Chef's Essential Tips

Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is soft and elastic. If too sticky, add small amounts of flour until it's manageable.
Bacon Choices: Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture. Cooking it until crispy will enhance the flavor contrast with the sweet rolls.
Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is around 110°F, as higher temperatures can kill the yeast.
Rising Time: If your kitchen is chilly, place the dough in a warm area or an oven with just the light on for a better rise.
Maple Syrup: Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor in both the filling and frosting.
Frosting Thickness: Adjust the milk in the frosting to your preferred consistency. It should be spreadable but not too runny.

Essential Ingredients Selection

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure and texture, all-purpose flour creates the perfect soft and chewy base for the rolls. You can substitute with bread flour for a slightly denser roll.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise. Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the rolls fluffy. Always check the expiration date for best results.
Whole Milk: Adds richness to the dough. You can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor without the added salt. If needed, replace with margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
Egg: Contributes to the dough’s elasticity and richness. If you need a vegan option, substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip it, as it balances the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor to the filling with its molasses notes. You can use white sugar, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes cinnamon rolls special. Adjust the amount if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
Cooked Bacon: The star of the savory element, providing a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls. Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving:

Spread the frosting on warm rolls right out of the oven to enhance flavor absorption and texture. Enjoy these rolls fresh for the ultimate experience; they are best when served warm.

Making the Frosting:

Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. This frosting should be creamy but not too runny—adjust the milk if necessary for spreading consistency. It’s a delightful complement to the richness of the rolls.

Baking:

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary. You want them golden brown on top for the best flavor and texture.

Second Rise:

After slicing the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This allows the rolls to puff up, contributing to their fluffy texture once baked.

Rolling:

Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the filling evenly over it. This step is important to ensure that each roll is uniformly flavored. As you roll it into a log, keep the tension tight to maintain its shape during baking.

Preparing the Filling:

Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and cooked bacon. This mixture should have enough moisture to adhere to the dough while still being spreadable. It’s the sweet-savory combination that makes these rolls so special.

First Rise:

Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a cloth for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to create the airy texture characteristic of cinnamon rolls.

Kneading:

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. This development of gluten is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually until it's manageable.

Mixing the Dough:

Combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast to activate it. This step is vital as it ensures your dough will rise, resulting in light and airy rolls. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Serving:

Spread the frosting on warm rolls right out of the oven to enhance flavor absorption and texture. Enjoy these rolls fresh for the ultimate experience; they are best when served warm.

Making the Frosting:

Baking:

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary. You want them golden brown on top for the best flavor and texture.

Second Rise:

After slicing the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This allows the rolls to puff up, contributing to their fluffy texture once baked.

Rolling:

Preparing the Filling:

First Rise:

Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a cloth for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to create the airy texture characteristic of cinnamon rolls.

Kneading:

Mixing the Dough:

Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Rolls

When rolling the dough, keep it tight to ensure the rolls hold their shape while baking.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

These rolls can be frozen before baking. Just thaw and let rise before baking as directed.

These rolls are best enjoyed warm. Reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Decadent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting

Name: Decadent Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Filling:; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped; 1/4 cup bourbon; For the Frosting:; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Indulge in the irresistible blend of sweet and savory with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Infused with rich bourbon, smoky bacon, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, these rolls offer a flavor explosion that balances sweetness with a touch of tangy warmth. The soft, pillowy texture is complemented by the crispy bacon bits, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Perfect for special weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply as an over-the-top breakfast treat, these rolls will evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. They are more than just a pastry; they are an experience that brings family and friends together, creating lasting memories around the table. Elevate your mornings with these decadent rolls that combine the classic cinnamon roll with a gourmet twist, making every occasion feel extra special.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup cooked bacon, chopped

1/4 cup bourbon

For the Frosting:

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring well to combine.

Step 3: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: For the filling, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped bacon in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 6: Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly on the dough, then sprinkle the bacon-sugar mixture and drizzle bourbon on top.

Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 8: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: While the rolls cool, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.

Step 11: Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls before serving.

Step 12: Enjoy your delicious Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!