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The Only Breakfast Roll Recipe You’ll Ever Need: Bourbon Maple Bacon Rolls

Let’s be honest. Some mornings call for more than just a bowl of cereal. They call for something epic.

I’m talking about the kind of breakfast that makes the whole house smell incredible. The kind that makes you want to cancel all your plans and just savor the moment.

Imagine this: a warm, fluffy roll, wrapped around a savory piece of bacon, all drenched in a sticky, sweet glaze made with real maple syrup and a splash of rich bourbon.

It’s the ultimate sweet and salty mashup. These Bourbon Maple Bacon Rolls are an absolute showstopper for brunch, a special holiday morning, or anytime you want to treat yourself. They look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to pull off.

Let’s get into making this magic happen in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. No need for a special trip to a gourmet store; you probably have most of this on hand.

For the Rolls:

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 (17.5 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Bourbon Maple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons good quality bourbon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• The icing packet from the cinnamon roll can

Required Tools

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just your standard kitchen warriors.

• Large Skillet
• Baking Sheet with a Wire Rack
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Small Saucepan
• Whisk
• Pastry Brush (optional, but helpful)
• Mixing Bowls

Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls

I’ve made these rolls more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a huge difference. Here are my top tips for success.

1. Par-Cook Your Bacon. This is the most important step! Don’t use raw bacon. It will release too much grease and make the rolls soggy. Cook it until it’s rendered and slightly chewy, but not crispy. It will finish cooking in the oven.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. Give your rolls a little breathing room in the baking dish. This allows heat to circulate evenly, ensuring the dough cooks through and the tops get beautifully golden brown.
3. Double Glaze for a Perfect Finish. The secret to that irresistible sticky top is a two-step glazing process. Brush on about half the glaze as soon as the rolls come out of the oven. This first layer will soak into the warm dough. Let them cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the rest over the top for that perfect, shiny finish.
4. Room Temp Dough is Your Friend. Let the can of cinnamon roll dough sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before you start. It makes the dough much less sticky and far easier to unroll and handle without tearing.

How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the bacon strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fat has started to render but the bacon is still pliable. Don’t let it get crisp!

Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cool enough to handle, cut each strip in half.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Unroll the cinnamon roll dough on a clean surface and separate the individual rolls. Gently press or roll each one out into a slightly larger, flatter rectangle.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle a little of this mixture onto each flattened dough rectangle. Place a half-strip of bacon on top of the sugar mixture. Roll it up tightly, with the bacon tucked inside.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Place the assembled rolls, seam-side down, into your prepared baking dish. They should be close but not crammed together.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top. The exact time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the maple syrup and bourbon. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar and the icing from the cinnamon roll packet until the glaze is smooth.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

As soon as you pull the rolls from the oven, brush or drizzle about half of the warm glaze over them. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Drizzle the remaining glaze over the slightly cooled rolls. Serve them warm and get ready for the compliments.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is great as is, but it’s also fun to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Ingredient	Substitution Idea	Notes
Bourbon	Dark Rum or Whiskey	Offers a similar rich, warm flavor.
Bourbon (Non-Alcoholic)	1 tsp vanilla + 2 tbsp water	Mimics the flavor without the alcohol.
Cinnamon Roll Dough	Refrigerated Crescent Dough	Makes a flakier, lighter roll.
Thick-Cut Bacon	Turkey Bacon or Pancetta	Adjust cook time accordingly.

For some extra flair, try adding 1/2 cup of toasted, chopped pecans to the brown sugar mixture for a nutty crunch. Or, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a surprising sweet-and-spicy kick.

Nutritional Breakdown and Diet Swaps

These are an indulgence, but it’s always good to know what you’re working with. The following is an estimate per roll.

• Calories: Approx. 350-400
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 8g

To make these fit other dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free cinnamon roll dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your bacon and bourbon labels.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free canned cinnamon roll dough (many are accidentally dairy-free). Swap the butter for a plant-based butter stick in the glaze.

Meal Pairing and Efficiency

These rolls are the star of the show, but they play well with others. Serve them with a side of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. A strong cup of black coffee or a simple mimosa is the perfect beverage companion.

To make your morning less hectic, par-cook the bacon the day before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This cuts down on prep time significantly when you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Tips for Leftovers and Storage

If you somehow have leftovers, they store quite well. Let the rolls cool completely before storing.

Place them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, just pop one in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. They’ll be warm, soft, and just as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?

Ans: You can, but thick-cut holds up much better. Regular bacon can get a bit lost or become too crispy inside the roll. If you use regular bacon, watch it closely when par-cooking as it will be done much faster.

Q2. My glaze seems too thin. What did I do wrong?

Ans: Nothing! Glaze consistency can vary. If it’s too thin for your liking, just whisk in a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, a tiny splash more of bourbon or milk will thin it out.

Q3. Can I freeze these rolls?

Ans: Yes! You can freeze them baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, assemble the rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely (don’t glaze them), wrap well, and freeze. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

Q4. Do I have to use the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls?

Ans: You don’t have to, but it adds a nice creaminess and helps thicken the glaze. If you omit it, you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to get the right consistency for your bourbon maple glaze.

Wrapping Up

There you have it. A straightforward recipe for one of the most decadent and delicious breakfast treats imaginable. That combination of smoky bacon, warm cinnamon, sweet maple, and rich bourbon is truly something else.

I hope you give these Bourbon Maple Bacon Rolls a try. They are guaranteed to make any morning feel like a special occasion.

When you make them, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out, or if you discovered any fun variations of your own. Happy baking!

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