These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate breakfast indulgence! Combining the rich, buttery softness of homemade cinnamon rolls with the savory goodness of crispy bacon and the sweet, earthy flavor of maple syrup, this recipe takes your typical cinnamon roll to a whole new level. The dough is soft, tender, and pillowy, creating a perfect base for the sweet and salty filling of cinnamon, sugar, and crispy bacon. The maple icing drizzled over the top adds the finishing touch, making these rolls irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply for a treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress everyone with their unique combination of flavors. Let’s dive into making these melt-in-your-mouth rolls that will leave everyone asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Sweet and Savory Combo: The addition of crispy bacon brings a savory contrast to the sweet maple syrup and cinnamon, creating a flavor profile that’s perfectly balanced.
Soft, Fluffy Dough: The homemade dough is incredibly soft and tender, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
Maple Icing: The maple syrup icing ties everything together with a rich sweetness that elevates the rolls to another level.
Crispy Bacon: The bacon adds a nice crunch and savory depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon and maple syrup.
Impressive and Indulgent: These rolls are a showstopper and are perfect for special occasions when you want to serve something extraordinary.

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup (240ml) whole milk*, warmed to about 100°F (38°C)
2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar, divided
1 and 1/2 tablespoons (14g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star (2 standard size packets)*
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for dusting/rolling

Filling

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled crispy bacon (about 6-8 strips)

Maple Icing

1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons (30ml) whole milk

Variations

Bacon-Free: If you’re not a fan of bacon or want to make it vegetarian, feel free to skip the bacon and add extra cinnamon or chopped nuts like pecans for crunch.
Extra Maple Flavor: For an even stronger maple flavor, you can replace the whole milk in the dough with maple milk or add a few extra tablespoons of maple syrup to the icing.
Nutty Rolls: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C), then add 1/3 cup of the granulated sugar and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and begin mixing. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If needed, add a little more flour to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.

Step 7: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border along the edges. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cinnamon filling, then carefully roll the dough into a log starting from one of the longer sides.

Step 8: Cut the Rolls

Cut the rolled dough into 12-15 even slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 9: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until they have puffed up.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked in the center.

Step 11: Prepare the Maple Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the maple icing by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 12: Drizzle the Icing

Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the maple icing generously over the warm rolls.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these rolls warm, and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and maple goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise and texture in the dough.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before using them in the dough. This ensures a smoother dough and better texture.
Don’t Overfill: When spreading the cinnamon and maple filling, be sure not to overdo it so the rolls don’t spill over as they rise and bake.
Add Extra Bacon: If you love bacon, feel free to add more to the filling or sprinkle extra on top after baking.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient and let the dough rise properly to achieve the best soft, fluffy rolls.

How to Serve

With a Cup of Coffee: These rolls are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a latte for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
For Dessert: Serve these rolls as a sweet dessert for a special occasion or treat.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair these rolls with fresh fruit, like berries, for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy their gooey goodness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

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

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a softer roll.

3. Can I use store-bought bacon?

Yes, you can use store-bought bacon for convenience. Just be sure to crisp it up before adding it to the filling.

4. What can I substitute for maple syrup?

You can use honey or brown sugar syrup in place of maple syrup, but the maple flavor is what truly makes this recipe stand out.

5. Can I make these rolls without bacon?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and use extra cinnamon or add nuts like pecans for texture.

6. How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done?

The cinnamon rolls are done when they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the rolls.

7. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

8. How can I make the icing thicker?

If the icing is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

9. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Simply shape the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.

10. Can I add more fillings to these rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet and savory breakfast treat. The fluffy dough, gooey filling, crispy bacon, and sweet maple icing combine to create a flavor explosion that’s truly irresistible. Whether for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will be a hit every time. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends!