A Baking Adventure with a Side of Humor

Baking has a way of surprising us, and these Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are no exception. My first attempt at making these rolls was nearly derailed by an overly enthusiastic helper—my dog, who decided that bacon on the counter was fair game! After a quick cleanup and a lesson in kitchen security, I gave it another shot, and the result was absolutely worth it. These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and perfectly balanced with the sweet glaze and crispy, caramelized bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Maple-glazed bacon cinnamon

Sweet and Savory Perfection
This recipe masterfully combines the best of both worlds. The soft, fluffy dough is layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Add the crunch of candied bacon, and you’ve got a treat that’s indulgent and satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion
These bacon cinnamon rolls are a standout choice for brunch, holidays, or a weekend breakfast when you want to impress your family or guests. They’re decadent enough to feel special but easy enough to make with a bit of planning.

A Fun Baking Project
While this recipe involves a few steps, each one is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon, maple, and bacon wafting through your kitchen is pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple-glazed bacon cinnamon

Candied Bacon:

1 pound thick-cut bacon
4 tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Dough:

¾ cup water
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)
3½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup candied bacon pieces

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup candied bacon pieces (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Candied Bacon

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, and cracked black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of the bacon.
Lay the bacon strips on the baking sheet and bake for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and caramelized.
Transfer the bacon to a wire rack to cool, then chop into small pieces.

Make the Dough

Tangzhong Method: In a small saucepan, whisk together ¾ cup water and ¼ cup flour over medium heat. Cook until it thickens into a paste, then let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine 3½ cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add the cooled tangzhong, milk, and egg. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Gradually knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 15×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with candied bacon pieces.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
Bake the rolls for 24–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
Add powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing until smooth.

Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and top with additional candied bacon pieces.
Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, savory, and sweet goodness!

Tips for Perfect Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Candied Bacon Mastery

Ensure the bacon is fully coated with the maple-sugar mixture for maximum flavor.
Use a wire rack during baking to prevent the bacon from sitting in grease.

Dough Perfection

The tangzhong method keeps the dough soft and fluffy, so don’t skip this step!
Knead the dough thoroughly to ensure it’s elastic and smooth.

Flavor Variations

Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for extra crunch.
Substitute maple syrup in the frosting with honey or caramel for a different twist.

Why This Recipe Works

A Unique Twist on a Classic
Traditional cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, but the addition of candied bacon takes this recipe to another level. The savory bacon perfectly balances the sweetness of the glaze and filling, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
These cinnamon rolls are always a hit, whether served at brunch, holiday gatherings, or as a weekend treat. The mix of sweet and savory ensures they’ll stand out on any menu.

Simple but Impressive
While this recipe involves a few steps, each one is straightforward, and the result is worth every minute of effort.

Try It Today

A Recipe That’s More Than Food

These Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are not just another baking project—they’re an experience waiting to happen. Imagine the sweet, spiced scent of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the rich aroma of maple syrup and sizzling bacon. It’s a sensory delight that’s guaranteed to make your house feel like home, no matter the season.

Baking these cinnamon rolls is about more than satisfying a craving; it’s about creating something special that brings people together. Whether it’s for a lazy Sunday brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or just because you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Gather Your Ingredients and Start Baking

Don’t be intimidated by the steps—it’s all part of the fun! From mixing the dough to carefully rolling it out and sprinkling on that irresistible candied bacon filling, each step is a chance to connect with the joy of baking. If you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen, this recipe is a great opportunity to bond and create memories together.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re looking to impress your brunch guests, surprise your family with a treat, or indulge yourself with a cozy baking day, these cinnamon rolls are a versatile choice. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a mimosa for something extra celebratory.

Tips to Make Them Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Want a bit more crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. Prefer a little extra spice? Sprinkle in some cardamom or nutmeg with the cinnamon. If you’re a fan of extra frosting, double the maple cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent finish.

Share the Joy

One of the best parts of baking is sharing what you’ve made. Pack these rolls in a box with a festive ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. Bring them to your next potluck or brunch gathering, and watch as they disappear in seconds. Or, share the recipe itself and inspire your friends and family to try it for themselves.

Celebrate Life’s Simple Pleasures

At the heart of it, these Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are about celebrating the little things in life—the smell of cinnamon, the taste of warm maple frosting, the laughter of loved ones gathered around the table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a baking experience that’s as rewarding as the end result. Happy baking!

Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Author: Samia
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Maple-Glazed Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory. Featuring soft, fluffy dough, a spiced filling, candied bacon, and a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candied Bacon:

1 lb thick-cut bacon
4 tbsp maple syrup
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cracked black pepper

For the Dough:

¾ cup water
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)
3½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp fine sea salt
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup candied bacon pieces

For the Frosting:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ cup candied bacon pieces (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Candied Bacon:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush bacon with a mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, and pepper. Bake 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway. Cool and chop.
Make the Dough:
- Cook tangzhong by whisking water and flour over medium heat into a paste. Cool.
- Mix dry ingredients, add tangzhong, milk, and egg. Knead in butter. Let rise 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
Assemble Rolls:
- Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling, and sprinkle bacon. Roll and cut into 12 pieces. Arrange in a greased pan. Let rise 30-45 minutes.
Bake:
- Bake at 325°F (162°C) for 24-30 minutes.
Make Frosting:
- Beat butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
Finish:
- Frost warm rolls and top with remaining bacon pieces.

Notes

Substitute candied bacon with regular bacon for less sweetness.
Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
Rolls can be frozen before or after baking.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American