Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate sweet-and-savory treat, combining soft, pillowy rolls with a gooey cinnamon filling, crispy bacon, and a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a decadent twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the rich sweetness of maple and cinnamon with the savory goodness of bacon.
- Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or indulgent weekend mornings.
- Easy to make with store-bought dough or homemade from scratch.
- The maple glaze takes these rolls to the next level of deliciousness.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves sweet-and-savory combinations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Milk (warm)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Eggs
For the Filling
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Cooked bacon (crispy, chopped)
For the Maple Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: additional chopped bacon for garnish
Directions
Make the Dough
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, and butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until it forms a paste.
- Cook the bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough, then sprinkle with chopped bacon.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Final rise: Cover and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Maple Glaze
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk as needed.
Glaze and Serve
- Glaze the rolls: Pour the maple glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Garnish with additional chopped bacon if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for the ultimate sweet-and-savory experience.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
Variations
- Pecan Bacon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Spicy Maple Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the glaze for a kick.
- Cheesy Bacon Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling for a savory twist.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, milk, and bacon alternatives.
- Mini Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for shorter times for bite-sized rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough or refrigerated cinnamon roll dough works as a shortcut.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Let them rise at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.
3. Can I substitute turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well for a lighter option.
4. How do I ensure my rolls are soft and fluffy?
Don’t overwork the dough, and ensure it rises fully before baking.
5. Can I skip the bacon?
Absolutely! The rolls are still delicious with just the cinnamon and maple flavors.
6. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Can I add maple extract to the dough?
Yes, a teaspoon of maple extract in the dough enhances the maple flavor.
8. How can I keep the filling from leaking?
Roll the dough tightly and avoid overfilling. Chilling the rolls before baking can also help.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but mix with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans or in batches.
Conclusion
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopping treat that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors. With their soft dough, caramelized cinnamon filling, and irresistible maple glaze, they’re sure to be a favorite at any gathering or a decadent treat for yourself. Give them a try and savor every indulgent bite!
Print
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the smoky-salty goodness of bacon, all topped with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 6–8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Extra crumbled bacon for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 3–4 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
3. Roll and Fill the Dough:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Second Rise:
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes, or until puffed.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
6. Make the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner glaze if desired.
7. Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Top with extra crumbled bacon, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra maple flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract to the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.