Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in a decadent, sweet, and savory treat with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. The perfect combination of crispy, candied bacon, cinnamon-sugar filling, and bourbon-infused maple frosting makes these cinnamon rolls the ultimate indulgence. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch from the bacon, a warm spice from the cinnamon, and a creamy sweetness from the frosting. Whether you serve them for brunch or enjoy them as a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be the star of the show. The use of bourbon and maple syrup elevates these rolls to new heights, making them both luxurious and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Delight

The candied bacon adds a perfect balance of savory flavor, while the bourbon maple frosting introduces a touch of sweetness. This unique combination is sure to please your taste buds with every bite.

2. Incredible Flavor Layering

From the cinnamon-sugar filling to the candied bacon topping, the flavors in these rolls are carefully layered for a rich, complex taste that’s a treat for your senses.

3. Soft, Fluffy Dough

The dough is soft and pillowy, thanks to the tangzhong method, which ensures the rolls stay moist and tender even after baking. The combination of butter, milk, and eggs creates the ideal texture.

4. Bourbon Maple Frosting

The bourbon maple frosting ties everything together with a rich, slightly boozy flavor that’s sweet but not overpowering. It perfectly complements the warmth of the cinnamon and the crunch of the bacon.

5. Perfect for Special Occasions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extra special. They’re sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Candied Bacon:

• Thick-cut bacon
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Bourbon
• Cracked black pepper

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Instant yeast
• Fine sea salt
• Whole milk (room temperature)
• Large egg (room temperature)
• Tangzhong (from the recipe above)
• Unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Light brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Candied bacon strips

For the Bourbon Maple Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Bourbon
• Candied bacon strips (for topping)

Variations

• Nutty Additions: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an added crunch and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream cheese, and substitute the egg with a flax egg or other egg substitute.
• Spiced Bourbon Frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the bourbon maple frosting for extra warmth and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Candied Bacon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then pour the mixture over the bacon slices. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces for the filling and topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a small saucepan, mix 1/4 cup flour and 3/4 cup water. Stir and heat the mixture until it thickens into a paste. This is your tangzhong. Allow it to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt. Add the milk, egg, cooled tangzhong, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a 16-inch by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.

Step 6: Add the Candied Bacon

Sprinkle the chopped candied bacon over the cinnamon-sugar layer, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.

Step 7: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 8: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffed up and touching each other.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the bourbon maple frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 11: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the bourbon maple frosting generously over the warm rolls. Top with additional chopped candied bacon.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe as it will hold up better when candied and provide a satisfying texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls while they’re baking. You want them golden brown, but not too dark. Overbaking can result in dry rolls.
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Spot: Make sure the dough is rising in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, consider placing the bowl near a warm oven or using a proofing setting on your oven.

How to Serve

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special morning treat. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a mimosa for a truly indulgent experience. These rolls also make a great gift for loved ones on special occasions or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you want to keep them fresh for longer.

Freezing

To freeze the cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat cinnamon rolls, simply warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them the next morning.

2. Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with extra maple syrup or use a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.

3. Can I use a different type of bacon?

While thick-cut bacon works best, you can use regular bacon if that’s all you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it properly to achieve the right texture.

4. Can I use regular cream cheese frosting?

Yes, if you prefer a classic cream cheese frosting, you can use that instead of the bourbon maple frosting.

5. Can I make these rolls without the candied bacon?

You can skip the candied bacon if you prefer a simpler cinnamon roll. You can also add a different filling, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

6. How do I make the dough fluffier?

Make sure to let the dough rise long enough for it to double in size. The tangzhong method in the dough helps keep it soft and fluffy.

7. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the cinnamon sugar filling.

8. Can I bake these rolls in advance?

You can bake them the night before and store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven the next day.

9. Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the bourbon maple frosting for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before using.

10. How can I make these rolls less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the dough or cinnamon filling. You can also use less maple syrup in the frosting.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent treat that blends sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite. The candied bacon, cinnamon-sugar filling, and bourbon maple frosting make these rolls irresistible, perfect for brunch or as a special dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures that make these rolls truly unforgettable!

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