Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are an indulgent twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Combining crispy, salty bacon, rich maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon, these rolls bring together sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling is a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, with the bacon providing a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. These decadent cinnamon rolls are perfect for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet and savory treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The smoky bacon, maple syrup, and bourbon create a unique flavor profile that elevates these cinnamon rolls to the next level.
2. Mouthwatering Aroma: As these rolls bake, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of cinnamon, bacon, and maple, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
3. Soft and Fluffy: The dough is incredibly soft and pillowy, making each bite a comforting experience.
4. Unique Twist on a Classic: If you love traditional cinnamon rolls, this bourbon maple bacon version adds a fun, delicious twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
5. Great for Special Occasions: These cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup bourbon (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or milk if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Variations

• Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling along with the bacon for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter substitute and non-dairy milk, and swap the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Bacon-Free: For a non-meat version, simply omit the bacon and add more cinnamon or even some finely chopped nuts for texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Add the flour and salt, and stir until the dough begins to form.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble it into small pieces. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), bourbon, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the filling.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer edge. Pinch the seam to seal it, then cut the log into 12 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the cinnamon rolls in the dish, making sure they are close together but not touching. Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, bourbon (or milk), maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more bourbon or milk if necessary.

Step 9: Glaze the Rolls

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If the yeast doesn’t bubble in the milk, it may be expired.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the rolls with filling, as this can cause them to spill out and affect the final texture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply roll it out, let it rise again, and bake.
• Bacon Crispy Enough: Ensure that the bacon is crispy before adding it to the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

• For Breakfast or Brunch: These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch with friends and family. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.
• For Dessert: These rolls can easily be served as a sweet dessert, especially if you’re looking for a decadent, unique treat after dinner.
• With Coffee: Enjoy these rolls with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also store them in the fridge if you prefer them to stay fresh for a longer period.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, bake them first and let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature and warm them up in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of milk or maple syrup if you prefer not to use alcohol.

2. Can I use maple bacon for the filling?

If you can find maple bacon, feel free to use it for an extra maple flavor, but regular crispy bacon works great too.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.

4. How can I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Grease your baking dish well, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.

5. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise overnight in the fridge, and bake the rolls in the morning.

6. Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze adds a nice touch, but you can absolutely skip it if you prefer a less sweet roll or are watching your sugar intake.

7. How do I know when the rolls are done?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and fully cooked through. You can check them by gently pressing down on one of the rolls; it should spring back when pressed.

8. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough, following the manufacturer’s instructions for dough-making. Just roll it out and proceed with the filling and baking steps.

9. How long will these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

These cinnamon rolls will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

10. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just shape it into rolls, cover it well with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise before baking.

Conclusion

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and decadent treat that will elevate your breakfast or brunch game. The combination of smoky bacon, rich maple syrup, and the warmth of bourbon adds an unexpected twist to the classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or as an everyday indulgence, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite!

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