Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something undeniably warm and inviting about the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, particularly when the aroma is infused with the rich, comforting notes of maple and bacon. On a crisp, cozy morning, I often find myself reminiscing about childhood kitchen escapades with family, unraveling the layers of sticky, sweet dough while bursting into laughter over friendly competition to taste the first roll.
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a soul-soothing nod to those golden moments that make life truly delicious. Imagine the tender, buttery dough enveloped around a luscious filling of candied turkey bacon that is just sweet enough, kissed with maple syrup and a hint of warmth from our friendly bourbon substitute. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tender and Fluffy: Each roll is made with a beautifully soft dough that melts in your mouth, perfect for a cozy brunch or festive gathering.
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Indulgently Sweet: The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and turkey bacon provides a delightful contrast of sweet and savory with every bite.
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Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a weekend treat, everyone will be clamoring for seconds.
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Warm and Inviting: The smell of these rolls baking will fill your home with an irresistible scent that invites fond memories and happy conversations.
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Easy to Customize: You can easily add your own creative twists or flavors to make these rolls uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 pound thick-cut turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons a non-alcohol substitute (like apple juice)
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- Tangzhong from above
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup candied turkey bacon strips
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 -1 teaspoon bourbon substitute
- 1/2 cup candied turkey bacon strips (for the tops)
How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Make the Candied Bacon
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a shallow bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cracked black pepper.
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Dredge the turkey bacon in the mixture until well-coated, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Allow to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough
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In a small saucepan, combine the water and 1/4 cup of flour over low heat, whisking continuously until a thick paste forms (this is your tangzhong). Remove from heat and let it cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt.
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In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, large egg, and the cooled tangzhong. Add the softened butter and mix until combined.
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Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
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Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
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Spread the 1/2 cup softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the light brown sugar and cinnamon, followed by the candied turkey bacon strips.
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Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
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Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes, then preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of the non-alcohol substitute until smooth and creamy.
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Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and top with the remaining candied turkey bacon strips.
Fun Ways to Customize It
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing twist.
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Nutty Addition: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the rolls for an indulgent finish.
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Fruit Infusion: Incorporate chopped apples or cranberries into the filling for a burst of fruitiness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
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Perfect Cinnamon Swirls: When cutting the rolls, use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges and beautiful swirls.
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Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a warm treat.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
Reader FAQs About Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking for an easy morning treat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap turkey bacon with another type of breakfast meat or adjust the sweetness to your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How long does it last?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they last up to three days in the fridge.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls have a unique charm that warms my heart and fills my home with love. They’re not just a recipe; they’re a delicious way to create new memories with those you hold dear. Save this Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a comforting delight!
Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Candied Bacon
- 1 pound thick-cut turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
For the Dough
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
For the Filling
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup candied turkey bacon strips
For the Frosting
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon bourbon substitute
- 1/2 cup candied turkey bacon strips (for the tops)
Instructions
Make the Candied Bacon
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cracked black pepper.
- Dredge the turkey bacon in the mixture until well-coated, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Allow to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and 1/4 cup of flour over low heat, whisking continuously until a thick paste forms (this is your tangzhong). Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, large egg, and the cooled tangzhong. Add the softened butter and mix until combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the 1/2 cup softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the light brown sugar and cinnamon, followed by the candied turkey bacon strips.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes, then preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of the non-alcohol substitute until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and top with the remaining candied turkey bacon strips.
