There's something magical about the combination of sweet and savory. It's a little unexpected, yet completely irresistible. Today, we’re taking that magic to the next level with a decadent twist on classic cinnamon rolls: introducing Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Bourbon Maple Glaze. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with a savory bacon filling, then topped with a sweet, boozy glaze that takes the flavor to new heights. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these rolls will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough and sizzling bacon.
Let’s Start with the Dough
The foundation of any good cinnamon roll is, of course, the dough. Begin by activating the yeast—this is the magic ingredient that will give your rolls that light, airy texture. Simply combine warm milk (about 110°F, or the temperature of a warm bath) and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to do its work.
Next, in a large bowl, mix the melted butter, salt, and egg, and then add the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. It might seem a little sticky at first, but don’t worry! Just add a little more flour as needed to get the dough to the right consistency. Once it's ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, let it rise in a warm place for an hour or so, until it doubles in size.
Filling it Up with Flavor
While your dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. This is where the magic happens—bringing together the sweetness of brown sugar, the warmth of cinnamon, and, of course, the savory goodness of bacon. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and crumbled bacon until everything is beautifully combined. This filling is the heart of the rolls, and it will melt into the dough as it bakes, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the bacon-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake to Golden Perfection
Once your rolls have risen a second time, pop them into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The aroma of these bacon cinnamon rolls baking in the oven will have your mouth watering! When they’re done, the rolls should be golden brown on top, soft and fluffy on the inside—just perfect.
The Final Touch: Bourbon Maple Glaze
Now comes the fun part—the glaze. This is where the bourbon and maple syrup come into play, adding a warm, rich sweetness to the rolls. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and a splash of milk until the glaze is smooth and silky. If it’s too thick, just add a little more milk until you get the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the bourbon maple glaze over them. Let the glaze melt into the warm rolls, and get ready for an indulgent treat.
Enjoy the Sweet and Savory Bliss
These Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Bourbon Maple Glaze are the perfect blend of sweet and savory—fluffy, gooey, and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or share them with friends at brunch, they are sure to impress. The crispy bacon, cinnamon sweetness, and the rich, smooth glaze make for a breakfast (or dessert) you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy the magic of bacon and maple syrup in every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk about 110°F or 43°C
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled (about 6 slices)
- For the Bourbon Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin, if necessary