Maple Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with these decadent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Picture warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with candied bacon and topped with a luscious bourbon maple frosting. This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that will transform any morning into a special occasion.

I stumbled upon these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls while searching for a show-stopping breakfast treat for my husband’s birthday, and they quickly became a family favorite. Even my seasoned cinnamon roll-making mother-in-law couldn’t resist their charm, dubbing them as “restaurant quality.” The secret to their irresistibly soft texture lies in the tangzhong technique, ensuring that each bite remains tender and delicious for days to come.

Whether you savor them with a cup of coffee for breakfast or serve them as a sweet ending to a meal, these rolls are bound to leave a lasting impression. Elevate this recipe further by experimenting with different bacon seasonings or adding your favorite nuts for extra crunch. Prepare them in advance for a hassle-free morning by refrigerating the dough after the second rise. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a dish – they’re an experience that will make every moment feel extraordinary.

Quick Benefits

• Combines sweet and salty flavors for a unique taste experience
• Tangzhong technique creates incredibly soft and tender cinnamon rolls that stay fresh for days
• Perfect for special occasions and celebrations, adding a touch of indulgence to breakfast or brunch
• Versatile recipe – can be enjoyed with coffee or juice for breakfast, or as a dessert with ice cream

Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• A perfect blend of sweet and salty: The combination of candied bacon, bourbon maple frosting, and cinnamon rolls creates an irresistible sweet and salty flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Ultimate weekend indulgence: These bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are perfect for making weekend mornings feel like a special occasion. They are a treat that will elevate any breakfast or brunch.
• Incredibly soft and tender rolls: The tangzhong technique used in this recipe ensures that the cinnamon rolls stay soft and tender for days, making them a delightful treat to enjoy even after they’re baked.
• Endless customization options: You can customize these cinnamon rolls by trying different bacon seasonings, bourbon varieties, or adding extra toppings like chopped pecans for a unique flavor experience every time you make them.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these rolls ahead of time by refrigerating them after the second rise, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls with minimal effort in the morning.
• Versatile serving options: These cinnamon rolls are not just limited to breakfast; they can also be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bourbon flavor makes them perfect for adult brunches or special celebrations.
• Memorable and special: These bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite recipe for any occasion, creating lasting memories with their unique and delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Candied Bacon

• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons bourbon

Tangzhong & Dough

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• ¾ cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (properly measured)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup candied bacon, crumbled

Bourbon Maple Frosting

• ½ to 1 teaspoon bourbon (to taste)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ cup candied bacon strips for topping
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature

How to Make Maple Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bacon strips on the prepared pan. Combine brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper, then evenly coat the bacon. Bake for 30-40 minutes until crispy.

Step 2: Cool and Prep Bacon

Place the bacon on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, cut some into strips for topping (approximately ½ cup) and chop the remaining into crumbs for the filling.

Step 3: Make the Tangzhong

Combine water and ¼ cup flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a paste-like consistency, about 4-5 minutes. Let it cool.

Step 4: Start the Dough

Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer bowl. Add egg, milk, and cooled tangzhong. Knead with dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.

Step 5: Add Butter and Knead

Add softened butter to mixer running on low speed, ½ tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition fully incorporates. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 6: First Rise

Form the dough into a smooth ball, then place it seam-side down in a buttered bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 7: Roll and Fill

Roll out the dough into a 15×18-inch rectangle. Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread the mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Sprinkle with bacon crumbles.

Step 8: Cut and Shape Rolls

Cut the dough into 12 strips using a pizza cutter (1½ inches each). Roll each strip away from you and arrange in a parchment-lined 9×13 pan.

Step 9: Second Rise and Bake

Cover dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled. Preheat oven to 325°F, then bake for 24-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: Make Frosting and Finish

Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon to your liking. Spread mixture over warm rolls and garnish with bacon strips.

Storage Tips

After making a batch of these indulgent bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls, you may find yourself with leftovers or wanting to prepare them ahead of time. To store the finished dish, it is best to keep the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan on enjoying them beyond that timeframe, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

For those who want to prepare the bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls in advance, you can do so by refrigerating the rolls after the second rise. Once the rolls are shaped and in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking and be prepared to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are cooked through. Additionally, the candied bacon topping can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a few days until ready to use.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls recipe, you can consider a few modifications. To make the recipe vegetarian, you can omit the bacon entirely or substitute it with vegetarian bacon strips or tempeh bacon for a similar smoky flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the bourbon in the frosting with bourbon extract or simply omit it, adjusting the consistency with a bit of water or milk if needed.

If you are looking to make the recipe a bit lighter, you can use whole wheat flour or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier twist. For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, and vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter in the dough and filling. Additionally, you can replace the cream cheese in the frosting with dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for a vegan-friendly alternative. These substitutions will allow you to customize the recipe to suit different dietary preferences while still maintaining the delicious flavors and textures of the original Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful serving suggestion, try turning these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls into a decadent brunch board. Arrange the warm cinnamon rolls on a large platter, drizzle them generously with the bourbon maple frosting, and sprinkle extra candied bacon crumbles on top for an enticing finish. Pair the rolls with fresh fruit, a selection of cheeses, and a side of whipped cream for a brunch spread that’s sure to impress your guests.

Another creative idea is to transform these indulgent cinnamon rolls into a show-stopping dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top, allowing the ice cream to slightly melt into the rolls for a delightful contrast of temperatures. Garnish with a drizzle of extra bourbon maple frosting, a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch, and a touch of sea salt for a gourmet touch. This dessert version of the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls will elevate any dinner party or special celebration.

FAQs for Maple Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without the bourbon?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon from the frosting if you prefer to make a non-alcoholic version of these cinnamon rolls. The bourbon adds a unique flavor, but the rolls will still be delicious without it.

Can I use pre-made candied bacon instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought candied bacon if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. Simply crumble the pre-made candied bacon and use it in the recipe as instructed.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls for later?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls for later. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven before serving.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?

While you can substitute some whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, using all whole wheat flour may result in denser cinnamon rolls. If you want to incorporate whole wheat flour, try replacing up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a balance of texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or simply want to treat yourself to a decadent morning, these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect choice. The combination of sweet maple, salty bacon, and a hint of bourbon creates a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. The soft and tender texture of the rolls, thanks to the tangzhong method, elevates this recipe to a whole new level of breakfast indulgence.

Experiment with different variations and make these rolls your own – whether you add some heat with cayenne, swap out the bourbon for a different spirit, or mix up the spices in the cinnamon filling. The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences and create a unique twist on a classic favorite.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and savor every delicious bite. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert paired with a scoop of ice cream, these rolls are sure to become a beloved treat in your household. Get ready to create lasting memories with every batch of these indulgent and flavorful cinnamon rolls.