Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe – Sweet, Cozy, and Slow-Cooked Comfort

There’s something about the smell of maple and butter slowly warming a kitchen that makes me breathe a little easier. In fact, my version of Maple Glazed Carrots always brings back Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house, when the house hummed with conversation and the carrots smelled sweet and cozy. If you love simple sides that taste like a warm hug, keep reading — and don’t be surprised if you want these on the table every week. Also, if you’re in the mood for maple treats, try this brown sugar cookies with maple glaze for dessert.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, yet feels special.
• Comforting homemade flavor that warms the whole table.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion, from weeknights to holiday dinners.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — kids and grown-ups both ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups baby carrots
• 1/4 cup maple syrup — use real maple syrup for the best depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter — I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Pro tip: if you like a touch of garlic, add one crushed clove for extra warmth. Also, try a pinch of cinnamon if you want a cozy fall twist.

How to Make It

1. Place the carrots in the slow cooker. Spread them out so each carrot gets a little space, and then you’ll notice they cook more evenly.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and everything looks glossy; the smell will be sweet and buttery.
3. Pour the mixture over the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Make sure the glaze coats the carrots, because that sticky surface is where all the flavor lives.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the carrots are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides through easily, and the edges start to look caramelized.
5. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if necessary. If the glaze gets too thick, a little water will loosen it and keep the carrots from drying out.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. The warm glaze should shimmer and smell like maple sunshine.

For a playful maple twist alongside this side dish, try these chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate for a sweet finish.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: If you’re short on time, cook on high for about 2 hours instead, but check them often so they don’t get too soft.
• Fix for sticky glaze: If the carrots stick to the slow cooker, add a tablespoon of water and gently loosen them with a spatula.
• Flavor variation: For a salty-sweet contrast, sprinkle crumbled bacon or toasted pecans on top, or try pairing with my favorite maple bacon quesadillas for a playful meal.

Serving Ideas

These Maple Glazed Carrots shine with a roast chicken or tucked beside a savory pork roast. Also, they’re lovely on a holiday table next to mashed potatoes and gravy. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for color, and if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a lighter plate, serve them with whipped ricotta and hot honey — it’s a sweet-and-spicy match that brightens everything. Try this pairing idea from my favorite roasted carrot recipe: roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and hot honey.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store cooled Maple Glazed Carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave so they stay tender and glossy.
• Leftover idea: Chop and toss into warm grain bowls or mix into salads for a sweet-hot contrast.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day, because the flavors settle.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — brown sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar, and butter can be partially replaced with olive oil.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh and warm is best, but room temperature works well for potlucks and buffets.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for tender carrots with slightly caramelized edges and that delicious, fragrant maple smell — that’s your sign for perfect Maple Glazed Carrots.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those simple comforts I reach for when I want something that smells like home and tastes like memory. It’s forgiving, sweet, and buttery, and it fits right into weeknight dinners or special holiday spreads. Most of all, I hope you make these Maple Glazed Carrots your own — add a pinch of this or a sprinkle of that, and pass the recipe along to someone you love.

Conclusion

If you want a roasted twist, check out this lovely Easy Maple Roasted Carrots for another way to enjoy maple-glazed veg. Also, for a classic take and extra tips, here’s a well-loved Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe to compare techniques and flavor ideas.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Sweet, cozy, and slow-cooked carrots glazed with real maple syrup, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups baby carrots
• 1/4 cup maple syrup Use real maple syrup for the best depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter to control the salt.
• Salt and pepper To taste.
• Fresh herbs Optional, for garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the carrots in the slow cooker, spreading them out for even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and everything looks glossy.
3. Pour the mixture over the carrots and season with salt and pepper, ensuring the glaze coats the carrots.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the carrots are tender.
2. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if necessary to keep the glaze from getting too thick.
3. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a touch of garlic, add one crushed clove, or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy fall twist. If short on time, cook on high for about 2 hours, checking often.