Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

by
Freshly baked Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls drizzled with glaze

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a mouthwatering twist on a classic treat. The combination of sweet, salty, and slightly smoky flavors makes these rolls irresistible. Imagine biting into soft, warm cinnamon rolls with bits of crispy bacon and a fragrant bourbon maple glaze dripping on top. It’s the perfect dish to impress your friends and family or to indulge in a lazy weekend morning.

Not only are these rolls delicious, but they are also unique. Adding bourbon and maple syrup not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish feel special. This recipe is great for brunch, holidays, or whenever you want to enjoy something comforting and homemade. The warmth from the cinnamon pairs beautifully with the crunch of bacon, and the sweetness of the maple syrup rounds it all out perfectly.

HOW TO MAKE Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

1 lb bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    This helps ensure that your rolls bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

  2. For the candied bacon, cook the bacon until crispy.
    You can do this in a frying pan over medium heat. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels to get rid of excess grease.

  3. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper.
    Mix well until all the ingredients blend together smoothly. This will be the glaze for your bacon.

  4. Coat the bacon with this mixture and bake until caramelized.
    Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake it for about 10-15 minutes until the sugar has melted and the bacon is sticky and caramelized.

  5. For the dough, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and water in a bowl.
    Stir these together until just combined. This step starts to form the dough for your rolls.

  6. Gradually mix in the remaining flour and sugar until a dough forms.
    You want the dough to come together without being too sticky. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.

  7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
    Use a rolling pin to help shape your dough. Aim for a rectangle that is about ¼ inch thick.

  8. Layer the candied bacon on top.
    Spread the pieces of candied bacon evenly over the rolled-out dough. This will give each roll a delightful burst of flavor.

  9. Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
    Begin at one edge and roll the dough towards the other side. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces.

  10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
    This will allow the rolls to puff up and become nice and fluffy.

  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
    Keep an eye on them—an oven thermometer can ensure your rolls are baking at the right temperature.

  12. Serve warm and enjoy!
    These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with the gooey bacon and drizzle of maple lifting your spirits instantly.

HOW TO SERVE Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience. For a more rustic touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle extra maple syrup on top just before serving. A side of fresh fruit, like berries, can add a refreshing contrast.

If you want to make breakfast special, consider pairing them with coffee or a warm beverage, like spiced cider. Enjoying them warm, straight from the oven, allows you to fully appreciate all the delightful textures and flavors.

HOW TO STORE Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

To store any leftover rolls, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze them. Simply place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds for a quicker option.

TIPS TO MAKE Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. Thicker slices hold up better during the cooking process and add a heartier bite to your rolls.

  2. Don’t rush the dough. Take your time kneading it well. This helps the gluten develop, giving you soft and fluffy rolls.

  3. Let the dough rise in a warm place. Yeast loves warmth, so putting your dough in a slightly warm room or even in an oven turned off but still warm can help it rise better.

  4. Experiment with spice. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the bacon glaze for a little kick.

  5. Make ahead! You can prepare the rolls and put them in the refrigerator overnight before baking them. Just let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

VARIATIONS

There are several ways to mix this recipe up! Here are a few ideas:

  • Maple Pecan Variation: Substitute some of the bacon for chopped pecans mixed with the maple glaze.

  • Chocolate Chip Addition: Sprinkle some chocolate chips into the dough before rolling it up. This adds another layer of sweetness and texture.

  • Savory Spices: Add in other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to your dough to give your cinnamon rolls a unique twist.

  • Fruit Twist: Try adding diced apples or poached pears inside the rolls for a fruity flavor that complements the savory bacon.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Just let them rise in a warm spot in the morning before baking.

2. What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace bourbon with extra maple syrup or a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness.

3. How do I know when the rolls are done?
They should be golden brown on the top and bounce back slightly when lightly pressed. You can also use a toothpick in the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean.