Indulgent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Take your cinnamon rolls to the next level with the irresistible combination of smoky candied bacon, sweet maple, and a touch of bourbon. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for brunch or dessert, blending savory and sweet flavors in perfect harmony. From the soft, pillowy dough to the gooey cinnamon filling and rich frosting, every bite is a luxurious experience.

Ingredients

For the Candied Bacon:

• 1 pound Thick-cut bacon
• ½ cup Brown sugar
• 4 tbsp Maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Bourbon
• 1 tsp Cracked black pepper

For the Dough:

• ¼ cup All-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Water
• 3 ½ cups All-purpose flour (measured properly, see notes)
• ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
• 2 tsp Instant yeast
• ¾ tsp Fine sea salt
• ½ cup Whole milk, room temperature
• 1 large Egg, room temperature
• Tangzhong (prepared from the water and flour above)
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, softened

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅔ cup Light brown sugar
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 cup Candied bacon strips, chopped

For the Bourbon Maple Frosting:

• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup Powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp Maple syrup
• ½–1 tsp Bourbon (to taste)
• ½ cup Candied bacon strips (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Bacon

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper.
3. Coat the bacon slices evenly with the mixture and lay them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until caramelized and crispy. Let cool, then chop into pieces for the filling and frosting.

Step 2: Make the Tangzhong Dough

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together ¼ cup flour and ¾ cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens into a paste. Let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tangzhong, flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix in the milk and egg until a dough forms.
3. Knead in the softened butter until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook).
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
3. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter. Top with the chopped candied bacon.
4. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge, and slice it into 12 even pieces.
5. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Make the Bourbon Maple Frosting

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon, mixing until well combined.
3. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and sprinkle with additional candied bacon pieces.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and indulgent. The rich bourbon-infused frosting, buttery dough, and crispy candied bacon create a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. Serve these rolls warm, and watch them disappear from the table as everyone savors this decadent delight. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!