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Savory Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls - featured image

A unique twist on classic cinnamon rolls combining smoky bacon, warm bourbon maple glaze, and a lightly spiced cinnamon filling for a savory-sweet breakfast treat perfect for Dad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (choose a smooth, mild brand)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C), granulated sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and activated yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  4. Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
  5. Turn risen dough onto floured surface and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread cinnamon butter mixture evenly over dough, then sprinkle chopped bacon on top.
  6. Roll dough tightly from long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place rolls cut side up in greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving space between each.
  7. Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. While baking, combine maple syrup, bourbon, butter, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until butter melts and mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  10. Drizzle warm bourbon maple glaze over rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and crunch. If you prefer no alcohol, substitute bourbon with vanilla extract. Avoid overheating milk when activating yeast to prevent killing it. Use dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing. Rolls can be made ahead and frozen unbaked. Reheat gently to preserve softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon, maple, bacon, cinnamon rolls, savory cinnamon rolls, breakfast, Father's Day, sweet and savory, homemade rolls