If you’re a fan of sweet, savory, and a touch of decadence, these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls will become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the irresistible combination of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and rich bourbon, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cinnamon roll dough. The smoky, salty bacon adds the perfect contrast to the sweet, gooey maple glaze, while the bourbon infuses a deep, aromatic warmth that takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert after a big meal, these rolls will steal the show. The unique twist on a classic favorite makes them an ideal treat for celebrations or casual gatherings alike. If you’re looking for a creative way to spice up your typical cinnamon roll recipe, this combination of flavors is an absolute winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unbeatable Flavor Combination

The pairing of crispy bacon, maple syrup, and bourbon creates a complex, mouthwatering flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.

2. Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

These cinnamon rolls work for any occasion, whether you serve them at breakfast, brunch, or as a show-stopping dessert.

3. Deliciously Gooey

The cinnamon roll dough is soft and fluffy, with a rich, buttery texture that complements the gooey maple-bacon filling and glaze.

4. Easy to Make Ahead

You can prepare these rolls in advance, letting them rise overnight, which makes them perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

5. Customizable to Taste

Feel free to adjust the level of bourbon or maple syrup to match your personal taste, or even add extra spices to the filling for a more complex flavor.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Instant yeast
Milk
Butter
Eggs
Ground cinnamon
Maple syrup
Bacon
Bourbon
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add extra nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, savory twist.
Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) to replace the regular dairy ingredients, and swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture.
Additional Filling: For a richer flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a touch of nutmeg in the filling along with the cinnamon.
No Bourbon?: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or extra maple syrup for a more subtle sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm (about 110°F), then add it to the dry ingredients along with the butter and eggs. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the dough rises, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Chop the bacon into small bits and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about ¼ inch thick.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Add the chopped bacon and drizzle a little bourbon and maple syrup over the filling.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the cinnamon rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffed up.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Prepare the Maple Bourbon Glaze

While the rolls bake, make the glaze by combining maple syrup and bourbon in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 9: Glaze the Rolls

Once the rolls are finished baking, pour the maple bourbon glaze over them while they’re still warm. Allow them to soak in the glaze for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Knead Well: Properly kneading the dough ensures the rolls come out soft and fluffy. Don’t skip this step!
Use Fresh Yeast: Be sure to use fresh instant yeast for the best rise. Expired yeast can result in dense rolls.
Bacon Drippings: Save some of the bacon drippings to brush on the dough before baking for extra bacon flavor.
Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from becoming dry. They should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the dough to rise properly, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve your Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls warm, straight out of the oven, and drizzle with the maple bourbon glaze. They’re perfect on their own, but they’re also great with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a rich breakfast cocktail like a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for a brunch to remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for a few hours before baking. To freeze after baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30-45 minutes, then bake as usual.

2. Can I make these rolls without bourbon?

Yes, you can replace the bourbon with an equal amount of maple syrup or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.

3. What kind of bacon should I use?

For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon, which will hold up better during cooking and add more texture to the rolls.

4. Can I use pre-made dough?

While homemade dough is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just punch it down, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and allow it to rise before baking.

6. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply simmer it for a bit longer, allowing it to reduce slightly.

7. Can I use a different type of syrup for the glaze?

You can experiment with different syrups like agave or even honey, though maple syrup gives the glaze its distinctive flavor.

8. Can I add more bacon to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more bacon to the filling or top the rolls with additional crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

9. Can I skip the glaze?

While the glaze is a key component, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet roll. Instead, top with powdered sugar or serve as is.

10. How can I make the rolls less sweet?

If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the maple syrup or glaze and opt for a more savory filling with less sugar.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on a classic favorite, with the perfect blend of savory and sweet. The crispy bacon, warm bourbon, and rich maple syrup elevate the traditional cinnamon roll into a showstopping treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a late-night snack, these rolls are bound to become a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for any occasion, they’re a must-try recipe for any food lover.