Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls – Sweet, Salty & Irresistible! 🥃
Picture your dream breakfast: fluffy, buttery cinnamon rolls, smoky, crunchy bacon, drizzled generously with a luscious maple bourbon glaze. Sounds heavenly, right? Trust me, one bite and you’re gonna wonder how you ever lived without these sweet-salty spirals of deliciousness.
Ah yes, Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls—these rolls truly feel like a cozy Sunday morning rolled into one indulgent bite. Whether you’re cooking brunch for your favorite people or just craving something special, this recipe checks every box: sweet ✅, salty ✅, smoky ✅, boozy, grown-up goodness ✅!
So grab a coffee, tie on your apron, and let’s bake! I promise it’s worth every delicious calorie.
A Little Backstory—How These Rolls Became a Brunch Staple 🍽️
I still remember the first time I whipped up these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. It was a chilly fall Sunday, and we decided to host a cozy family brunch. My goal was simple: make something unforgettable. After all, when the leaves turn and sweaters come out, comfort food should be the centerpiece on the menu, right?
I’m a huge fan of sweet-meets-salty dishes (I mean, who isn’t?). But to really ramp things up, I added my secret weapon—bourbon. I took my go-to cinnamon roll dough and candied some thick-cut bacon in a joyful blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon. As soon as they emerged from the oven, our kitchen smelled like happiness itself.
Long story short: those cinnamon rolls barely survived 10 minutes. My family polished them off before the coffee finished brewing! Since then, friends and family alike have nicknamed these pastries “The Legendary Bourbon Bacon Rolls,” and for good reason—they’re addictive in the best possible way.
Ready to make brunch your new favorite meal? Let’s go!
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)
**Candied Bacon:**
– 1 lb thick-cut bacon
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 4 tbsp maple syrup
– 2 tbsp bourbon
– 1 tsp cracked black pepper
**Tangzhong (Flour paste to keep the dough fluffy):**
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup water
**Cinnamon Roll Dough:**
– 3½ cups all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup sugar
– 2 tsp instant yeast
– ¾ tsp fine sea salt
– ½ cup whole milk, room temp
– 1 egg, room temp
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
**Cinnamon Filling:**
– ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
– ⅔ cup light brown sugar
– 2 tsp cinnamon
– 1 cup crumbled candied bacon
**Bourbon Maple Frosting:**
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
– 2 oz cream cheese, room temp
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– ½–1 tsp bourbon (adjust to taste!)
– ½ cup candied bacon (reserved for topping)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Baking Magic: Let’s Do This!
Step 1: Candy the Bacon 🥓
Heat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, lay bacon slices flat. Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and pepper. Spread evenly over bacon.
Bake for 30–40 mins until crispy and caramelized. Cool completely, then chop or crumble. Try not to snack too much—okay, a little chef’s privilege is fine!
Step 2: Prepare the Tangzhong Paste
In a small saucepan, whisk ¼ cup flour with ¾ cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until a thick paste forms (about 2–3 mins). Set aside and cool slightly. This magical paste keeps your dough fluffier, softer, and fresher longer—worth the effort I promise!
Step 3: Mix the Dough 🥖
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add egg, milk, and cooled tangzhong. Mix until dough forms, then gradually add softened butter.
Knead thoroughly (8–10 mins by mixer, longer by hand) until dough is silky and stretchy.
Step 4: Let Dough Rise (First Proof) 🍞
Cover dough bowl tightly and let rise at room temp for about 1 hour (until doubled). Perfect time to grab another coffee or start on your glaze.
Step 5: Assemble & Roll it Up!
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle (15″ x 18″). Mix soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy—spread generously over dough and sprinkle evenly with crumbled candied bacon.
Gently roll dough tightly from the longer side into a neat, spiral log. Slice into 12 pieces.
Place rolls neatly in a thoroughly greased 9″x13″ baking pan.
Step 6: Second Rise: Almost There!
Cover rolls with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Rest for another hour—the rolls will magically grow fuller, fluffier, and more irresistible!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection ✨
Bake rolls at 325°F for 24–30 mins until golden, puffy, and smelling like paradise.
Step 8: Drizzle and Decorate 🍁🥃
While your rolls slightly cool, whip together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon until silky-smooth.
Spread glaze generously over the warm rolls, sprinkle extra candied bacon bits on top, and relish each warm gooey bite.
Serving Suggestions—Enjoy These Rolls Anytime 🍽️
These rolls aren’t just for breakfast—serve after a hearty dinner as a decadent dessert. Pair them with:
– Hot espresso or coffee (my favorite!)
– Vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream (talk about indulgent!)
– A mimosa or bourbon-spiked coffee cocktail to embrace grown-up brunch vibes!
Pro Tips From My Kitchen to Yours 💡
– **Prep ahead:** Candy bacon and prepare dough the night before. Refrigerate overnight, then just rise and bake in the morning!
– **Quality bourbon:** Use a bourbon you’d gladly sip—great ingredients make a difference.
– **Fluffy Texture:** Don’t skip the tangzhong paste. It might seem unusual, but trust me, your rolls will thank you with epic softness.
– **Adjust sweetness:** Feel free to add extra cinnamon or brown sugar to match your tastes.
Nutritional Information 🧠
(Per Roll – Approximate):
– Calories: 420
– Fat: 22g
– Carbs: 48g
– Protein: 9g
– Sugar: 20g
– Sodium: 420mg
(Keep in mind: these are definitely indulgent rolls—worth every delightful calorie!)
🕒 Time Breakdown Recap:
– Prep: 3 hours (including proving time; mostly hands-off)
– Bake: 25 minutes
– Total: 3 hrs 25 mins of pure heavenly smells and flavors!
Share Your Rolls! 📸🥐
Please snap a photo and tag us if you make these luscious Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. I’d love to see your baking creations!
Happy Baking, friends! Stay delicious. 🍁🥃😘