Irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon meets the savory allure of smoky bacon. Elevating the classic cinnamon roll game, this recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture warm, gooey rolls oozing with sticky brown sugar and a hint of bourbon whiskey, topped with a luscious glaze that’s simply irresistible.

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are not just an ordinary breakfast treat; they are a declaration of love for the perfect balance of sweet and salty goodness. A family favorite that has the power to turn any morning into a special occasion, these rolls are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. The addition of candied bacon brings a unique twist, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of smoky-sweet flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The preparation may take a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the effort. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these delectable Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Quick Benefits

• Combines sweet and salty flavors for a unique and indulgent breakfast experience
• Features a rich and flavorful glaze with a touch of warmth from bourbon
• Incorporates candied bacon for added texture and a savory twist
• Can be customized with alternative ingredients for dietary preferences or variations

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

• Perfect Combination of Sweet and Salty: This recipe combines the sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the savory smokiness of bacon, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
• Unique and Impressive Twist on Classic Cinnamon Rolls: Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread with these bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends.
• Family Favorite and Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls have become a family tradition for many, and the aromas coming from your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in.
• Irresistible Candied Bacon: The candied bacon adds a crunchy, salty-sweet element to the rolls, making every bite interesting and flavorful.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze any leftovers for a quick and delicious breakfast option on busy mornings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping bourbon for coffee or vanilla extract, using turkey bacon for a lighter version, or substituting coconut sugar for brown sugar.
• Decadent and Indulgent: Serve these rolls warm with a cup of coffee or a bourbon spiked latte for a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch experience.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: The addition of cooked flour paste (tangzhong) in the dough helps the rolls stay fresh longer, and the frosting holds up well even after freezing.
• Versatile Recipe: You can omit the bacon for a strictly sweet version of maple cinnamon rolls while still enjoying the rich flavors of the bourbon and maple glaze.
• Subtle Bourbon Flavor: The bourbon in the glaze adds a subtle warmth that complements the maple syrup, and you can adjust the amount to suit your preference for a bolder or milder taste.

Ingredients for Irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Candied Bacon

• 110 g light brown sugar
• 60 ml pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 30 ml bourbon whiskey
• 450 g smoked bacon

Tangzhong

• 30 g all-purpose flour
• 180 ml water

Dough

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 tsp fine sea salt
• 440 g all-purpose flour
• 67 g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 120 ml whole milk, room temperature

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 135 g light brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved
• 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature

Bourbon Maple Frosting

• 95 g powdered sugar
• 30 ml pure maple syrup
• 2.5–5 ml bourbon whiskey
• 57 g cream cheese, room temperature
• 56 g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved

Pro Tips for Irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

To elevate your Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, consider making the dough the night before and letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

When preparing the candied bacon, make sure to monitor it closely while baking to avoid burning any edges, as burnt bits can add a bitter taste to your finished rolls.

For a non-alcoholic version, you can swap out the bourbon in the glaze for strong brewed coffee or a splash of vanilla extract. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your preference while still enjoying the sweet and salty combination in these decadent cinnamon rolls.

How to Make Irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Candied Bacon

Preheat oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bacon slices on the prepared tray.

Step 2: Candy the Bacon

Combine brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper in a bowl. Spread mixture evenly over bacon. Bake on the center rack for 30–40 minutes until bacon is caramelized and crisp. Transfer cooked bacon to a wire rack to cool completely. Set aside 0.5 cup of bacon strips for garnish; finely chop the rest.

Step 3: Make Tangzhong

Combine water and flour in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until a thick slurry forms, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the tangzhong to a bowl and let it cool.

Step 4: Prepare Dough

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

Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Knead

With the mixer on, add softened butter gradually in 0.5-tablespoon portions, allowing each to mix in before adding more. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, sticking only to the bowl’s bottom. Adjust consistency with flour or milk as needed.

Step 6: Bulk Fermentation

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape Dough

Transfer dough onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle measuring about 38 x 46 cm, with the long side facing you.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a mixing bowl, mix room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border at the top.

Step 9: Add Candied Bacon

Evenly distribute crumbled candied bacon on top of the cinnamon sugar filling.

Step 10: Form Rolls

Cut dough into twelve 4 cm wide strips using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip and place in a parchment-lined 23 x 33 cm pan.

Step 11: Final Proof

Place a layer of plastic wrap over the pan and allow the rolls to proof at room temperature for 1 hour until they have nearly doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 162°C during this time.

Step 12: Bake

Bake rolls in the center of the oven for 24–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow rolls to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 13: Prepare Bourbon Maple Frosting

In a medium bowl, mix together butter and cream cheese until creamy. Stir in powdered sugar, then add maple syrup and bourbon to taste.

Step 14: Finish and Serve

Spread frosting over warm rolls, top with reserved candied bacon strips, and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

The bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual rolls tightly wrapped and then defrost them in the fridge overnight. Warm the rolls in the oven before serving to enjoy them as fresh as possible, and note that the frosting also freezes well.

To keep the rolls fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling it out and assembling the cinnamon rolls. When storing the rolls, ensure they are tightly covered at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to three days. Before serving, gently reheat the rolls to maintain their delicious texture and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a non-alcoholic version, you can easily swap out the bourbon whiskey in this recipe for strong brewed coffee or a splash of vanilla extract. This adjustment will still provide a depth of flavor without the alcohol content. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter alternative to smoked bacon, turkey bacon can be used instead. It will still offer a savory element to balance out the sweetness of the rolls.

If you are looking to make this recipe a bit healthier or catering to dietary restrictions, coconut sugar can be substituted for the light brown sugar in both the filling and the glaze. This swap will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still maintain the sweetness needed for the cinnamon rolls. By making these simple ingredient substitutions, you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs while still enjoying the delicious combination of flavors in these bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of extra bourbon maple glaze on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of crumbled candied bacon and a few strips of the candied bacon for an indulgent touch. Pair them with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa for a brunch that will impress your guests.

To take these cinnamon rolls to the next level, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. Top it off with an extra drizzle of the bourbon maple glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs for Irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Can I prepare the dough for the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before rolling out.

Can I adjust the level of bourbon flavor in the glaze for the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, the bourbon accent is subtle and complements the maple. You can adjust the amount in the glaze for a bolder or milder finish.

How should I store the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls?

Store tightly covered at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to three days. Gently reheat before serving.

Can I make a version of the Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls without any bacon?

Absolutely, leave out all bacon elements for a strictly sweet maple cinnamon roll but keep the same sweet base and glaze.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delectable Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls as much as I have! The combination of sweet maple, smoky bacon, and warm bourbon truly elevates the classic cinnamon roll to a whole new level. Whether you’re treating your family to a special breakfast or impressing guests at a brunch gathering, these rolls are sure to be a hit.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – you can always customize it to suit your preferences by adjusting the sweetness, swapping out ingredients, or even adding your own unique twist. The beauty of baking is that it allows you to experiment and make every dish your own. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Happy baking!