Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Indulgence Awaits!

Name: Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 450 g smoked bacon; 110 g light brown sugar; 60 ml pure maple syrup; 30 ml bourbon whiskey; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 30 g all-purpose flour; 180 ml water; 440 g all-purpose flour; 67 g granulated sugar; 2 tsp instant yeast; 0.75 tsp fine sea salt; 120 ml whole milk, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature; 135 g light brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved; 56 g unsalted butter, room temperature; 57 g cream cheese, room temperature; 95 g powdered sugar; 2.5–5 ml bourbon whiskey; 30 ml pure maple syrup; 0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: July 14, 2025

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Introduction to Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Ah, the bliss of enjoying a fresh pastry while sipping your morning coffee! Let me tell you, nothing quite compares to the warm, decadent embrace of Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Isn’t it comforting to have a recipe that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful treat for yourself? Whether you’re in need of a quick indulgence on a busy day or are planning to impress guests for brunch, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. Each bite layers the sweetness of maple with savory bacon, making them a memorable experience that invites everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Honestly, what’s not to love? These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are an extraordinary blend of flavors that will make your mornings shine. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy moms or anyone scrambling to juggle their day. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is irresistible. It’s not just about taste; it’s about creating sweet memories with loved ones, even on the most hectic days.

Ingredients for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients is like gathering your friends for a cozy dinner party—each one adds its unique flair to the final experience. Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls:

Smoked Bacon: This is the star of the show! It brings a savory crunch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls. Feel free to use thick-cut for extra chewiness.
Light Brown Sugar: Its molasses flavor adds depth. If you’re in a pinch, dark brown sugar can also work.
Pure Maple Syrup: Try to use real maple syrup for that authentic taste. The richer flavor elevates the sweetness, adding a natural touch.
Bourbon Whiskey: This gives a warm and cozy flavor base. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you could swap it for a splash of vanilla extract.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: It adds a surprising yet delightful kick to the sweet combination, enhancing the bacon’s flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the dough, this gives structure and texture. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor if desired.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the other ingredients. It can easily be substituted with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Instant Yeast: This causes the dough to rise beautifully without the need for proofing ahead of time. Active dry yeast can work too, but it will require some extra steps.
Fine Sea Salt: A must for balancing flavors. Avoid coarse salt, as it won’t dissolve as well in the dough.
Whole Milk: Room temperature milk creates a smoother dough. You could use almond milk if you want a dairy-free version.
Large Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together, providing moisture and richness. A flax egg can be a substitute for a vegan option.
Unsalted Butter: Added in both the dough and frosting, it lends that rich flavor we all crave. If you’re watching saturated fats, try using a butter alternative.
Cinnamon: This is what gives these rolls their comforting aroma. You can experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting, it adds a tangy richness. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting perfectly. If you need a sugar-free option, you can use powdered erythritol.
Candied Bacon: This is used for both crumb topping and garnishing. You can easily make candied bacon ahead and enjoy it in other dishes too!

Curious about specific measurements? Don’t worry! You can find the detailed quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, along with a handy print option.

How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Ready to embark on the delicious journey of creating Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls? Let’s dive into each step together! This is where the magic happens. As you follow these steps, just remember to have a little fun—don’t be afraid to get your hands a bit sticky!

Step 1: Prepping the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Next, lay out your slices of smoked bacon on the tray, making sure they’re not overlapping. This is going to be the star of our indulgent rolls!

Step 2: Making the Bourbon Maple Mixture

In a bowl, combine light brown sugar, pure maple syrup, bourbon, and freshly cracked black pepper. The mixture should feel sticky, almost like a sweet hug for the bacon.

This blend is what makes the bacon caramelized and tasty, so don’t be shy with mixing it well!

Step 3: Baking the Bacon

Spread your bourbon maple mixture evenly over the bacon, coating each strip generously. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. Oh, the aroma that will fill your kitchen—pure heaven!

When the bacon is richly caramelized and crispy, remove it from the oven. Let it sit on a wire rack to cool completely before chopping it into fine crumbs.

Step 4: Preparing the Tang Zhong

In a small saucepan, whisk together water and all-purpose flour until smooth. Bring it to medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a creamy paste—that’s your tang Zhong!

Once it achieves a wallpaper paste-like consistency, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool completely. This will help keep your dough soft.

Step 5: Mixing the Dough

Now it’s time to gather in the stand mixer! Combine remaining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt in the mixer bowl.

Add the cooled tang Zhong, room temperature milk, and the egg. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until it begins to come together.

Step 6: Kneading the Dough

With the mixer running, gradually add the softened butter in small increments. Allow each bit to integrate fully before adding more. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes.

