Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Savory Indulgence
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and crave a combination of sweet and savory flavors, look no further than bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls. These decadent rolls take the classic cinnamon roll to new heights with a touch of smoky bacon, the richness of bourbon, and the sweetness of maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of unique twists on traditional recipes, check out this collection of creative cinnamon roll variations. For other delicious breakfast ideas, be sure to visit this guide to unforgettable brunch recipes.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for making bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls, from preparing the dough to making the irresistible bourbon maple glaze. Plus, we’ll offer tips for customizing the recipe and storing any leftovers.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
These bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls may take some time to prepare, but trust us, the result is totally worth it. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients
The dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
For the filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8-10 slices)
For the bourbon maple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Let the milk mixture cool to lukewarm (about 100°F). Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
- Shape the rolls: Starting from the long edge of the dough, carefully roll it up into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, until puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the bourbon maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm bourbon maple glaze over the rolls while they’re still hot.
- Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination of maple, bourbon, and bacon with your cinnamon rolls!
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
While the basic recipe is simple, there are a few techniques you can use to elevate these rolls further.
Make-Ahead Method:
To make these rolls in advance, prepare the dough and filling as directed, then assemble the rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Instead of letting them rise the second time, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, allow the rolls to rise for 1 hour before baking them as usual. This will save you time on the day of serving.
Caramelized Bacon:
For a richer flavor, try caramelizing the bacon in brown sugar before crumbling it. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet, then sprinkle a little brown sugar over it while it’s cooking, letting it melt into a crispy, sweet glaze.
Bourbon Flavor Options:
If you prefer a more pronounced bourbon flavor, try using a stronger bourbon or even infusing the bourbon with vanilla beans or spices for a unique flavor twist.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
These bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and maintain their deliciousness.
Storage:
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft, but the glaze may lose some of its shine.
Freezing:
You can freeze the baked rolls before adding the glaze. Let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Once heated, drizzle the glaze over the rolls.
Reheating:
For reheating, place the cinnamon rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you prefer a quicker method. After reheating, drizzle with fresh bourbon maple glaze for the best flavor.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can make some substitutions for dietary preferences and restrictions.
Gluten-Free:
To make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to use a gluten-free bourbon if you’re concerned about gluten content.
Vegetarian:
To make these rolls vegetarian, skip the bacon or substitute it with plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar flavor profile.
Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy butter and a dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk). Make sure to use dairy-free substitutes for the glaze as well.
FAQs About Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make these cinnamon rolls without bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with vanilla extract, maple extract, or a bit of coffee for a different but still flavorful glaze.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to prepare the dough. Follow your bread machine’s dough cycle, then proceed with the rolling and filling instructions.
How can I make the rolls spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the filling or glaze for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
These bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Whether you bake them for a special breakfast or serve them at a brunch gathering, these rolls will surely steal the show. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe, experimenting with different fillings and glazes to make it your own.
Try this indulgent treat and enjoy the delicious combination of bourbon, maple syrup, and bacon—it’s a breakfast, brunch, or dessert like no other!
