maple bacon cinnamon rolls
Discover the perfect blend of sweet and savory with maple bacon cinnamon rolls that will make every bite utterly irresistible! These rolls combine the rich warmth of cinnamon and sugar with the smoky crunch of bacon, all kissed with a luscious maple glaze that elevates breakfast or brunch to new heights. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinnamon rolls or looking for a fun twist that surprises your taste buds, maple bacon cinnamon rolls deliver a comforting, crave-worthy experience you won’t forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Soft, Fluffy Texture: These rolls stay tender and airy, making each bite melt in your mouth perfectly.
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust sweetness, bacon thickness, or spices to fit your personal taste exactly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive gathering, these rolls impress every time.
- Hands-On Creativity: Making them from scratch allows you to enjoy the baking process and the aroma that fills your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for maple bacon cinnamon rolls is simple yet essential, combining pantry staples with key items that lend flavor, texture, and that signature golden color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy dough to the smoky bacon and rich maple glaze.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness to the dough for the perfect fluffy roll.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise for a light and airy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling, balancing the savory elements.
- Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the warm, familiar spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy and smoky, this is the savory star ingredient complementing the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Used both in the filling and glaze for that distinctive, rich maple flavor that ties everything together.
- Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough and the filling.
- Milk: Brings moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Cream Cheese (optional): For a maple cream cheese glaze that adds an extra layer of creamy indulgence.
Variations for Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
One of the best things about maple bacon cinnamon rolls is how easy and fun it is to customize them. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or modifications based on what you love or dietary needs.
- Brown Sugar Swap: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper molasses flavor in the filling.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon spice mix for a warm, layered flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a smoky savory bite without meat.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Try a gluten-free flour blend to make these accessible to those with sensitivities.
- Maple Pecan Topping: Add toasted pecans to the glaze for extra crunch and nutty richness.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by warming the milk until it’s lukewarm, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it to activate. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add softened butter and the yeast mixture, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the dough rises, cook your bacon strips until crisp. Lay the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease and cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has doubled, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon generously, and scatter the chopped bacon all over. Drizzle maple syrup over the filling for that signature sweet glaze.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal. Cut the roll into even slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for rising.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Maple Glaze Finish
While the rolls bake, prepare a simple maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk or cream. Drizzle this warm glaze over the hot rolls right after they come out of the oven for the perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making maple bacon cinnamon rolls
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough come together more smoothly and rise properly.
- Don’t Skip the Double Rise: Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures fluffy, tender rolls.
- Cook Bacon Thoroughly: Crispy bacon adds a perfect texture contrast; avoid limp bacon that can make rolls soggy.
- Roll Tight but Not Too Tight: A snug roll helps keep filling intact without squishing the dough.
- Brush with Butter Before Baking: A light butter coating helps crust develop a beautiful golden color.
How to Serve maple bacon cinnamon rolls
Garnishes
Freshly chopped pecans, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of warmed maple syrup work beautifully as garnishes to elevate presentation and flavor depth.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or scrambled eggs to round out a hearty breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving maple bacon cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, rustic look that’s great for gatherings and brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover maple bacon cinnamon rolls tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully either baked or unbaked. Wrap them individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly for a soft, gooey treat that tastes just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative and still provides a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with maple and cinnamon.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Yes, by swapping butter for plant-based margarine, using a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement, and choosing vegan bacon alternatives, you can create a tasty vegan version of maple bacon cinnamon rolls.
How long do these cinnamon rolls keep fresh?
They are best enjoyed within 2 days when stored at room temperature but will keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days without losing quality.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely! You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and let it slowly ferment overnight, then roll, fill, and bake the next morning.
What type of maple syrup should I use?
Pure maple syrup is highly recommended for its authentic flavor, but grade A or B can be chosen depending on your preferred sweetness intensity and budget.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast treat that’s both comforting and uniquely delicious, maple bacon cinnamon rolls are an absolute must-try. Their perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy makes them a showstopper for any occasion. Trust me, once you bake your first batch, these rolls will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Printmaple bacon cinnamon rolls
Maple bacon cinnamon rolls offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with crispy smoky bacon and drizzled with a luscious maple glaze. This irresistible breakfast or brunch treat balances warm spices, rich maple syrup, and smoky bacon for a comforting and crave-worthy experience, ideal for any special occasion or cozy morning.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian Optional, Gluten Free Optional
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup warm milk (lukewarm, about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling Ingredients
- 6–8 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Optional
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for maple cream cheese glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm, then sprinkle active dry yeast over it to activate. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add softened butter and the yeast mixture, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. Place in a warm spot and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cook the Bacon: While the dough rises, cook bacon strips until crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and let cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Roll and Fill: Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces on top and drizzle with maple syrup for the signature sweet glaze.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal. Cut the log into 1 to 1.5-inch thick slices and place them in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly to allow for expansion.
- Final Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Maple Glaze Finish: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the warm glaze over the hot rolls immediately after baking for a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help dough develop properly and rise well.
- Don’t skip the double rise to ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
- Cook bacon thoroughly to maintain a crisp texture and avoid soggy rolls.
- Roll dough tightly but not overly tight to keep filling intact without squeezing out the butter and syrup.
- Brushing rolls with butter before baking helps develop a beautiful golden crust.
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
- Add nutmeg or cloves with cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.
- Try vegetarian options using smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Make a gluten-free version with appropriate flour blends.
- Store leftovers airtight at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked or unbaked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: maple bacon cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, maple cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, brunch recipes, sweet and savory rolls
