Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Sweet & Savory Indulgence

Crispy maple bacon adds an unexpected twist to classic cinnamon rolls that’ll make your breakfast legendary.

Sweet meets savory in this mouthwatering combination that defies traditional pastry expectations.

Home bakers often underestimate how dramatically a simple ingredient can revolutionize a beloved recipe.

Salty, smoky bacon pieces nestled between layers of soft, warm dough create an irresistible sensory experience.

The delicate balance of maple’s rich sweetness and bacon’s robust flavor promises a memorable morning treat.

These rolls challenge everything you thought you knew about breakfast pastries.

Each bite delivers a complex harmony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will become your new weekend obsession.

Why Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Mix Sweet and Savory Perfectly

  • Master this maple bacon cinnamon roll recipe with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Elevate your morning meal with a perfect balance of sweet maple, crispy bacon, and soft, warm cinnamon roll texture.
  • Impress family and friends with a showstopping breakfast treat that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by making dough ahead of time and refrigerating overnight, allowing for stress-free morning baking.

What Goes into Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Bread Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for perfect dough development.
Filling and Flavor:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with yeast activation.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic warm, spicy flavor to the rolls.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides a rich, sweet flavor that complements the bacon.
  • Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky element to balance the sweet rolls.
Binding and Enriching:
  • Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender dough.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the rolls.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

How to Bake Cinnamon Rolls with Bacon and Maple Glaze

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a splash of sugar. Let the mixture sit quietly, allowing the yeast to wake up and become bubbly and fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

Introduce the remaining sugar, melted butter, a fresh egg, and a pinch of salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough emerges. Work the ingredients with care, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Texture

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough with confident, rhythmic motions until it becomes silky and elastic. For convenience, a stand mixer with a dough hook can accomplish this task in just a few minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a generously greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rest and expand, nearly doubling in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Maple syrup

Blend these ingredients into a rich, aromatic mixture that will transform your rolls into a decadent treat.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape. Spread the prepared filling generously across the surface, ensuring even coverage.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into individual rolls. Arrange them in a baking dish, allowing slight space between each roll.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again, becoming puffy and full of potential.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven and bake until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle with a maple-infused glaze, garnish with extra bacon bits, and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Rich, Balanced Flavor in Every Bite

  • Enhance Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is precisely warm (110°F-115°F) to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, creating a robust dough rise.
  • Prevent Sticky Dough: Gradually add flour and avoid over-mixing to maintain soft, pliable texture that won't become dense or tough during kneading.
  • Master Dough Rising: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to guarantee optimal proofing conditions.
  • Knead Like a Pro: Use gentle, consistent motions when kneading by hand, pressing and folding the dough to develop gluten structure without overworking the mixture.
  • Bacon Brilliance Tip: Crisp bacon beforehand and let it cool completely before chopping and sprinkling inside rolls to prevent excess moisture from affecting dough texture.

Store and Reheat These Rolls with Care

  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Package rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of water before reheating to restore softness.
  • Remove rolls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warm and soft.

Best Pairings for Maple Bacon Breakfast Treats

  • Perfect Pairings for Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
  • Brew a strong, dark roast coffee that complements the sweet-savory rolls, cutting through the richness with its robust flavor and balancing the maple and bacon notes.
  • Serve a bright, tangy fresh-squeezed orange juice to contrast the heavy, sweet pastry and provide a palate-cleansing acidic punch that lightens the breakfast experience.
  • Blend a smooth vanilla protein smoothie that echoes the cinnamon's warmth and adds a cool, silky texture to balance the rolls' decadent profile.
  • Steep a warming chai tea with hints of cardamom and ginger, creating a complementary spice backdrop that enhances the cinnamon and maple elements of the rolls.

Unique Takes on Maple and Bacon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Maple Bacon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to improve texture and binding. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute warm milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter. Select dairy-free bacon alternatives for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Vegan Breakfast Rolls: Create plant-based dough using flax egg, coconut milk, and vegan butter. Replace bacon with smoky tempeh or coconut bacon for protein and flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use sugar-free maple syrup and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, indulgent taste profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent maple bacon cinnamon rolls blend sweet and savory flavors in a perfect breakfast harmony. Rich, golden pastry swirls with crispy bacon and warm maple glaze promise a delightful morning treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

  • 68 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened

Glaze and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: Extra crumbled bacon for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and a portion of sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to develop a foamy texture for approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Incorporate the remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt into the activated yeast mixture. Gradually introduce flour, blending thoroughly until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted work surface and manipulate with gentle, consistent motions. Knead the dough manually for 5-6 minutes, ensuring a smooth and pliable consistency. Alternatively, utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 3-4 minutes of efficient kneading.
  4. Coat a clean bowl with a thin layer of oil or butter. Nestle the dough into the prepared container, ensuring complete coverage. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the bowl and position in a draft-free, warm environment.
  5. Allow the dough to undergo a transformative rise, approximately 60-75 minutes, until its volume doubles and appears puffy and light.
  6. Gently deflate the risen dough by pressing down with fingertips, preparing it for the next phase of preparation.
  7. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, creating a smooth, even surface for filling and shaping the cinnamon rolls.
  8. Spread a generous layer of cinnamon mixture across the dough, ensuring complete and even distribution.
  9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, maintaining consistent tension throughout the process.
  10. Slice the rolled dough into uniform sections, creating individual cinnamon rolls with precision.
  11. Arrange the rolls in a prepared baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each piece for expansion.
  12. Create a cozy environment for the rolls’ final rise, covering them and letting them develop for 30-40 minutes.
  13. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature, preparing for the baking process.
  14. Bake the rolls until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and emit a tantalizing aroma.
  15. While warm, drizzle with maple glaze and sprinkle crispy bacon fragments across the top for a decadent finish.

Notes

  • Crisp bacon adds a savory crunch that perfectly balances the sweet maple glaze, transforming traditional cinnamon rolls into a gourmet breakfast treat.
  • Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, aiming for a temperature around 110°F for optimal rising.
  • Bacon preparation matters – cook until extra crispy and chop finely so it distributes evenly throughout the roll, providing a consistent flavor in every bite.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum to help maintain the dough’s structure and elasticity.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star