BreakfastDesserts

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Savory-Sweet Brunch Delight

Name: Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Savory-Sweet Brunch Delight
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon (thick-cut); 0.25 cup light brown sugar; 0.25 cup pure maple syrup (high-quality); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 cup water; 3.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.33 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 large egg (room-temperature); 0.5 cup whole milk; 4 tablespoons butter (softened, for dough); 0.5 cup butter (softened, for filling); 0.67 cup light brown sugar (for filling); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.5 cup finely chopped candied bacon (for filling); 4 tablespoons butter (room-temperature, for frosting); 2 ounces cream cheese (room-temperature, for frosting); 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting); 0.25 cup pure maple syrup (for frosting); 2 tablespoons bourbon (for frosting)

By Ethan ParkerAug 21, 2026

Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Ideal for a weekend brunch, the crispy candied bacon infused with bourbon and maple creates a unique flavor combination. These rolls are easy to make, featuring a fluffy dough filled with a rich buttery cinnamon mixture and topped with a creamy maple frosting. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheat for a decadent treat anytime.

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4 servings

Ingredients

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Servings

•8 slices bacon (thick-cut)
•0.25 cup light brown sugar
•0.25 cup pure maple syrup (high-quality)
•1 teaspoon black pepper
•0.5 cup water
•3.5 cups all-purpose flour
•0.33 cup granulated sugar
•2 teaspoons instant yeast
•0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt
•1 large egg (room-temperature)
•0.5 cup whole milk
•4 tablespoons butter (softened, for dough)
•0.5 cup butter (softened, for filling)
•0.67 cup light brown sugar (for filling)
•2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
•0.5 cup finely chopped candied bacon (for filling)
•4 tablespoons butter (room-temperature, for frosting)
•2 ounces cream cheese (room-temperature, for frosting)
•1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
•0.25 cup pure maple syrup (for frosting)
•2 tablespoons bourbon (for frosting)

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2
In a medium bowl, mix ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and ½ cup water.
3
Brush this glaze over each bacon slice and lay them on the baking sheet.
4
Bake the bacon for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
5
Transfer the bacon to a wire rack to cool.
6
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and ¼ cup all-purpose flour over medium heat, whisking until thickened.
7
Let the tangzhong cool to room temperature.
8
In a stand mixer, combine the remaining 3 ½ cups flour, ⅓ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons yeast, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
9
Add the room-temperature egg, ½ cup milk, and cooled tangzhong; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
10
Incorporate 4 tablespoons softened butter and knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes.
11
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place in a buttered bowl, covering with plastic wrap.
12
Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
13
Roll the risen dough into a 15 by 18-inch rectangle.
14
Beat together ½ cup softened butter, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon; spread on the dough.
15
Sprinkle the finely chopped candied bacon over the filling.
16
Cut the dough into twelve 1.5-inch strips and roll each strip tightly.
17
Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 by 13-inch baking pan.
18
Cover with plastic wrap and let them proof at room temperature for 1 hour.
19
Preheat the oven again to 325°F (163°C).
20
Bake the rolls for 24 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
21
While rolls cool, mix 4 tablespoons butter and 2 ounces cream cheese until creamy.
22
Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, then stir in ¼ cup maple syrup and 2 tablespoons bourbon.
23
Spread the frosting over warm rolls and garnish with reserved candied bacon.