maple 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.
- Author: Emilly
- 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
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)
- 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