Prepare the Candied Bacon:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lay the thick-cut bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper.

• Brush the mixture onto the bacon slices.

• Bake the bacon for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.

• Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool. Once cool, chop it into small strips.

Prepare the Dough:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of flour and 3/4 cup water to make the tangzhong. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

• In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong.

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Add softened butter and knead it into the dough until well incorporated.

• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon.

• Mix until smooth and spreadable.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).

• Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the dough.

• Sprinkle chopped candied bacon strips over the filling.

• Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 even pieces.

• Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a damp towel, and let them rise for 30-45 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Bourbon Maple Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon until smooth.

• Once the rolls have finished baking, spread the frosting generously on top while they are still warm.

Top with Candied Bacon:

• Sprinkle the remaining candied bacon strips over the frosting for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.