Apricot Glazed Carrots

These Apricot Glazed Carrots are an easy way to dress up a simple vegetable side without adding a lot of extra work. Carrots are cooked until tender, then finished with a buttery apricot glaze and a touch of cinnamon for just the right balance of sweet and savory. Make them in the slow cooker when you need to free up oven space, or use the oven method when you want them on the table faster. They’re especially handy for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter when every burner—and every inch of the oven—seems to be spoken for.

• Serves: 8
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 3½-4 hours on high

🌈 Rainbow carrots give this side dish its mix of colors, but regular orange carrots or baby carrots work just as well. The apricot preserves do most of the heavy lifting in the glaze, adding sweetness and fruity flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.

🥕 Why You’ll Love These Apricot Glazed Carrots

• Two ways to make them: Use the slow cooker or oven depending on what else you’re cooking.
• Simple ingredients: The glaze comes together with apricot preserves, butter, cinnamon and a few pantry staples.
• Great for holidays: The slow cooker method keeps valuable oven space free.
• Easy to prep: You’ll need only about 8 minutes of hands-on prep.
• Pretty on the table: Rainbow carrots make this simple side dish feel a little more special.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step 1: Make the apricot glaze.
In a saucepan, combine ⅓ cup butter, water, cinnamon, salt and ⅓ cup apricot preserves. Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Reserve the remaining butter and apricot preserves for finishing.

Step 2: Slow cook the carrots.
Place the carrots in the slow cooker and pour the apricot butter mixture over the top. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½–4 hours, or until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Finish with more glaze.
Melt the remaining apricot preserves and butter together until smooth and glossy. Pour the glaze over the carrots just before serving and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Prefer the Oven? Here’s How

Then keep the directions essentially as they are. Your oven method takes roughly 30–35 minutes at 425°F, depending on the thickness of the carrots. 

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions & Swaps

• Regular carrots work too: Rainbow carrots make a beautiful presentation, but regular orange carrots taste just as good.
• Grab baby carrots: Want to skip the peeling and chopping? Baby carrots are an easy shortcut.
• Watch the size: If you’re using larger carrots, cut them into similar-size pieces so they cook evenly.
• Adjust the cooking time: Carrot thickness can affect how quickly they become tender, especially with the oven method.
• Don’t skip the finishing glaze: That last little bit of melted butter and apricot preserves gives the carrots their glossy finish and another boost of flavor.
• Add a little freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley helps balance the sweetness and adds color before serving.

🥕 Before You Go …

Planning the rest of dinner? Pair these Apricot Glazed Carrots with our Fluffy Mashed Potatoes for a classic holiday spread, or try our Lemon Oregano Roasted Potatoes when you want another easy vegetable side with plenty of flavor.

And save these carrots for the holidays—the slow cooker option is especially nice when your oven already has a waiting list. 😉