Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulging in Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls is like taking a sweet, savory journey for your taste buds. These delectable rolls feature a warm, buttery dough filled with a rich mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and crispy bacon, all drizzled with a bourbon-infused maple glaze. The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as these rolls bake is enough to make anyone eager for breakfast or brunch. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures—fluffy on the inside and delightfully crisp on the outside. Once you try them, you’ll have trouble restricting them to just special occasions!

Ingredients

450 g smoked bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls.
110 g light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and depth to the bacon caramelization.
60 ml pure maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of the bacon.
30 ml bourbon whiskey: Infuses a warm, complex flavor that complements the sweetness.
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
30 g all-purpose flour: Used to make a tangzhong that keeps the dough moist and fluffy.
180 ml water: Helps in creating the tangzhong.
440 g all-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dough, providing structure.
67 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough for a delightful taste.
2 tsp instant yeast: Helps the dough rise for soft, pillowy rolls.
0.75 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
120 ml whole milk, room temperature: Adds richness to the dough.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients and enriches the dough.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Contributes to the dough’s tenderness.
113 g unsalted butter, room temperature: Used for the filling for rich flavor.
135 g light brown sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides the classic cinnamon flavor beloved in rolls.
1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved: Enhances the filling with a sweet bacon crunch.
56 g unsalted butter, room temperature: For the frosting, creating a creamy consistency.
57 g cream cheese, room temperature: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting.
95 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to balance the savory elements.
2.5–5 ml bourbon whiskey: Adjust to taste for the frosting’s bourbon flavor.
30 ml pure maple syrup: Enriches the frosting with a sweet maple flavor.
0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved: For garnishing the rolls, adding a crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices on the prepared tray.
Create the Caramel Glaze: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper. Evenly spread the mixture over the bacon. Bake on the center rack for 30–40 minutes or until the bacon is richly caramelized and crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer the strips to a wire rack to cool fully. Reserve 0.5 cup of strips for finishing and chop the remaining bacon into fine crumbs.
Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 30 g all-purpose flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4–5 minutes until a thick slurry forms. Transfer the tangzhong to a bowl and allow it to cool.
Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining 440 g all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, milk, and the cooled tangzhong. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes until a cohesive dough forms.
Knead the Dough: With the mixer running, add the softened butter in 0.5-tablespoon increments, letting each piece integrate before adding the next. Continue kneading the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, sticking only to the bottom of the bowl. Adjust with flour or milk if necessary for optimal texture.
First Rise: Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 38 x 46 cm, with the long side closest to you.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the filling over the dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border along the top edge. Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon evenly over the cinnamon sugar filling.
Slice and Shape: Slice the dough into twelve 4 cm wide strips using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip away from you and arrange them in a parchment-lined 23 x 33 cm pan.
Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof for 1 hour at room temperature until nearly doubled in volume. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 162°C.
Bake: Bake the rolls on the center rack for 24–30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let them cool in the pan set over a wire rack.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, blend the room temperature butter and cream cheese until creamy. Incorporate the powdered sugar, then whisk in the maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon to taste for desired flavor intensity.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the lukewarm rolls. Garnish with reserved candied bacon strips and serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 410 calories per roll

Tips, Storage & Variations

Bacon Options: Use your favorite type of bacon for different flavor profiles—Maple bacon can enhance the sweet elements.
Storage: Keep leftover rolls covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In the fridge, they will last for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. When ready, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise at room temperature before baking.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding nuts like pecans for a crunchy texture or using pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist!

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FAQ Section

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
You can add more or less powdered sugar to reach your desired sweetness level.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute it with additional maple syrup for sweetness.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use store-bought dough to save time, but the flavor will be different.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?
Yes, you could potentially use plant-based substitutes for the butter, milk, and egg to create a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re treating yourself on the weekend or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe delivers an unforgettable experience. For more unique variations, check out the delicious recipe on Cambrea Bakes or try the scrumptious Bourbon-Maple Bacon Sticky Buns from Crumb. Don’t hesitate to share your baking journey and the joy these rolls bring!

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls