They feature:
Candied bacon — sweet, smoky, and crispy
Bourbon-infused maple glaze — deep, warm, and slightly boozy
Buttery, homemade dough — soft, pillowy, and rich
Brown sugar-cinnamon swirl — with a hint of nutmeg for warmth
Perfect for:
Holiday mornings
Surprise breakfast in bed
Brunch with guests (prepare for applause)
And the best part?
The bacon isn’t just a topping.
It’s baked right into the swirl.
Yes, really.
🥓 Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)
For the Candied Bacon:
Thick-cut bacon
1 lb
Brown sugar
½ cup
Maple syrup
2 tbsp
Black pepper (optional)
¼ tsp (for a sweet-savory kick)
For the Dough:
Warm milk (110°F)
½ cup
Granulated sugar
⅓ cup
Instant yeast
2 tsp
All-purpose flour
3 ½ cups (plus more for dusting)
Salt
¾ tsp
Egg
1 large
Unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup
For the Filling:
Softened butter
½ cup (1 stick)
Brown sugar
¾ cup
Cinnamon
2 tbsp
Nutmeg
½ tsp (optional)
Chopped candied bacon
½ cup (reserve some for topping)
For the Bourbon Maple Glaze:
Powdered sugar
1 ½ cups
Maple syrup
¼ cup
Bourbon
1–2 tbsp (or more to taste)
Salt
Pinch
Milk or cream (if needed)
1–2 tsp (to thin glaze)
🥣 Step-by-Step: How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil
Lay bacon strips in a single layer
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and pepper
Brush mixture over bacon
Bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and crisp
Drain on paper towels, cool, then chop into small pieces
✅ Pro Tip: Save the crispy ends — they’re perfect for topping!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy
Add flour, salt, egg, and melted butter
Mix until a soft dough forms
Knead on floured surface 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours — until doubled
Step 3: Roll & Fill
Punch down dough and roll into a 12x16-inch rectangle
Spread ½ cup softened butter evenly over the surface
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg — sprinkle over butter
Sprinkle ½ cup chopped candied bacon over the top
Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal
Cut into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss
Step 4: Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes — until puffy
Step 5: Bake & Glaze
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden
While cooling slightly, make the glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and salt
Add milk if too thick
Drizzle generously over warm rolls
Top with extra candied bacon bits
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for Perfection
Use
thick-cut bacon
Holds up better when candied and baked
Don’t skip the
second rise
Ensures light, fluffy rolls
Brush rolls with
butter after baking
Adds shine and richness
Serve warm
Gooey texture is best within 2 hours
Reheat leftovers
10 seconds in microwave or 5 minutes in oven
Also, these freeze beautifully — bake, cool, wrap, and freeze. Reheat when needed.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Cinnamon Rolls Break the Rules
We think of cinnamon rolls as sweet, simple, and safe.
But the best ones?
They surprise you.
With a crunch of bacon.
A hint of bourbon.
A swirl of smoky-sweet magic.
So next time you want to make breakfast unforgettable…
Don’t just bake rolls.
Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls.
Because sometimes, the difference between “yum” and “OH MY GOD”…
Isn’t in the dough.
It’s in the bacon.
And once you take that first bite?
You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.