🥓🍁 Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls – Decadent Breakfast Delight

Imagine the warmth of fluffy cinnamon rolls, the sweetness of maple syrup, the smokiness of candied bacon, and the kick of bourbon glaze—all rolled into one indulgent pastry. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are not just breakfast; they’re a full-blown flavor experience. Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any time you want to impress family and friends, these rolls bring together sweet, salty, and boozy in the best way possible. 😋✨

📋 Ingredients

For the Candied Bacon

• 1 lb bacon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

For the Dough

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup butter, softened

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup chopped candied bacon

For the Bourbon Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Candied Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack.
2. Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Lay bacon strips on the rack, brush with the mixture, and bake for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
4. Cool and chop into small pieces for the filling and garnish.

2. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup flour, warm water, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine remaining flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes). Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

3. Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Spread softened butter over dough, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then top with chopped candied bacon.
3. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 even pieces.
4. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

5. Make the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cream until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and garnish with extra candied bacon. 🤤

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Expert Tips

• Gordon Ramsay: “Use real maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor—it makes all the difference.”
• Bobby Flay: “Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for the perfect sweet-savory balance.”
• Ina Garten: “For a softer roll, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.”
• Ree Drummond: “Make the dough the night before and refrigerate—it makes mornings so much easier!”

💡 Health Tips

• Use turkey bacon or center-cut bacon to reduce fat.
• Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Limit bourbon in the glaze if serving to kids—replace with more maple syrup.
• Enjoy in moderation—these rolls are rich and indulgent!

🥦 Nutrition Information (per roll, approx.)

🔗 Related Recipes

• Creative Cinnamon Roll Variations
• Maple Bacon Recipes to Try
• Holiday Brunch Ideas That Impress

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without bourbon?

Yes! Replace bourbon with extra maple syrup or vanilla extract.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes—prepare the dough, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.

3. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, freeze unbaked rolls and bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.

4. How do I keep the rolls soft?

Brush with melted butter before baking and cover loosely while cooling.

5. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, refrigerated crescent or pizza dough works for a quick version.

6. Will the alcohol cook out?

Yes, most alcohol evaporates during baking and glaze setting, leaving flavor behind.

7. Can I add nuts?

Yes—pecans or walnuts pair beautifully with maple and bacon.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.

9. How do I reheat cinnamon rolls?

Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

10. Can I make them extra gooey?

Yes—add extra butter and sugar to the filling for a stickier, caramel-like swirl.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate upgrade to a breakfast classic. With smoky candied bacon, rich bourbon glaze, and warm cinnamon swirls, every bite is indulgent and unforgettable. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or treating yourself, these rolls strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory. 🥓🍁🍩