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Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Recipe for Warm Memories

As the chill of the Holiday season settles in, there’s something undeniably comforting about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of fresh-baked goods. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a pastry; they are a heartfelt hug wrapped in a roll of soft, tender dough, swirled with all the flavors of nostalgia and celebration.

Imagine this: a lazy Sunday morning, the sun just beginning to peek through your kitchen window, filling the room with golden light. You pull apart one of these gooey rolls, and the aroma of sweet maple, rich butter, and indulgent bacon floods your senses. It’s a moment of pure bliss that dreams are made of. This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Indulgent: Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweetness from the maple and richness from the bacon – a perfect cozy treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge, saving you precious time in the morning.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch with friends or a festive family gathering, these rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Easily Customizable: With various options for toppings and flavors, you can play with this recipe to fit your taste buds.
Simple but Impressive: With clear steps and cozy ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently whip these rolls up!

Gather These Simple Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

1 pound thick-cut turkey bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons non-alcoholic bourbon substitute (such as apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring below)
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)
Tangzhong from above
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup candied turkey bacon strips
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 non-alcoholic bourbon substitute
1/2 cup candied turkey bacon strips (for the tops)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Make It Together

Make the Candied Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain excess grease. In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, non-alcoholic bourbon substitute, and cracked black pepper. Add the bacon back to the skillet, stirring until evenly coated. Cook for another 5 minutes until caramelized. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a thick paste. Allow to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Add the cooled Tangzhong, whole milk, egg, and softened butter to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth, for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the remaining softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly. Top with the candied bacon strips.
Tightly roll the dough into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a buttered baking dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while the oven heats.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and non-alcoholic bourbon substitute to taste. Beat until creamy.
Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls and top with extra candied bacon.

Delicious Variations to Try

Pumpkin Spice Twist: Mix in some pumpkin puree with the cream cheese glaze for a festive vibe.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for an inviting crunch.
Apple Cinnamon Delight: Layer thinly sliced apples with the baking mixture for a fruity take on cinnamon rolls.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for an indulgent treat.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and filling the night before. Assemble the rolls and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake.
Cooling the Dough: Allow your Tangzhong to cool to room temperature before adding to the other ingredients for the perfect texture.
Slice with a Floss: Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Leftover Storage: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 365
Carbs: 45g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 240mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh rolls in the morning!

Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! Swap out turkey bacon for other flavors or try different types of syrup for a unique twist.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for later enjoyment.

How long does it last?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for three days or frozen for up to a month.

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s something magical about the way scents and flavors can evoke memories and warmth. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delightful treat; they’re a celebration of cozy moments spent around the table with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for your family or planning a gathering with friends, these rolls will make any occasion feel special.

Don’t forget to save this Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a comforting bake! Happy cooking!