Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich flavors of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of bourbon, all enveloped in a soft, fluffy cinnamon roll. The addition of candied bacon and a maple cream cheese frosting elevates this treat, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Candied Bacon

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons bourbon

• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Dough

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)

• ¾ cup water (for tangzhong)

• 3½ 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 (from above)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• ⅔ cup light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 cup candied bacon strips (from above)

Bourbon Maple Frosting

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• ½–1 teaspoon bourbon

• ½ cup candied bacon strips (for topping)

Directions

1. Candy the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the uncooked bacon strips on the pan. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper; spread it over the bacon slices. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Remove the pan from the oven and use tongs to transfer the bacon to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. If your bacon is thinner, it may bake quicker. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

2. Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the ¼ cup all-purpose flour and ¾ cup water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is a paste-like slurry. Scrape it into a bowl and set it aside until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixing bowl, combine the 3½ cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt. Add the ½ cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and the tangzhong. Knead on low speed with the dough hook for 2 minutes until it forms a rough dough ball.

4. Incorporate the Butter: With the mixer running on low, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, letting it fully incorporate before adding more. Then, continue kneading for another 8–10 minutes or until the dough looks smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise: Remove the dough from the bowl and pull the sides into the bottom to create a smooth round ball. Place it seam-side down back into the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rest for 30 minutes.

6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rests, make the filling. In a stand mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup unsalted butter, ⅔ cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 cup candied bacon strips until smooth.

7. Assemble the Rolls: Roll the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface into a 15×21-inch rectangle, with the longest side closest to you. Spread the bacon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border clean at the top.

8. Roll and Slice: Starting from the bottom edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

9. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.

10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

11. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 ounces cream cheese until smooth. Add the ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½–1 teaspoon bourbon. Beat until well combined and smooth.

12. Finish the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spread the maple frosting over the warm rolls and top with additional candied bacon strips. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 500 kcal

• Protein: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Fat: 25g

• Sodium: 600mg

• Sugar: 35g