Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Few things smell as irresistible as warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Now imagine that same comfort food elevated with the smoky crunch of candied bacon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the subtle richness of bourbon. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls strike the perfect balance between indulgence and sophistication, making them a memorable addition to your breakfast table, holiday brunch, or even as a unique dessert option. They’re comforting yet exciting, classic with a twist, and destined to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy one.

My recipe story

The inspiration for these rolls came during a cozy fall brunch at home. I had a batch of classic cinnamon rolls ready, but I also had leftover bacon from breakfast. On a whim, I candied the bacon with maple syrup and a splash of bourbon. The idea struck me: why not tuck these smoky-sweet pieces into the cinnamon rolls? The result was a recipe that instantly became a family favorite. Over time, I perfected the balance of flavors—making sure the bacon stays crisp, the bourbon is noticeable but not overpowering, and the maple icing ties it all together in harmony. Every time I make them now, they remind me of that first brunch experiment gone deliciously right.

Ingredient breakdown

The star of this recipe is, of course, the candied bacon. By coating thick-cut bacon in brown sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon, you create a caramelized, crispy bite that balances the sweetness of the rolls beautifully. The bacon isn’t just an add-in—it’s what makes these cinnamon rolls extraordinary.

For the dough, you’ll use a classic yeast-based cinnamon roll base: flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs. This creates a soft, pillowy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp candied bacon. The filling combines cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, but with a twist: we mix in crumbled candied bacon for layers of flavor in every bite. Finally, the icing brings it all together. A smooth glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of bourbon makes these rolls shine, both visually and taste-wise.

The ingredients may sound indulgent, but together they create a balance of savory and sweet. The bacon cuts through the sugar, the bourbon deepens the flavor, and the maple syrup provides a warm, comforting sweetness. Every bite feels layered, complex, and deeply satisfying.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowls
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet (for bacon)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or dough cutter
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the candied bacon. Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange bacon slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with brown sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and brush lightly with bourbon. Bake at 375°F until crisp, about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the dough. Warm milk to about 110°F and combine with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for 5 minutes. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt. Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Roll out the dough. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Scatter candied bacon pieces over the top.

Step 4: Shape the rolls. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice into 12 equal rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing slightly apart. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If needed, cover with foil halfway to prevent over-browning. Allow to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles for added texture and flavor.

Variations & substitutions

If bourbon isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. For a richer flavor, try using dark rum instead of bourbon. Swap maple syrup for honey or agave for a slightly different sweetness. Vegetarian? Simply skip the bacon and add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. You can even try a savory twist by reducing the sugar in the filling and adding shredded cheese with the bacon.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they also keep well. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. To freeze, let baked rolls cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. For make-ahead prep, assemble the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking as directed.

Serving ideas & pairings

Serve these rolls warm with a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for a cozy morning. They pair wonderfully with savory brunch dishes like scrambled eggs or a frittata, balancing the sweetness with a hearty bite. For a festive spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a mimosa for a celebratory brunch. If enjoying them as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them truly decadent.

FAQ

Can I make these without bourbon?
Yes, simply replace bourbon with vanilla extract or omit it for a kid-friendly version.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought crescent or cinnamon roll dough works as a shortcut, though homemade provides the best texture.

How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Candying the bacon first ensures it stays crisp even after baking into the rolls.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking dishes. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing for brunch parties.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a low oven until warmed through.

Final thoughts

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. Every bite combines the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the excitement of bold flavors like smoky bacon, warm maple, and a splash of bourbon. Whether you’re preparing them for a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply as a treat for yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. They bring people together, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression. Give them a try, and they just might become the most-requested recipe in your kitchen.

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly fluffy, these cinnamon rolls are filled with candied bacon, maple syrup, and a touch of bourbon for a gourmet twist. Perfect for brunch or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 4 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp bourbon

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar (for filling)

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup (for glaze)

• 1 tbsp bourbon (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bacon on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with brown sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and brush with bourbon. Bake until crisp, then chop into pieces.

2. Warm milk and sprinkle yeast and a pinch of sugar over it. Let bloom for 5 minutes. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt, then mix in flour until dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, brown sugar, and candied bacon pieces.

4. Roll dough into a log and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.

5. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before glazing.

6. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with extra bacon if desired.

 

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American