Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/5/22
Tested by
Diana Andrews
Diana Andrews
Tested by Diana Andrews
Diana has served as head recipe developer and editor for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Moveable Feast, food editor and test kitchen manager at Fine Cooking Magazine, and recipe developer and product tester at Food Network. 
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Brown sugar glazed carrots on a white platter

The Spruce Eats
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
100 Calories
4g Fat
16g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 100
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 146mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 3mg 14%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 198mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These glazed carrots are made with a simple mixture of brown sugar and butter. The mixture creates a sweet and beautiful glaze that pairs perfectly with naturally sweet carrots. It makes a delicious side dish for a holiday like Easter or Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or even a potluck.

Light or dark brown sugar will work in this dish. The orange veggie is braised in a mixture of butter, sugar, and water until perfectly cooked. The water evaporates as the carrots cook, leaving them glazed with a sweet brown sugar coating. If you have extra chicken, beef, or vegetable broth or stock lying around, use it instead of the water for extra flavor.

Serve the carrots with a ham, pork loin, or chop dinner, since the sweetness pairs nicely with pork. Roast lamb or duck are also good choices. Serve alongside a green vegetable like sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus.

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"Brown sugar-glazed carrots are a tasty alternative to ordinary roasting or steaming. This traditional, comfort-food recipe combines few ingredients and a simple braising technique, resulting in savory-sweet tender carrots. These syrupy-buttered carrots are a delicious way to get kids of any age to eat their vegetables!" —Diana Andrews

Easy brown sugar glazed carrots
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces carrots (baby or small whole carrots)

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for brown sugar glazed carrots gathered

    The Spruce Eats

  2. Combine the carrots with the water, butter, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Toss together.

    Carrots with brown sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan

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  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a lively simmer, for about 20 to 30 minutes or until carrots are tender and the liquid has evaporated. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. Add more water if needed.

    Carrots simmering in a pot with water and brown sugar

    The Spruce Eats

  4. The liquids will boil down and the water will evaporate, leaving the carrots cooked and nicely glazed with the brown sugar syrup.

    Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots boiled down

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  5. Season the carrots to taste with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

    Brown sugar glazed carrots on a white plate

    The Spruce Eats

Tips

  • Small, thin carrots or baby carrots work best for this recipe. If you have big, thick carrots that don't fit well into your pan, cut them into chunks before cooking.
  • There's no need to peel the carrots before cooking unless your carrots are especially thick or not super fresh. Just make sure to clean your carrots thoroughly before cooking.

Recipe Variations

  • If you'd like to use honey instead of the brown sugar, try a recipe for honey glazed carrots instead.
  • Spice can add a nice element to this sweet dish. Try adding a few dashes of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a little brightness to the carrots.
  • Try topping with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano.

How to Store

  • Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, careful not to scorch the sauce.

What Happens if You Overcook Carrots?

Carrots will become mushy and even fall apart if overcooked, losing their texture, bright orange hue, and even some of their nutrients. Only cook them until tender; you should be able to pierce them with a sharp knife all the way through but without them falling apart.