Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a tasty twist on a classic breakfast treat. These rolls combine soft, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon swirl, crispy bits of smoky bacon, and a drizzle of rich maple syrup infused with a hint of bourbon. The mix of sweet, salty, and a touch of warmth from the bourbon really makes these rolls stand out.
I love making these rolls on a slow weekend morning when I have a little extra time. The smell of cinnamon and bacon baking together fills the house and makes everything feel cozy. The bourbon adds a subtle depth that I wasn’t expecting, and it pairs beautifully with the sweet maple glaze. Plus, the bacon gives a fun crunch and saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
My favorite way to eat these is warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes I share them with friends or family, and they always ask for the recipe because the combination is so unexpected yet comforting. If you want something special to enjoy or serve for brunch, these cinnamon rolls are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour & Yeast: All-purpose flour works best for soft rolls. If you want a lighter texture, try bread flour. Active dry yeast needs warm milk to activate; make sure it’s not too hot, or it could kill the yeast.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives a nice chewy crunch. For less fat, try turkey bacon, but the smoky flavor may be milder. Precook bacon until crisp to avoid soggy bits in the rolls.
Maple Syrup & Bourbon: Pure maple syrup brings natural sweetness. If unavailable, honey is a decent substitute. Bourbon adds depth, but if you prefer no alcohol, vanilla extract works well.
Cinnamon & Sugar Filling: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best taste. Brown sugar melts nicely and adds moisture, but you could use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
How Can I Make Soft, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls That Rise Well?
The dough needs proper kneading and rising to get that soft texture. Here’s what helps:
- Mix ingredients until just combined, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. Cover it to keep moisture in and wait until it doubles in size. This usually takes 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- After shaping and slicing the rolls, give them a second rise. This ensures they bake up fluffy and tender.
Patience here really pays off! If your kitchen is cold, warm the oven to about 200°F, turn it off, then place the dough inside to rise comfortably.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large one for the dough and a smaller one for mixing the filling; they help keep ingredients organized.
- Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional) – makes kneading easier, but you can knead by hand if you prefer.
- Rolling pin – helps roll the dough out evenly into a rectangle for spreading the filling.
- 9-inch round baking pan or similar – for holding the rolls while they rise and bake evenly.
- Small saucepan – used to heat the bourbon maple glaze and melt butter, keeping everything together.
- Sharp knife or dental floss – for slicing the rolled dough into even pieces without squishing the layers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping out bacon with crumbled cooked sausage or chorizo for a different savory note.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries with the cinnamon sugar for a sweet surprise.
- Use a cream cheese glaze instead of the bourbon maple glaze for a richer topping.
Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Bacon Topping:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation, plus about 1 to 1 ½ hours for the first rise and another 30 to 45 minutes for the second rise. Baking adds around 25 to 30 minutes. Plan for roughly 2 ½ to 3 hours total, including rising and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, the egg, and the yeast-milk mixture. Stir until you form a rough dough. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make and Add the Filling:
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
4. Roll and Slice:
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 9 equal slices.
5. Second Rise:
Place the slices in a greased 9-inch round baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up slightly.
6. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
7. Prepare the Bourbon Maple Bacon Topping:
While the rolls bake, mix the maple syrup, bourbon, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. Add Topping and Serve:
When the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the bourbon maple syrup glaze. Sprinkle the chopped, crispy bacon evenly over the top so it sticks to the glaze. Let the rolls sit for a few minutes so the glaze soaks in.
Enjoy your warm, sweet, salty, and smoky Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls fresh – they’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Frozen Dough to Make These Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, then freeze the rolls after slicing. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before the second rise and baking. This makes for a convenient, ready-to-bake treat.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, use vanilla extract instead—about 1 to 2 teaspoons—to keep a lovely depth of flavor in the maple glaze without the bourbon.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back softness and warmth.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead For a Party?
Absolutely! Try assembling the rolls, letting them rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for the best fluffy texture and flavor.