Imagine sinking your fork into a pillowy-soft swirl, layered with brown sugar cinnamon goodness, flecked with smoky-sweet candied bacon, and glazed with a luscious bourbon-maple frosting. Welcome to the world of Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, where breakfast meets dessert in the most irresistible way. This recipe turns the classic roll on its head with the genius addition of candied bacon and a cheeky splash of bourbon. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just want to treat yourself (and maybe impress your friends), these are guaranteed to be a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls lies in their combination of pantry basics and a few show-stopping ingredients. Each one plays an important part, contributing to the ultra-tender dough, rich filling, and unforgettable flavor that sets these rolls apart from all the rest.

Thick-cut bacon: Opt for thick slices so they hold up to candying and add great bite to the rolls.
Brown sugar: Sweetens both the candied bacon and the cinnamon filling, providing notes of caramel and depth.
Maple syrup: Adds classic breakfast sweetness and a beautiful aroma—don’t skimp on quality here!
Bourbon: A splash lends subtle warmth and complexity that turns the glaze into something out of this world.
Cracked black pepper: Gives the bacon a little attitude, offsetting the sweetness and enhancing the savoriness.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our pillowy rolls and tangzhong slurry—be sure to measure carefully for tender dough.
Water: Helps set up the tangzhong, giving you those soft, bakery-style rolls.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough itself for balance.
Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully—no need to activate, just mix right in!
Fine sea salt: Boosts all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Whole milk (room temperature): Enriches the dough for tenderness and flavor; cold milk will slow yeast activity.
Large egg (room temperature): Adds richness to the dough for a soft, supple crumb.
Tangzhong from above: This cooked flour paste is your secret weapon for ultra-fluffy rolls—don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter (softened/room temperature): Adds silkiness and flavor throughout the dough and fillings.
Light brown sugar: Ensures your cinnamon swirl is gooey and caramelized as it bakes.
Cinnamon: For essential warmth and the cozy, signature aroma of any cinnamon roll.
Candied bacon strips: The star of the show—sprinkle generously inside and on top for maximum smoky-sweet crunch.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Adds tanginess and lushness to the glaze, pairing with sweet and smoky flavors.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.

How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon

Let’s kick things off by transforming bacon into pure gold. Preheat your oven and lay those thick-cut slices on a lined baking tray. Whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, a hint of bourbon, plus cracked black pepper, and generously coat each strip. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma—watch them closely so they crisp up without burning. Once cooled, set aside some strips for topping and crumble the rest for the filling. Try not to eat it all before it meets the dough!

Step 2: Prepare the Tangzhong

Tangzhong may sound fancy, but it’s simply a paste made by cooking flour and water. This step is the secret to that amazing soft and fluffy cinnamon roll texture. In a small saucepan, whisk flour and water until smooth, then cook for a few minutes until it forms a thick paste. Set it aside; you’ll add this to your dough for a bakery-quality bite every single time.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the room-temperature egg, whole milk, and tangzhong, and mix until a rough dough forms. While the mixer runs on low, gradually incorporate softened butter for a luxe, tender result. Knead for several more minutes—this is where the dough gets its signature stretchiness for a soft, pillowy roll.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and settle it in a buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a cozy, warm spot until doubled in size (about an hour). This is that thrilling moment of anticipation, watching your handiwork start to come alive!

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle—it’s your blank canvas. Spread a rich cinnamon-brown sugar filling all over, leaving a border for neat rolling. Generously scatter your crumbled candied bacon across the surface, then slice the dough into strips. Roll each one up tightly to make gorgeous swirls, and nestle them in a parchment-lined pan.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the pan for one more rise. This stage is where each roll puffs up luxuriously, ready to bake into golden perfection. Pop them in the oven until the tops are gently bronzed and your kitchen smells like a dream. Let them cool slightly while you prep the glaze—you’re nearly there!

Step 7: Make the Bourbon Maple Glaze and Finish

Whip together butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar for a silky base, then add that splash of maple syrup and just the right kick of bourbon. The result? A sweet, glossy glaze with a whisper of warmth. Swoosh it over your still-warm Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and top with bacon strips for the ultimate treat.

How to Serve Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of candied bacon strips makes these rolls pop, both in flavor and visual appeal. You could also try a light dusting of cinnamon or a delicate drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of luxury. The contrast of the crispy bacon against the rich, gooey glaze is unbeatable!

Side Dishes

For a brunch spread, pair your Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit salads or a bowl of juicy berries—the tartness plays beautifully against the rolls’ sweetness. Black coffee or bold cold brew will help balance the richness, while a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Show them off on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand for instant wow factor. If you’re hosting a party, try cutting the rolls smaller and arrange them on a platter with cocktail picks for sweet-and-savory bites. For something extra special, pack them into a bakery-style box with parchment and ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any extra Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the refrigerator, but make sure they’re well-sealed so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these rolls, either before or after baking. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then tuck them into a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and they’ll come out tasting just as incredible as fresh (especially with a quick warm-up!).

Reheating

To revive your rolls, warm them gently in a 300 F (150 C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that precious gooey center. Add a little fresh glaze or extra bacon on top for a “just-baked” finish.

FAQs

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

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking as usual. This makes brunch (or any morning) a breeze!

Do I have to use bourbon in the recipe?

Bourbon adds a unique aroma and subtle warmth, but if you prefer, you can simply leave it out or substitute with a little vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast—just dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy before proceeding with the dough. The rise may take a little longer, but the result will be just as delicious.

Can I use store-bought candied bacon?

Homemade candied bacon tastes best and lets you control the sweetness and spice, but in a pinch, high-quality store-bought will work. You might want to add more cracked pepper for extra zing.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

Density is usually due to under-kneading, expired yeast, or using cold ingredients. For the softest rolls, follow the kneading times, check your yeast freshness, and ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature before starting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your crowd—or just treat yourself—these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are truly a must-bake. The combination of tender dough, smoky bacon, and that unforgettable bourbon-maple glaze is nothing short of magical. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make them; every day deserves a little roll-shaped joy!