Brown Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots are a simple, flavorful side featuring tender baby carrots coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze.

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish? Brown sugar glazed baby carrots are sweet, slightly caramelized, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. They pair beautifully with roast beef, chicken, meatloaf, or pot roast, and offer a bright, comforting contrast to richer main dishes.
How to Make Glazed Carrots
Below is a concise overview of the method. For exact measurements and full details, see the recipe card further down the page.
- Cook the carrots. Place baby carrots in a saucepan and add just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender.
- Drain. Drain the carrots and return them to the pan.
- Create the glaze. Add butter, brown sugar, and salt to the pan. Warm over low heat for a few minutes, stirring to combine the butter and brown sugar into a glossy glaze.
- Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with a pinch of dried thyme or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Using Fresh Carrots
Baby carrots come pre-washed and peeled, which saves prep time and helps them cook evenly since they’re similar in size. If you prefer whole carrots, wash, peel, and slice them into uniform pieces so they finish at the same time. Cooking time will vary with size—carrots are done when easily pierced with a fork.
Recipe Tip
This recipe serves four as a side and scales easily—double or triple quantities when serving a larger group or to ensure leftovers.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
Serve glazed carrots warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for color and brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to restore the glaze.
Slow Cooker Option
You can make these in a slow cooker: combine carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or until tender, then stir to coat the carrots in the glaze before serving.

Other Vegetable Side Dishes
Vegetables can be vibrant and full of flavor. Try other easy side dishes to add variety to your meals.
- Grilled Asparagus Salad
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Maple and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
If you make these brown sugar glazed baby carrots, I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Brown Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- Enough water to cover carrots
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Add one pound of baby carrots to a saucepan.
- Pour in enough water to just cover the carrots.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain the carrots and return them to the pan. Add butter, brown sugar, and salt. Warm over low heat for a few minutes, stirring until the butter and sugar form a glossy glaze.
- Season with an additional ½ teaspoon salt if needed and a pinch of dried thyme, if using. Serve warm.
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