Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Savory Treat for Beginners

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast and dessert treat, offering the perfect combination of sweetness and spice. But imagine taking this classic comfort food and adding layers of bourbon, maple syrup, and crispy bacon—creating a mouthwatering, sweet-and-salty delight. This Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls recipe takes the traditional cinnamon roll to a whole new level, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you create perfect, gooey, and flavorful cinnamon rolls.

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For me, cinnamon rolls have always been a nostalgic part of my mornings. I remember baking with my family, the kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon and sugar. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls bring that same joy but with an elevated twist. The addition of candied bacon, bourbon, and maple syrup adds complexity and richness to each bite. Perfect for beginners, this recipe simplifies the process while delivering an impressive final result.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem daunting, but with a few simple techniques and ingredients, you’ll soon find that it’s easier than you think. This recipe focuses on creating a dough that’s easy to handle and a filling that balances both sweet and savory flavors. The candied bacon adds a crispy and savory touch, while the bourbon maple frosting ties everything together with a hint of sweetness and warmth.

The steps are clearly laid out, and you’ll be guided through each part of the process with tips to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful way to impress friends and family or just enjoy a decadent treat, these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect recipe for beginners.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to gather all of the ingredients. Preparation is key, and once you have everything ready, it’s smooth sailing from there. Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for each component of the rolls:

Candied Bacon:

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Dough:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Tangzhong from the bacon step

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup candied bacon strips (from above)

Bourbon Maple Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2-1 teaspoon bourbon
• 1/2 cup candied bacon strips, for topping

Preparation Notes:

• If you prefer, you can substitute thick-cut bacon with regular bacon. Just keep in mind that thinner bacon may crisp up faster.
• For a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the bourbon in both the candied bacon and frosting and substitute with extra maple syrup or a bit of vanilla extract for flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls involves several steps, but don’t be intimidated! This process is broken down into manageable parts, ensuring success every step of the way. Let’s get started:

1. Making the Candied Bacon:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and cracked black pepper. Stir it together and evenly coat the bacon slices with this mixture. Bake the bacon for 30-40 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the bacon—thinner cuts will cook faster. Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack to let it cool completely.

Once cool, cut a few pieces into strips to use as a garnish for the rolls and chop the remaining bacon into small crumbles for the cinnamon roll filling. Be sure to discard any blackened bacon bits, as they won’t add to the flavor.

2. Making the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of flour and 3/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency, known as tangzhong. Remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.

In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, whole milk, and the cooled tangzhong. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until the dough begins to form into a rough ball.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter at a time, mixing it into the dough thoroughly before adding the next bit. Continue kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little milk, half a tablespoon at a time.

Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Rolling and Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough into a 15×18-inch rectangle, ensuring the longer side is facing you. Spread the softened butter across the dough, then sprinkle with light brown sugar, cinnamon, and crumbled candied bacon. Leaving a 1-inch border at the top, roll the dough tightly away from you.

Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 12 equal strips, each about 1 1/2 inches wide. Carefully transfer the strips to a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, placing them tightly together. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for an additional hour or until doubled in size.

4. Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 24-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.

5. Making the Bourbon Maple Frosting:

In a medium bowl, cream together 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 oz of cream cheese. Add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until smooth. Pour in the maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon amount to your taste. The frosting should be creamy and easy to spread.

Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with reserved candied bacon strips for added flavor and texture. Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, savory, and decadent flavors.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Watch the Bacon Closely: Since bacon can vary in thickness, keep an eye on it while baking to prevent it from burning. Thick-cut bacon will take longer to crisp up, while thinner bacon will cook faster.
2. Handling Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to add small amounts of flour as needed. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not so sticky that it sticks to your hands.
3. Perfect Rolling: When rolling the dough, make sure it’s tight enough to keep the filling from spilling out, but not too tight that the rolls become compressed. A gentle but firm roll is key to fluffy, airy rolls.
4. Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little extra maple syrup or milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a complete breakfast or dessert on their own, but they can also be paired with some delicious sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: Pair your rolls with a side of fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to add a burst of freshness that complements the rich sweetness of the rolls.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A cup of coffee or hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the warmth and sweetness of cinnamon rolls, enhancing the comforting experience.
• Egg Dishes: If you want to serve them as part of a larger brunch spread, scrambled eggs or an omelette can provide a savory balance to the sweet cinnamon rolls.

Storage Tips:
If you have leftovers (which is rare with these delicious rolls!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about the combination of bourbon, maple syrup, and bacon—especially when paired with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a wonderful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With the crispy bacon, rich bourbon frosting, and tender dough, you’ll feel like a baking pro in no time. Enjoy the process, and indulge in the decadent flavors of this unique cinnamon roll recipe!