Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of savory and sweet, offering a satisfying contrast that’s impossible to resist. With crispy bacon, a buttery cinnamon filling, and a maple bourbon glaze, these rolls deliver an indulgent breakfast experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or looking for a fun dessert, these rolls will be a hit every time. Plus, they’re made from scratch, so you can enjoy fresh, warm rolls that are far superior to anything you’d find in a store.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Candied Bacon

1 pound thick-cut bacon

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons bourbon

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Dough

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup water

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons instant yeast

3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

1 large egg, room temperature

Tangzhong (from above)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup light brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup candied bacon strips

Bourbon Maple Frosting

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

2 oz cream cheese, room temperature

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 -1 teaspoon bourbon

1/2 cup candied bacon strips (for topping)

Directions

Make the Candied Bacon: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the uncooked bacon strips on the pan. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the bacon slices and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until crispy. Let it cool on a wire rack. Chop a few pieces into strips for topping and crumble the rest for the filling.

Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a saucepan, whisk together water and 1/4 cup flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it forms a thick slurry (about 4-5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In a stand mixer, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add egg, milk, and the tangzhong. Mix until a rough dough forms. Add butter gradually, kneading on low until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a buttered bowl for about 1 hour.

Assemble the Rolls: Roll the dough into a 15×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Sprinkle crumbled candied bacon over the filling. Slice the dough into 12 strips and roll them tightly. Place in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Let them rise for an additional hour.

Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Bake the rolls for 24-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool on a wire rack.

Make the Frosting: In a bowl, combine butter and cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon. Adjust the amount of bourbon to taste. Spread the frosting over warm rolls and top with reserved bacon strips. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 3 hours

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Add nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling the dough.

Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon entirely and use a combination of caramelized onions and smoked cheese for a savory twist.

Different frostings: Try using a cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze if you want a less rich option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for about 30 seconds. You can also freeze the rolls before baking and bake them straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular bacon, but thick-cut bacon will provide a better texture and flavor for candied bacon.

2. How do I make sure the dough doesn’t stick when rolling it out?

Make sure to flour your surface and rolling pin well. You can also place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to help with rolling.

3. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

While homemade dough provides the best texture and flavor, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time.

4. How strong will the bourbon flavor be in the rolls?

The bourbon flavor is subtle in the frosting but definitely noticeable. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of bourbon in the frosting.

5. Can I make the candied bacon in advance?

Yes, you can make the candied bacon a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

6. Is it possible to make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

7. Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, once baked, you can freeze the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

8. Can I skip the maple syrup in the frosting?

You can skip the maple syrup, but it will affect the flavor profile. You can substitute it with honey or another syrup for a different taste.

9. Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture, though it may affect the final result.

10. What can I use instead of bourbon in the frosting?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with a small amount of vanilla extract or rum for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a decadent dessert, the combination of sweet maple syrup, savory bacon, and rich frosting will leave everyone asking for more. With a little time and love, you can create a delicious and memorable experience.

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