Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet & Savory Delight

If you’re someone who loves sweet and savory flavors combined in a single dish, then Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect recipe for you. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and crunchy candied bacon, all topped off with a decadent bourbon maple frosting. These cinnamon rolls are a luxurious treat for breakfast or brunch, with the smoky richness of bacon, the warmth of cinnamon, and the sweet indulgence of maple syrup and bourbon.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the best Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, using ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips and tricks to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time. So, let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is destined to be your new favorite!

Ingredients for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe calls for several ingredients that come together to create a sweet and savory masterpiece. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls:

Candied Bacon

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon is key to ensuring the bacon has a satisfying texture and doesn’t overcook during baking.

  • ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness that balances out the salty bacon.

  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup: Brings in the perfect maple flavor for a truly indulgent treat.

  • 2 tablespoons bourbon: Adds a hint of smokiness and depth to the candied bacon.

  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper: A pinch of black pepper enhances the flavors with a bit of spice.

Dough

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to make the Tangzhong, a technique that helps create a soft, fluffy texture in the dough.

  • ¾ cup water: The liquid that helps activate the Tangzhong.

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough, creating a light, airy texture.

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.

  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast: A key ingredient for the dough to rise and become fluffy.

  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the dough’s flavor.

  • ½ cup whole milk, room temperature: Adds richness to the dough.

  • 1 large egg, room temperature: Provides structure and moisture for the dough.

  • Tangzhong (from above): This paste helps create a softer dough.

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the dough.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Softened butter ensures it spreads easily on the dough.

  • ⅔ cup light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness to the filling.

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The spice that defines the flavor of cinnamon rolls.

  • 1 cup candied bacon strips: The star of the show! The candied bacon brings a savory-sweet flavor to the rolls.

Bourbon Maple Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds a rich, smooth base for the frosting.

  • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese gives the frosting a tangy sweetness.

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without adding any graininess.

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup: For that extra maple flavor that complements the bacon and cinnamon rolls.

  • ½ – 1 teaspoon bourbon: Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of warmth.

  • ½ cup candied bacon strips, for the tops: Garnish the rolls with more candied bacon for that final savory touch.

How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls is an enjoyable process, but it does require patience. The result is completely worth it – soft, sticky, and flavor-packed cinnamon rolls. Follow these steps to get perfect results every time!

Step 1: Make Candied Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the thick-cut bacon on the sheet in a single layer. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper. Brush this mixture over the bacon slices. Bake the bacon in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s crisp and caramelized. Let it cool before chopping it into strips for the cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

While the bacon is cooling, make the Tangzhong. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup flour and ¾ cup water to form a smooth paste. Place it in a saucepan over medium heat and cook while stirring until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, fine sea salt, whole milk, and the room temperature egg. Add the Tangzhong mixture to the bowl and stir until a dough begins to form. Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle the dough with brown sugar, cinnamon, and the chopped candied bacon. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long edges. Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). After the second rise, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the rolls bake, prepare the Bourbon Maple Frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be thick but spreadable. Adjust the bourbon to your liking, depending on how pronounced you want the flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the bourbon maple frosting over the top. Garnish the rolls with more candied bacon strips for that extra savory touch. Serve these indulgent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet & Savory Delight

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use Fresh Yeast

Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If your yeast isn’t fresh, your dough may not rise properly, resulting in dense rolls.

2. Patience with the Dough

Allow the dough enough time to rise. If the dough doesn’t rise enough, the rolls may not be as soft and fluffy as they should be.

3. Adjust the Bourbon Flavor

Feel free to adjust the amount of bourbon in the frosting to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, use the full teaspoon, or just a touch for a more subtle taste.

4. Make Ahead

You can make the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls the night before. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes for an easy and stress-free breakfast!

Nutritional Information

Each Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll contains approximately 350-400 calories. While these are indulgent, they’re perfect for a special occasion or a treat to share with friends and family. With the combination of bacon, bourbon, and maple, each bite delivers a unique flavor experience.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love bacon and savory-sweet combinations, be sure to try these delicious recipes:

FAQs for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

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

Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them overnight. Let them rise for 30 minutes the next morning before baking for an easy and stress-free breakfast.

2. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar or maple syrup to your taste. Adjusting the bourbon level also helps balance the sweetness.

3. Can I substitute the bourbon in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

4. How do I store leftover Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls?

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory, with a soft, fluffy texture and a touch of luxury from the bourbon maple frosting. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast or a brunch gathering, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress. Follow the step-by-step instructions for a perfect result, and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of this amazing treat.

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Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet & Savory Delight

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet & Savory Delight


  • Author: Time of Recipes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring crispy bacon, a rich bourbon-maple flavor, and a smooth, creamy frosting. Ideal for any breakfast, brunch, or holiday treat, these rolls will impress anyone with their delightful aroma and irresistible taste.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons bourbon

  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup water

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast

  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • Tangzhong (flour and water mixture)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

  • ⅔ cup light brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • 1 cup candied bacon strips (from above)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • ½1 teaspoon bourbon

  • ½ cup candied bacon strips, for topping


Instructions

  1. Make Candied Bacon:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bacon strips on the sheet. Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper, then brush over the bacon. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool and chop into strips.

  2. Prepare Dough:
    In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water to create tangzhong. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, milk, egg, and tangzhong. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

  3. Roll & Fill Dough:
    Punch down dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and candied bacon. Roll tightly and cut into 12 pieces.

  4. Bake Rolls:
    Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

  5. Make Frosting:
    Beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon until smooth.

  6. Assemble Rolls:
    Drizzle frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and top with more candied bacon. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a stronger bourbon flavor, increase the amount of bourbon in the frosting.

  • To make ahead, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight. Let rise for 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

  • These rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, Maple Cinnamon Rolls, Bourbon Cinnamon Rolls, Holiday Breakfast Treats, Savory Sweet Rolls