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Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

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If there is one way to get Max out of bed on a Saturday morning faster than the smell of pancakes, it is the smell of bacon. But this weekend, we decided to combine his love for savory breakfast with my love for baking. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate sweet and savory mashup. Imagine a fluffy, warm cinnamon roll smothered in a boozy maple glaze and piled high with crispy, salty bacon. It is decadent, sticky, and honestly, a little life-changing.

Maple bacon donuts with vanilla glaze and crispy bacon bits on top, drizzled with maple syrup, served on a wooden board with coffee in the background Save it For Later
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Why You Will Love This Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

You will love this recipe because it hits every single taste bud. You get the soft, pillowy texture of the yeast dough, the warmth of the cinnamon-sugar filling, and then that incredible punch of salty bacon cutting through the sweetness. The bourbon in the glaze adds a subtle, smoky depth that elevates it from a kid's treat to a sophisticated brunch centerpiece (though the alcohol cooks off or can be swapped for extract, so it's safe for everyone!).

How To Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

To get that bakery-style look, we start with a rich yeasted dough enriched with butter and milk. We roll it up with plenty of brown sugar and cinnamon, slice it, and let it rise until puffy. While they bake, we fry up a mountain of bacon until it's super crispy. The finishing touch is a thick, caramel-colored maple bourbon glaze poured over the hot rolls, followed immediately by a generous heap of chopped bacon on top to stick to the icing.

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

The Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter; melted
  • 1 large egg; room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt

The Filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter; very soft
  • 1 cup light brown sugar; packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

The Maple Bourbon Glaze & Topping

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (darker is better for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or 1 teaspoon maple extract for non-alcoholic)
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8–10 slices bacon; cooked very crispy and chopped
Ingredients for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls arranged in a 4-panel flat lay on a dark wood table. Save it For Later

Step by Step Method

Make the Dough

  • In a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Knead on medium speed for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and tacky but not sticky.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Fill and Roll

  • Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large 12x18 inch rectangle.
  • Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small margin at the top.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
  • Roll up tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 even rolls using dental floss or a serrated knife.

Second Rise and Bake

  • Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden brown.

The Glaze & Bacon

  • While baking, cook the bacon until it is dark and crispy. Chop it into small bits.
  • Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and cream until you have a thick, pourable glaze.
  • Pour the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm.
  • Immediately pile the chopped bacon on top of each roll so it sticks to the wet glaze.
Maple bacon donut topped with crispy bacon bits and maple glaze on a wooden board, with coffee in the background Save it For Later

MAX’S REACTION

"It's like breakfast and dessert got married! The bacon is crunchy like sprinkles, but salty. I promised Mom I'd only eat one, but I'm definitely sneaking a second one later."

What Pairs Well With Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Since these rolls are incredibly rich, you need a strong drink to balance them out. A black coffee or a shot of espresso is perfect. If you are serving them for a holiday brunch, they go great with a lighter protein like a veggie frittata or a simple bowl of tart grapefruit segments to cleanse the palate.

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Variations

Pillsbury Hack

If you are short on time, use Pillsbury cinnamon roll bacon twists method: Buy two cans of Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, unravel them slightly, press cooked bacon inside, re-roll, and bake. Use the provided icing spiked with maple syrup.

Pecan Crunch

Add chopped pecans to the filling and the topping for a Maple pecan bacon cinnamon rolls variation. The nuts add a nice textural contrast to the soft dough.

Spicy Kick

Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brown sugar filling. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the chocolatey notes of the bourbon and the sweet maple.

Alcohol-Free

Simply swap the bourbon for milk and add a teaspoon of maple extract. You still get that rich Maple bacon cinnamon rolls flavor without the booze.

Bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls with fluffy dough, bourbon-maple glaze, and crispy bacon bits on top, shown on a wooden board Save it For Later

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer (optional, but helpful)
  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Skillet (for bacon)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Dental Floss (for cutting dough cleanly)
  • Mom Tip: Use unflavored dental floss to cut your rolls. It slices through the dough without squishing the spiral like a knife does.

Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips

Make Ahead (Overnight)

You can prepare the rolls up to the slicing step, place them in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for an hour before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. The bacon will lose its crispiness over time, so they are definitely best fresh.

Reheating

Microwave a single roll for 20–30 seconds. This softens the dough and makes the glaze melty again.

Top Tips for Best Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

The crispiness of the bacon is non-negotiable! If the bacon is chewy, it ruins the texture of the soft roll. Cook it until it shatters when you chop it. Also, don't skimp on the glaze—you want enough to pool in the spirals and hold that mountain of bacon in place.

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Can I use thick-cut bacon?

Yes, thick-cut bacon is actually better because it holds its shape and meaty texture against the sweet roll.

Does the alcohol cook out?

The bourbon in the glaze is not cooked, so the alcohol content remains. If serving to kids or those avoiding alcohol, use the extract substitution.

Why did my rolls unravel?

You might have used too much flour when rolling out the dough, preventing the seam from sticking. Brush the edge with a little water before sealing.

Can I add bacon inside the roll?

Yes! Bacon wrapped cinnamon rolls often have bacon inside and out. Just make sure the bacon inside is cooked but pliable so it rolls easily.

A Brunch Showstopper

These cinnamon rolls are a labor of love, but the reaction you get when you set them on the table is worth every minute. They are sticky, savory, sweet, and spectacular. If you are looking for more holiday-worthy treats, try our festive Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip, the elegant Ricotta Pistachio Honey Bites, or our classic Red Velvet Cupcakes for a splash of color.

Share your Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls! Tag us @HannahCooking with #MapleBaconRolls; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!

⭐️ Rate this Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!

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Maple bacon donuts with vanilla glaze and crispy bacon bits on top, drizzled with maple syrup, served on a wooden board with coffee in the background Save it For Later

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

These indulgent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls feature soft, homemade yeast dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with a rich maple-bourbon glaze and a generous mound of crispy chopped bacon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 roll
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup milk Warm (110°F)
  • 1 packet instant yeast 2 ¼ tsp
  • ⅓ cup sugar Granulated
  • ⅓ cup butter Melted (for dough)
  • 1 egg Room temperature
  • ½ cup butter Softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup brown sugar Packed
  • 2 tablespoon cinnamon Ground
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For glaze
  • ¼ cup maple syrup Pure
  • 2 tablespoon bourbon Or maple extract
  • 10 slices bacon Cooked crispy and chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer Optional
  • 1 Baking pan 9x13 inch
  • 1 Skillet For bacon

Method
 

  1. Mix warm milk, yeast, sugar, butter, egg, salt, and flour; knead until smooth. Rise for 1 hour.
  2. Roll dough into a rectangle; spread with softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Roll tight, cut into 12 rolls, and let rise in a pan for 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crispy.
  5. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon. Pour over warm rolls and top with bacon.

Notes

Cook the bacon until extra crispy so it adds a crunch to the soft rolls. Glaze the rolls while warm, but add the bacon immediately so it sticks.

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