serving.

Step 15

Dish the carrots up warm. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Great for holidays.
  2. Minimal effort needed.
  3. Perfect to prep in advance.
  4. Quick and simple to make.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (6-quart).
  • Medium saucepan.
  • Whisk or spoon.
  • Measuring tools.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 1 g