Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

I still remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of mixing bacon with something sweet. It was during a lazy Sunday brunch, and someone brought over these gooey Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and a warm drizzle of maple syrup. I was skeptical at first—bacon in a dessert? But one bite was all it took. That salty-sweet combination was magic. Ever since, this maple bacon cinnamon roll recipe has become a go-to comfort treat in my kitchen.

This recipe is tailor-made for beginners. There’s no complicated yeast science here—just simple steps, straightforward ingredients, and enough indulgence to make it feel like you’re baking like a pro. Plus, with bacon’s protein and the recipe’s balanced sweetness, you get a dish that’s rich but not overwhelming.

Why This Recipe is Special

• Combines classic breakfast flavors: bacon, maple syrup, and cinnamon rolls.
• Uses store-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
• Offers an ideal balance of salty and sweet for crowd-pleasing appeal.
• Beginner-friendly method with no intimidating techniques.
• A fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls that sparks curiosity and compliments.
• Great for brunch, special occasions, or even a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Bacon: Brings smoky, salty depth to contrast the sweet dough and glaze. Use crispy, thick-cut bacon for the best texture.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives it structure. Can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Yeast: Activates the dough and gives it rise. You can use instant or active dry yeast.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel flavor to the filling. Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative.
• Cinnamon: Classic spice for warmth and depth; don’t skip it.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Milk: Makes the dough soft and tender. Use whole milk for richness, or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: Creates a luscious, buttery texture in the dough and filling. Use unsalted for better control over salt levels.
• Maple syrup: Key for that iconic maple flavor in the glaze. Honey or agave can be used, but maple is ideal.
• Powdered sugar: Used for a smooth, sweet glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then chop it into small pieces. Set aside—you’ll be adding it both to the filling and on top later.

Step 2 Warm the milk until just slightly warm (not hot), and mix it with the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, which means the yeast is activated.

Step 3 In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Add in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or using a mixer for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic.

Step 4 Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This is when the magic of yeast works.

Step 5 Once risen, roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle with a generous layer of brown sugar and cinnamon. Add some of the chopped bacon over the filling.

Step 6 Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7 Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too fast, loosely cover with foil.

Step 8 While they bake, whisk together maple syrup and powdered sugar to make a glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon over the glaze.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
• To avoid overcooking the bacon, remove it from the pan just before it looks fully crisp—it’ll finish crisping as it cools.
• Make your glaze thinner or thicker by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar.
• You can prep the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temp before baking.
• Don’t rush the rise—this step ensures fluffy, soft rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these rolls with scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad for a complete brunch.
• A strong black coffee or espresso perfectly balances the sweet-savory bite.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds to bring back the gooey softness.

Conclusion

There’s something so joyful about pulling a warm, sticky cinnamon roll from the oven—especially when you’ve made it from scratch. Add bacon and maple to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe that’s downright irresistible. If you’ve been intimidated by baking, let this be your first success. Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments. We’re all learning together, one delicious bite at a time.

FAQ About Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

More Relevant Recipes

• Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
• Smoked Gouda Bacon Dip

Print