Indulge in these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, where fluffy dough meets smoky bacon, sweet maple glaze, and a hint of bourbon for a grown-up twist on a classic breakfast treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want a decadent weekend bake, these rolls deliver bold flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- ½ cup (110 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- ½ cup (100 g) cooked bacon, crumbled
Maple Bourbon Glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- 2 tbsp milk (add more if needed for consistency)
Directions
Make the dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon. Set aside.
Roll, fill, and shape
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch (30×45 cm) rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the glaze
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and milk until smooth.
Glaze and serve
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze generously on top.
Notes
- Bourbon substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon in the filling and glaze with vanilla extract.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning. Just store them covered in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls bring together sweet, savory, and spiced flavors in every bite. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a special weekend breakfast, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!