Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet, Smoky, and Utterly Irresistible

When classic cinnamon rolls meet the smoky crunch of bacon and the smooth sweetness of bourbon maple glaze, breakfast turns into a celebration. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort food with a gourmet twist. Picture this: fluffy spirals of soft dough, swirled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crispy bacon crumbles, all drizzled with a sticky, boozy maple glaze that will have you licking your fingers.

The first time I whipped up this recipe, I knew it was something special. Whether you serve them warm on a lazy Sunday morning or show them off at your next brunch gathering, these cinnamon rolls make people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe. The real magic happens in the balance: smoky, salty bacon mingling with that caramel-like maple syrup and the deep, warm undertones of bourbon.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull these off. With clear steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is a perfect weekend project or holiday crowd-pleaser. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let the heavenly smell of Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls fill your kitchen!

What Makes These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Special?

• Sweet and Savory Combo: These rolls strike the perfect flavor balance — smoky bacon meets silky maple glaze with a touch of bourbon.

• Fluffy Homemade Dough: No dry, store-bought shortcuts here — these rolls bake up soft and tender every single time.

• Bourbon Maple Glaze: The glaze is infused with real bourbon for a grown-up twist that makes these rolls extra indulgent.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning — perfect for brunch!

• Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: Serve them at a family breakfast or holiday table and watch everyone’s face light up.

These cinnamon rolls aren’t just another baked good. They’re an experience — from the smell wafting through your kitchen to the sticky, satisfying first bite. Plus, the recipe uses an easy yeast dough and my foolproof method for perfectly risen rolls every time.

Ingredient Notes

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough. You can substitute half with bread flour for extra chew.

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become pillowy soft. Instant yeast can be used, just skip the proofing step.

• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough. You can swap for almond or oat milk if preferred.

• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor. Avoid artificial syrups as they lack depth.

• Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze. Use a mid-range bourbon — nothing too fancy or too cheap.

• Thick-Cut Bacon: The salty hero of the recipe! Thin bacon will crisp too much and crumble.

• Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel-like filling flavor.

• Cinnamon: Essential spice for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over salt levels. Margarine can be substituted in a pinch.

Special Equipment:

• Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional but helpful)

• Rolling pin

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Kitchen thermometer (for checking milk temperature)

How To Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Warm 1 cup of whole milk to 105-110°F. In a mixing bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast into the warm milk along with 2 tablespoons sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dough:
   Add 4 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour.

3. First Rise:
   Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours — or until doubled in size.

4. Cook the Bacon:
   While the dough rises, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until crisp but not overdone. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.

5. Roll and Fill:
   Once risen, roll the dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 cup softened butter evenly, sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and bacon pieces. Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls.

6. Second Rise:
   Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and fluffy.

8. Make the Bourbon Maple Glaze:
   Whisk 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.

9. Glaze and Serve:
   Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with extra bacon bits (optional) and serve immediately.

Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

• Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nutty Maple Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

• Alcohol-Free: Replace bourbon with vanilla extract in the glaze.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, butter, and bacon alternatives.

• Extra Boozy: Brush the baked rolls with a bourbon-maple syrup glaze before adding icing.

• Holiday Edition: Sprinkle crushed candied pecans or dried cranberries for festive flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls and stop before the second rise. Refrigerate overnight, let sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

What if I don’t want to use bourbon?
No problem — swap bourbon for vanilla extract or extra maple syrup.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have been old, or the milk was too hot (over 115°F) and killed it. Always test your yeast!

Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat and glaze fresh before serving.

Can I use store-bought dough?
You could, but homemade gives the best soft, fluffy texture — totally worth the effort!

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a next-level cinnamon roll recipe, these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name! The sweet and smoky flavors will have your family and guests swooning for more. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving a cozy treat, or just want to impress yourself, this recipe is worth every single bite. Try it out, snap a picture, and share the delicious results — your kitchen (and your belly) will thank you!

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet, Smoky, and Utterly Irresistible

• Author: Sofia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup softened butter (for filling)

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp bourbon

• 2–3 tbsp milk

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Instructions

• Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar until frothy.

• Add flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Knead till smooth. Let rise 1-1.5 hrs.

• Cook bacon until crispy. Chop.

• Roll dough to a rectangle. Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and bacon. Roll and slice.

• Let rolls rise 30-45 mins.

• Bake at 350°F for 25-30 mins.

• Make glaze with powdered sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and milk. Drizzle on warm rolls. Enjoy!

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Nutrition

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 24g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 7g