Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet and smoky treat that combines soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with crispy bacon bits, rich maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon for an extra kick. The mix of cinnamon sweetness, salty bacon, and the warmth from bourbon makes these rolls stand out from your usual breakfast pastries.
I love how these cinnamon rolls bring morning flavors together in such a fun way. The smoky bacon pieces inside add a little crunch, while the maple glaze on top makes everything sticky and perfectly sweet. The touch of bourbon adds a hint of warmth that makes each bite feel special without overpowering the other flavors.
My favorite way to enjoy these rolls is fresh out of the oven with a cup of strong coffee. They’re perfect for weekend brunches when you want to impress your family or guests with something a bit different. Plus, they make the whole kitchen smell amazing while baking, which is always a bonus!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast works best for a fluffy dough. If you can’t find it, instant yeast is fine—just mix it right into the flour without proofing.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness. You can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk like almond, but stick to unsweetened varieties to keep flavors balanced.
Bacon: Cook it until crispy to add texture and smoky saltiness. Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option though it’s less fatty and smoky.
Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze. For a non-alcoholic option, try vanilla extract plus a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang and complexity.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives natural sweetness and flavor. If unavailable, honey or brown sugar syrup work but slightly change the taste.
How Do You Make Soft, Fluffy Dough That Rises Perfectly?
Rising and kneading are key for soft cinnamon rolls. Start by proofing your yeast in warm milk (not hot!) until bubbly—this wakes up the yeast.
- Mix ingredients gently, then knead the dough until smooth—about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5 with a mixer.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled; this usually takes about an hour.
- Don’t rush the process; patience here gives you those tender, airy rolls.
If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a heater to encourage rising.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like a big bowl to give the dough plenty of room to rise and avoid splashes.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – helps combine the ingredients smoothly without fuss.
- Rolling pin – makes it easy to roll out your dough into a perfect rectangle.
- Sharp knife or dental floss – for neat, even slices of your rolled dough.
- Saucepan – useful for making the bourbon maple glaze on the stove.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – provides enough space for all the cinnamon rolls to bake evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for sausage or ham for a different savory punch inside the rolls.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use brown sugar or honey in the glaze instead of pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the cinnamon filling for extra heat or smoky flavor.
Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 strips)
For the Bourbon Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Topping:
- Additional chopped cooked bacon (about 1/2 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep the dough and filling, 1 hour for the dough to rise, 10 minutes to assemble the rolls, 25-30 minutes baking time, plus a few minutes cooling and glazing. Total time is roughly 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
Warm the milk to about 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, stir gently, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and eggs, mixing well. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl until spreadable. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces to add a smoky, salty crunch inside the rolls.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Once dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle chopped bacon on top. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Make the Bourbon Maple Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, and bourbon. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Reserve half for serving.
5. Bake the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half of the glaze into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Place the cinnamon roll slices tightly into the pan on top of the glaze. Sprinkle additional chopped bacon over the rolls. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan. Drizzle with reserved glaze, then serve warm for the best sticky, sweet, and savory flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Bacon for the Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! Just make sure to fully cook and crisp the bacon before chopping it for the filling. If using frozen bacon, thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it in a covered bowl. Let it come to room temperature and rise until doubled before rolling out and assembling your cinnamon rolls.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them gently in the microwave or oven before serving to refresh that gooey texture.
Can I Skip the Bourbon in the Glaze?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply omit the bourbon and add an extra 1/4 cup of maple syrup or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. The glaze will still be deliciously sweet and sticky.
