maple bacon cinnamon rolls
Discover the perfect blend of sweet and savory with maple bacon cinnamon rolls that will keep you coming back for more. These delicious rolls marry the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the warm, comforting sweetness of maple syrup and cinnamon, creating a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet homey. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a weekend brunch, maple bacon cinnamon rolls offer an irresistible combination that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup creates an unforgettable flavor balance.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Each roll is perfectly tender with a pillowy crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different toppings or fillings to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Showstopper Presentation: The rolls look beautiful and inviting, perfect for breakfast gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These maple bacon cinnamon rolls rely on simple yet impactful ingredients that work together to deliver amazing taste, texture, and color. Every component plays a crucial role in creating that classic combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and fluffiness to the dough for the perfect soft roll.
- Active dry yeast: Key to light, airy dough with the right rise and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast.
- Milk: Creates a tender dough and adds richness with its moisture.
- Butter: Used in the dough and filling for silky layers and buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness, contributing to the softness.
- Maple syrup: The star sweetener with deep, unique flavor that defines this recipe.
- Cinnamon: Aromatic and warm, it’s the perfect spice to pair with maple and bacon.
- Bacon: Crispy and smoky, it adds texture and savory depth.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing sweetness and savory elements.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness and smooth finish.
Variations for Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Feel free to customize your maple bacon cinnamon rolls to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. This recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes all sorts of variations with open arms.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap bacon for smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon to keep that smoky flavor without meat.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for a deeper, holiday-inspired aroma.
- Nutty upgrade: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and an earthy contrast.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads for a safe alternative.
- Maple glaze variations: Mix in a touch of cream cheese or vanilla to the maple glaze for a luscious finish.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk gently and dissolve the yeast with a bit of sugar to activate it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Add the eggs and the yeast mixture, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain the excess fat and chop it roughly so it can be evenly spread throughout the rolls.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped bacon. This rich filling will be spread generously over the rolled-out dough.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice
Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the bacon-cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into equally sized rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking pan and allow them to rise again until puffy, usually 30 to 45 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Add Maple Glaze
While the rolls cool slightly, drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for that signature glossy finish that amps up the sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients: It helps the dough rise better and improves texture.
- Don’t overfill with bacon: Too much can make the rolls greasy; balance is key.
- Let the dough rise twice: Proper rising creates the softest, fluffiest rolls possible.
- Brush with melted butter before baking: This encourages a beautiful golden crust.
- Slice rolls evenly: Ensures uniform baking and consistent sizes for serving.
How to Serve Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped bacon or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top for an inviting look and added texture that makes every bite special.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with fresh fruit like berries or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve maple bacon cinnamon rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of additional maple syrup and butter. Alternatively, create individual servings wrapped in parchment paper for a rustic, grab-and-go vibe perfect for brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover maple bacon cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness and moisture.
Freezing
Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm rolls in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep moisture in and revive their softness.
FAQs
Can I make maple bacon cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them after the first rise or even freeze them before baking. When ready, simply thaw if frozen, let them rise, and bake fresh for the best taste.
What’s the best bacon to use in this recipe?
Thick-cut, smoked bacon works best because it holds texture during baking and adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup.
Can I substitute maple syrup in the glaze?
While maple syrup is key to that authentic flavor, you can use honey or a simple vanilla glaze as alternatives, though the taste will differ slightly.
Are maple bacon cinnamon rolls suitable for breakfast only?
Not at all! These rolls are amazing any time of day as a snack, dessert, or brunch centerpiece thanks to their unique sweet and savory mix.
How do I ensure the rolls bake evenly?
Make sure to slice the rolls evenly and place them snugly but not too tight in the pan to allow even heat distribution and uniform baking.
Final Thoughts
Maple bacon cinnamon rolls are a magical combination that brings comfort and excitement to your kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why they’re so addictive and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So go ahead, bake a batch, and delight in every sweet and savory bite!
Related Posts
Printmaple bacon cinnamon rolls
Maple bacon cinnamon rolls combine the rich smokiness of crispy bacon with the sweet warmth of maple syrup and cinnamon in soft, fluffy rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls offer a delightful sweet and savory flavor harmony, made from simple pantry ingredients and customizable to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten; can be gluten-free with substitutions
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for filling and brushing)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and roughly chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk gently until lukewarm. Dissolve the active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in the warm milk; let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy and activated. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cook the Bacon: While the dough rises, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess fat on paper towels, then roughly chop the bacon into small pieces for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped bacon until well combined. This mixture will be spread across the rolled-out dough.
- Roll, Fill, and Slice: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the bacon-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise and Bake: Grease a baking pan and arrange the rolls snugly but not too tight. Cover and allow them to rise again until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the tops with melted butter for a golden crust. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Add Maple Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls for a glossy, sweet finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure optimal dough rising and texture.
- Balance the amount of bacon in the filling to avoid greasy rolls.
- Allow the dough to rise twice for the softest, fluffiest texture.
- Brushing melted butter on rolls before baking encourages a golden, appetizing crust.
- Slice rolls evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent serving sizes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: maple bacon cinnamon rolls, sweet and savory rolls, breakfast rolls, brunch recipe, maple syrup cinnamon rolls, bacon cinnamon rolls
