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Let me share my absolute favorite indulgent breakfast recipe - Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls! I created these beauties one cozy Sunday morning when I couldn't decide between sweet and savory. The combination of fluffy rolls, candied bacon, and bourbon-spiked maple frosting is pure magic. Every time I make these they disappear in minutes!
Why These Are Special
These aren't your ordinary cinnamon rolls! The dough is perfectly soft and pillowy, the maple cream cheese frosting has just a hint of bourbon warmth, and those bits of candied bacon add the most amazing salty-sweet crunch. They're completely over-the-top in the best possible way.
Let's Go Shopping
- Bourbon: Adds amazing depth but totally optional if you prefer to skip it!
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Don't skimp here get the good stuff.
- Instant Yeast: Our secret for foolproof fluffy rolls.
- Real Maple Syrup: The pure stuff makes such a difference.
- Whole Milk: Creates the richest most tender dough.
Bacon Magic
First let's make that incredible candied bacon! Brush each slice with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar then bake until it's crispy and caramelized. Try not to eat it all before it goes in the rolls (I always make extra for snacking!).
The Secret Step
Here's my favorite trick for super soft rolls - we're starting with a tangzhong roux. Don't let the fancy name scare you! Just cook a bit of flour and water until it looks like paste. This simple step keeps our rolls pillowy-soft for days.
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Making Our Dough
Time to get mixing! Your stand mixer does all the work here combining our tangzhong warm milk eggs and flour. Once it comes together we'll add butter bit by bit until the dough is smooth and tacky - pure happiness in dough form!
First Rest
Now we let the dough take a little nap! Pop it in a greased bowl cover it and let the magic happen. In about an hour it should double in size getting all soft and puffy.
Roll It Out
Here's where we create those beautiful swirls! Roll your dough into a big rectangle - don't worry about perfect edges rustic is beautiful. I aim for about 15×18 inches but no need to break out a ruler.
The Good Stuff
Spread that cinnamon-sugar mixture all over leaving no spot uncovered. Then sprinkle your chopped candied bacon across everything. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Shape and Roll
Starting from the long edge roll everything up nice and tight. Cut into pieces and nestle them into your pan. I like to use dental floss for clean cuts but a sharp knife works too.
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Time to Grow
Cover those beautiful rolls and let them puff up again until they're touching each other in the pan. This is when I usually brew some coffee and enjoy the anticipation! Once they're doubled in size into the 350°F oven they go for their final transformation.
Frosting Heaven
While the rolls bake let's whip up that incredible frosting! Beat together cream cheese butter maple syrup and just a splash of bourbon until it's silky smooth. The bourbon is optional but it adds such amazing warmth and depth.
The Grand Finale
When those rolls come out of the oven all golden brown and gorgeous spread that maple bourbon frosting over them while they're still warm. Watch it melt into all the nooks and crannies then sprinkle extra bacon on top because why not?
My Best Tips
- Use a Scale: If you have one it really helps with consistency.
- Perfect Bacon: You want it crispy but still chewy no burnt bits!
- Be Patient: Good things take time those rise times are worth it.
Serving Time
These rolls are pure bliss when they're still slightly warm. I love serving them for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches. Add a pot of coffee or some mimosas and you've got pure magic!
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Make It Your Own
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the bourbon they're still amazing!
- Extra Maple: A dash of maple extract makes it even better.
- Mix It Up: Try pecans instead of bacon for a nutty twist.
Keeping Them Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. A quick warm-up in the microwave brings them right back to life.
Save Some For Later
These freeze beautifully! I often make a double batch and freeze half before frosting. Then on busy mornings I can thaw reheat and frost for an amazing breakfast with zero effort.
What Makes These Special
It's that perfect balance of flavors that makes these rolls unforgettable. The fluffy dough salty-sweet bacon maple bourbon frosting... every bite is a little adventure!
Worth Every Minute
While these cinnamon rolls take a bit of time they're absolutely worth the effort. There's something so special about creating something this delicious from scratch. Plus the look on people's faces when they take that first bite? Priceless!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking. The bacon can also be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- → What if I don't want to use bourbon?
- You can skip the bourbon in both the bacon and frosting. For the bacon, just use maple syrup, and for the frosting, add a splash of vanilla extract instead.
- → Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
- You can freeze the baked rolls without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and add fresh frosting before serving.
- → Why do I need to make a tangzhong?
- The tangzhong (flour paste) helps create a softer, fluffier texture in the rolls and helps them stay fresh longer. Don't skip this step for best results.
- → How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
- The rolls should be golden brown on top and reach an internal temperature of 190°F. If they brown too quickly, cover with foil while finishing baking.