The dough should be smooth and elastic, easily pulling away from the bowl’s sides. If it seems too sticky, you can add a bit more flour—just don’t go overboard!

Step 7: First Rise of the Dough

Form the dough into a nice smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel.

Find a warm spot in your kitchen to let it rise for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size. Maybe put it near the sunny window for a little extra love!

Step 8: Rolling Out the Dough

Once your dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 15 x 18 inches—or about the size of a small yoga mat!

Make sure the dough is about ¼ inch thick; this will help the rolls rise beautifully.

Step 9: Adding the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. It should spread like a creamy dream over the dough.

Using an offset spatula, spread this delicious filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the top edge.

Step 10: Adding the Bacon

Here comes the best part! Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon over your cinnamon sugar filling, spreading it well across the surface.

This step is pure joy and takes the flavor to another level.

Step 11: Cutting and Shaping the Rolls

Using a sharp pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve 1.5-inch wide strips. Roll each strip away from you, tucking it in snugly as you go.

Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined baking pan. This is where you start to see the beauty come together!

Step 12: Second Rise of the Rolls

Cover your pan with plastic wrap and let those rolls proof for another hour at room temperature until they puff up beautifully.

This second rise is essential for soft, fluffy rolls—just think of those airy brioche textures!

Step 13: Baking the Rolls

While the rolls are rising, you can preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Once they’re done rising, bake them in the center of your oven for 24-30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top; that’s when you know they’re ready to come out. Your house will smell divine!

Step 14: Making the Frosting

In a medium bowl, blend softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Next, add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Lastly, whisk in the maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon for that perfect flavor! This frosting is the final touch that every roll needs!

Step 15: Frosting and Serving

Once your rolls have cooled for a few minutes, spread the luscious frosting overhead. It should melt slightly over the warm rolls, creating an inviting glaze.

For the finishing touch, garnish with those reserved bacon strips and serve them up immediately. Believe me, nobody will be able to resist!

Tips for Success

Make sure your ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for better mixing.
Let your bacon caramelize well; it enhances flavor and texture.
When rolling out dough, keep it even for consistent baking.
Be patient during rising times; it makes all the difference in fluffiness.
For extra gooey rolls, store leftovers in an airtight container.

Equipment Needed

Oven: Essential for baking your rolls. Any conventional oven will do.
Baking Sheet: A good-quality sheet for bacon; use a rimmed pan if possible.
Stand Mixer: If you don’t have one, a large bowl and a whisk will work for mixing the dough.
Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out dough. A wine bottle can serve as a great substitute!
Offset Spatula: Helps spread filling smoothly; a butter knife works well in a pinch.

Variations on Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Maple Pecan Variation: Swap out the bacon for chopped pecans for a nutty crunch. Drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Vegan Option: Use almond milk, coconut oil, and a flax egg instead of dairy ingredients. Pot for maple syrup and coconut sugar to keep it plant-based.
Cinnamon Sugar Only: For a simpler roll, skip the bacon and bourbon. Just layer brown sugar and cinnamon for a classic flavor.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist—who doesn’t love chocolate?
Spiced Rum Alternative: Replace bourbon with spiced rum for a different, warm flavor profile—perfect for cozy mornings!

Serving Suggestions for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of seasonal berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Latte: Pair with your favorite coffee or a creamy latte to enhance the indulgence.
Festive Presentation: Arrange rolls on a rustic wooden board, drizzle with extra maple syrup for a beautiful centerpiece.
Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

FAQs about Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before and leave them in the fridge covered. Let them rise in the morning for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can have fresh rolls ready for breakfast with less morning chaos.

What can I substitute for bourbon in the frosting?

If bourbon isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for vanilla extract or even a splash of maple extract. This will still give your frosting a sweet and delightful flavor, keeping it rich and tasty without the alcohol.

How should I store leftover Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, wrap them tightly and place them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for 1-2 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I use different types of bacon?

You sure can! While smoked bacon gives a lovely flavor profile, feel free to use turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon if you’re looking for a healthier or meat-free option. The taste will be different but delightful in its own way!

What is tang Zhong, and why do I need it?

Tang Zhong is a cooked flour-and-water mixture that helps keep your dough soft and moist. It’s a simple way to elevate your rolls and ensure they stay fluffy for days. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are not just a recipe; they’re an experience that brings joy to your kitchen and your heart. Each bite encapsulates sweet nostalgia while inviting you to create new memories with loved ones. Imagine the smiles as you share a warm roll, freshly frosted and topped with crispy bacon, over a cozy breakfast. This recipe has the power to transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Saturday morning, these rolls become the centerpiece of happiness, love, and deliciousness.