Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and rich flavors with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy dough swirled with a warm mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar, elevated by the savory crunch of candied bacon. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw everyone in, making them eager to taste this decadence. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, these cinnamon rolls will be a delightful addition to any gathering, impressing friends and family alike with their unique twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

450 g smoked bacon: Provides a savory base with a robust flavor.
110 g light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor depth.
60 ml pure maple syrup: Enhances the overall sweetness with rich, natural flavor.
30 ml bourbon whiskey: Complements the maple with a warm, caramel note.
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to counterbalance the sweetness.
30 g all-purpose flour: Used to make the tangzhong for extra moisture and fluffiness.
180 ml water: Helps create the tangzhong mixture.
440 g all-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dough, providing structure.
67 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough for a softer flavor.
2 tsp instant yeast: Allows for quick rising of the dough.
0.75 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
120 ml whole milk, room temperature: Keeps the dough moist and tender.
1 large egg, room temperature: Contributes to the richness of the dough.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough.
113 g unsalted butter, room temperature: For the filling, enriching the cinnamon flavor.
135 g light brown sugar: Used in the filling for sweetness and depth.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: The classic flavor in cinnamon rolls.
1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved: For a crunchy, sweet topping.
56 g unsalted butter, room temperature: For the frosting, adding creaminess.
57 g cream cheese, room temperature: Provides tang and balances the sweetness.
95 g powdered sugar: Used for the frosting, contributing to its smooth texture.
2.5–5 ml bourbon whiskey: To taste in the frosting, enhancing the overall flavor.
30 ml pure maple syrup: Added to the frosting for sweetness and richness.
0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved: For garnish, adding a crunchy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices on the prepared tray.
Make Bacon Mixture: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the bacon.
Bake Bacon: Bake on the center rack for 30 to 40 minutes until the bacon is richly caramelized and crisp. Remove it from the oven and transfer the strips to a wire rack to cool fully. Reserve half a cup of strips for finishing, and chop the remaining bacon into fine crumbs.
Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until a thick slurry forms. Transfer this tangzhong to a bowl and allow it to cool.
Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, milk, and cooled tangzhong, mixing on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes to form a cohesive dough.
Incorporate Butter: With the mixer running, add the softened butter in 0.5-tablespoon increments, letting each piece integrate before adding the next. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, sticking only to the bottom of the bowl. Add more flour or milk if necessary to achieve the optimal texture.
First Rise: Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Roll the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle measuring approximately 38 x 46 cm, with the long side closest to you.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread this filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border along the top edge.
Add Candied Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon evenly over the cinnamon sugar filling.
Cut and Shape 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.
Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof for 1 hour at room temperature, or until nearly doubled in volume. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 162°C.
Bake 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 Frosting: In a medium bowl, blend the butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, then whisk in the maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon to your desired flavor intensity.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the lukewarm rolls and garnish with the reserved candied bacon strips. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per roll

Tips, Storage & Variations

Cooking Tip: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature to allow for optimal dough rise.
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for a week.
Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the unfrosted rolls before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
Flavor Variations: For a twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling, or substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a seasonal flair.

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FAQ Section

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Is it possible to substitute the bourbon?
Yes, feel free to replace bourbon with additional maple syrup or a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for flavor.
Do I need to use candied bacon?
While you can use regular cooked bacon, candied bacon enhances the sweetness and flavor profile.
What milk can I use for the dough?
Whole milk is recommended for its richness, but you can substitute with any milk you have on hand.
How should I warm leftover rolls?
You can warm the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a 160°C oven for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

These Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that will elevate any breakfast spread. Their combination of sweetness and savory flavors is sure to impress anyone who tries them. For more variations on cinnamon rolls, you might enjoy exploring different recipes like these bourbon maple bacon cinnamon rolls or considering other delightful options from this blog featuring sticky buns. Enjoy the comforting warmth and share your creations with loved ones for moments that are sure to be memorable!

Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls