Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat, combining the perfect blend of sweet and savory. But when you take this classic recipe and elevate it with bourbon maple bacon, the result is something truly extraordinary. The crispy, sweet candied bacon adds a smoky richness to the soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, while the bourbon maple frosting brings a luxurious finish to each bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just want to enjoy an indulgent treat, these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite breakfast or dessert.

The combination of warm cinnamon, gooey maple syrup, and smoky bacon creates a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and exciting. With layers of homemade dough, a decadent cinnamon sugar filling, and an irresistibly creamy bourbon maple frosting, these cinnamon rolls are far from your standard recipe. Perfectly soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy, caramelized bacon topping, this is a cinnamon roll recipe that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Savory Meets Sweet

The combination of candied bacon and bourbon maple frosting adds an unexpected savory-sweet twist that enhances the traditional cinnamon roll flavor. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the rich maple and cinnamon filling.

2. Decadent and Flavorful Frosting

The bourbon maple frosting takes these rolls to the next level. Its smooth, creamy texture combined with a hint of bourbon makes for a luxurious topping that perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls.

3. Fluffy, Homemade Dough

The dough is soft, light, and buttery, offering the perfect texture to complement the cinnamon sugar filling. The addition of Tangzhong ensures a moist, airy roll that’s tender and just melts in your mouth.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for any celebration, from a holiday breakfast to a weekend brunch or even a special dessert. Their indulgent flavors make them ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself.

5. Made from Scratch

From the dough to the filling and frosting, everything is made from scratch, ensuring the freshest flavors and a hands-on baking experience. You’ll love the satisfaction of creating this showstopper from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Candied Bacon:

• Thick-cut bacon
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Bourbon
• Cracked black pepper

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Additional all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
• Granulated sugar
• Instant yeast
• Fine sea salt
• Whole milk (room temperature)
• Large egg (room temperature)
• Tangzhong (from above)
• Unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Light brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Candied bacon strips (from above)

For the Bourbon Maple Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Bourbon
• Candied bacon strips (for topping)

Variations

• Pecan or Walnuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an extra crunchy texture.
• Maple Syrup Only: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon in the frosting and use extra maple syrup for flavor.
• Spiced Maple Bacon: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the candied bacon for an extra kick of heat and smokiness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Bacon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper. Brush the mixture onto the bacon strips, ensuring they are well coated. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow the bacon to cool before chopping it into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of flour to make the Tangzhong. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and Tangzhong. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add the softened butter and continue kneading until fully incorporated. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by creaming together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the chopped candied bacon over the filling. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon, beating until fluffy. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with more chopped candied bacon for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure Proper Dough Rise: Letting the dough rise properly is essential for soft, fluffy rolls. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on to help it rise faster.
• Don’t Overcook the Bacon: The bacon should be crispy but not too dry. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to avoid burning.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too runny, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before spreading it on the rolls.
• Add Extra Maple: For an even stronger maple flavor, you can drizzle a bit more maple syrup over the rolls before serving.

How to Serve

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are best served fresh and warm from the oven, topped with the decadent bourbon maple frosting and a sprinkle of candied bacon. They make an indulgent breakfast, a sweet brunch treat, or a dessert to impress guests. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling them. Place the rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for about 1 hour before baking according to the recipe.

Reheating

To reheat leftover rolls, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

2. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?

While thick-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe, regular bacon can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking it.

3. What can I substitute for bourbon in the frosting?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with more maple syrup or a splash of vanilla extract.

4. Can I use a store-bought dough for these rolls?

For convenience, you can use store-bought dough, but homemade dough yields the best texture and flavor for these rolls.

5. Can I make these rolls without the bourbon?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon from both the frosting and the candied bacon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

6. How do I make the frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it to your desired consistency.

7. Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?

You can use dark brown sugar or even white sugar in the filling, but light brown sugar gives the best flavor and texture.

8. How long will these cinnamon rolls last?

These cinnamon rolls will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.

9. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I make these rolls without frosting?

While the frosting adds a delicious touch, these cinnamon rolls are also amazing on their own without the frosting. You can even drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top if preferred.

Conclusion

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a game-changer in the world of sweet pastries. The combination of warm, buttery dough, spiced cinnamon sugar, and crispy, sweet bacon will have you coming back for more. With a rich bourbon maple frosting on top, these rolls are the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit every time.

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