These cooked carrots in brown sugar recipe is a quick and simple side dish that takes just 20 minutes to make, perfect for pleasing the entire family.

This recipe serves eight, and costs around $4.69 to make. That’s just about .59¢ per serving.
Table of Contents
Cooked Carrots in Brown Sugar
Hi Friends,
Are you looking for a simple side dish to complement your meal that won’t take all day to make? If so, meet your new best friend!
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are one of my favorite go-to side dishes when I need something quick, delicious, and family-friendly.

The brown sugar glaze gives them such a rich flavor, and they always turn out so good that even my picky eaters clean their plates. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
What I Love About These Glazed Carrots With Brown Sugar
- Simple Ingredients: My recipe uses pantry staples like butter and brown sugar to create a delicious taste.
- Quick Recipe: With minimal effort and twenty minutes of time, this side dish is ready to go.
- Fail-Proof: These carrots come out soft and tender every single time with my simple cooking method.

Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 2 pounds baby carrots – $3.98
- 1 cup water – $0.00
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter – $0.56
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar – $0.15
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed and will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. To learn more about how I price the recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in October 2024.
How To Make Glazed Carrots With Brown Sugar
- First, add carrots, butter, water and brown sugar to a medium pot.
- Next, heat over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
- Stirring often, let the mixture cook for 7 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 7-10 minutes.
- Finally, remove the carrots from the heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
Equipment
- large pot
- measuring spoons
- liquid measuring cup
- wooden spoon
Recipe Tip
Be sure to stir the carrots often while simmering. This will help prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot and evenly coat the carrots in the delicious glaze.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Glazed Carrots in the Microwave?
You can make this recipe in the microwave if you are short on time or on stovetop space. I prefer the stovetop whenever possible, but a microwave is an option. To cook them this way, put the carrots in a microwave-safe bowl. Fill the bowl with about 1/2″-3/4″ of water and cover. Then cook for 6-7 minutes. Finally, add the glaze mixture and cook 1-2 minutes longer. Please note that the glaze will not be as thick when made in the microwave.
How do I know when the carrots are done?
You’ll know the carrots are done when fork-tender but not mushy. After simmering for about 7 minutes, check them and cook a bit longer if needed.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I prefer to use butter because it gives the best flavor. However, margarine can be used as a substitute.

Storage Tips
SERVE: They will keep at room temperature for about 2 hours before they will need to be refrigerated.
STORE: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
FREEZE: Cooked carrots do not freeze and then defrost well, they’re a bit on the mushy side. Therefore, we do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Instead of brown sugar use maple syrup or honey!
- During the holidays I like to add a dash of ground nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice.
More Side Dish Recipes
- Slow Cooker Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Easy Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Classic Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
- Easy Recipe for Grilled Potatoes Wrapped in Foil

Cooked Carrots in Brown Sugar
Equipment
- large pot
- measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1 cup water
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add carrots, water, butter, and brown sugar to a large pot. Heat over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
- Stir often and let the mixture cook for 7 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove the carrots from the heat and season to taste with the salt and pepper. Serve.
Nutrition








Amanda says
This Brown Sugar sugar-glazed candied Carrots was an instant hit with my family. They couldn’t get enough.
Amanda says
I’m in awe of how good these Glazed Carrots are. Will be making it often.
Teri L Bennett says
Can this be made a day ahead and reheated?
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Teri, because this is such a quick and easy recipe we prefer them fresh the day of. But you can make them the day before and reheat them.
Calvin says
Simple and amazing, adds a good touch, much more fun than just plain carrots.
Jess Jankowski says
An easy way to step up your carrot game a notch!
Marisa Fort says
This looks so good! I love carrots this way! Thanks for adding how the kids can help, that is awesome! We love cooking together as a family. ❤️
Jess Jankowski says
So happy to hear you love to cook together as a family! We think it is so important!
Terri Shaw says
These sound and look so good. I can’t wait to make them.
Jess Jankowski says
They are so easy and super cost effective. Let us know how it goes!
Hannah Chase says
This is a great way to enjoy carrots. I would love to make this.
Jess Jankowski says
You will love them! They are so good!
Jessica Formicola says
These carrots are the absolute best! I can’t wait to make them again for Easter!
Jess Jankowski says
We are having them for Easter too! Glad you love them as much as we do.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!
Jess Jankowski says
Love this! Thanks for sharing. So happy it was a hit!