Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delectable combination of sweet and savory with our Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls are a delightful treat that beautifully meld caramelized bacon, rich maple syrup, and a hint of bourbon, making them perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend breakfast. The aroma of baking cinnamon rolls fills your kitchen with warmth, while each bite delights with the crunchy texture of bacon paired with the soft, pillowy dough. Enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the maple syrup. Your family and friends will crave these scrumptious rolls, and you’ll find yourself making them time and time again.

Ingredients

450 g smoked bacon: Adds a rich and smoky flavor to the sweet rolls.
110 g light brown sugar: Provides caramelization and a deep sweetness.
60 ml pure maple syrup: Enhances the flavor with a natural sweetness.
30 ml bourbon whiskey: Adds a warming depth to the bacon glaze.
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a subtle spice that balances the sweetness.
30 g all-purpose flour: Used to create tangzhong for a smooth dough.
180 ml water: Essential in forming the tangzhong mixture.
440 g all-purpose flour: The main component for the cinnamon roll dough.
67 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it rise.
2 tsp instant yeast: Aids in leavening the dough for fluffy rolls.
0.75 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.
120 ml whole milk, room temperature: Adds richness to the dough.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients and enriches the dough.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
113 g unsalted butter, room temperature: For the filling to ensure a spreadable texture.
135 g light brown sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon roll filling.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic flavors.
1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved: Adds crunchy texture to the filling.
56 g unsalted butter, room temperature: For creamy frosting over the rolls.
57 g cream cheese, room temperature: Provides a rich and tangy contrast in the frosting.
95 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
2.5–5 ml bourbon whiskey: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
30 ml pure maple syrup: Complements the frosting with additional sweetness.
0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved: For a final crunchy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bacon slices on the prepared tray.
Prepare the Bacon Glaze: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the bacon slices. Bake in the centered oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bacon is richly caramelized and crisp. After baking, transfer the strips to a wire rack to cool completely. Reserve 0.5 cup of strips for finishing, and chop the remaining bacon into fine crumbs.
Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 30 g of flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4 to 5 minutes, until a thick slurry forms. Transfer the tangzhong to a bowl and allow it to cool.
Mix the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the remaining flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, milk, and cooled tangzhong. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes until a cohesive dough forms.
Knead the Dough: With the mixer running, add the softened butter in 0.5-tablespoon increments, allowing each piece to integrate before adding the next. Continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, sticking only to the bottom of the bowl. You can adjust the texture with additional flour or milk if needed.
Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 38 x 46 cm, with the long side closest to you.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Using an offset spatula, spread this filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border along the top edge. Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon over the cinnamon sugar filling.
Slice and Arrange the Rolls: Slice the dough into twelve 4 cm wide strips using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip away from you and arrange them in a parchment-lined 23 x 33 cm pan.
Proof the Rolls: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof for 1 hour at room temperature until nearly doubled in volume. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 162°C.
Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls on the center rack for 24 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let them cool in the pan set over a wire rack.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, blend the butter and cream cheese until creamy. Incorporate the powdered sugar, then whisk in the maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon to taste for your desired flavor intensity.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the lukewarm rolls. Garnish with the reserved candied bacon strips and serve immediately.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximate 450 per roll

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical Tips: Use a pizza cutter for neat slices. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for an easy spread.
Storage: These rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Unfrosted rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight before warming and frosting.
Flavor Variations: For a nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. You can also use different flavored extracts, like vanilla or almond, in the frosting.

FAQ

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Q1: Can I use turkey bacon instead of smoked bacon?
A1: Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version, though it may not have the same rich flavor.

Q2: How do I make these cinnamon rolls in advance?
A2: Prepare the rolls through step 9, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to rise for 30 minutes before baking.

Q3: What can I substitute for bourbon?
A3: You can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic alternative like apple cider or use additional maple syrup.

Q4: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A4: Yes, a gluten-free flour blend can be used, though the texture may differ slightly.

Q5: How can I make these rolls vegan?
A5: Substitute butter with a vegan alternative, use a flax egg, and dairy alternatives for the milk and cream cheese.

Q6: How long do these rolls stay fresh?
A6: They can be kept at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect combination of flavors that will impress any breakfast or brunch gathering. If you’re looking for more inventive recipes, check out this adaptation of these delicious rolls or explore other combinations with sweet and savory flavors in this bacon sticky buns recipe. Enjoy baking and sharing the love that goes into making these rolls!

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls