Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate breakfast treat—fusing sweet, sticky cinnamon rolls with the smoky, savory surprise of crisp bacon and a silky maple glaze. Every bite bursts with gooey, cinnamon-scented dough, crunchy bacon bits, and the comforting aroma of warm spices and maple.
These rolls are perfect for special mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to indulge in a bakery-style delight at home. Their balance of flavors will please both sweet and savory fans, making them an instant crowd favorite whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or as a festive holiday brunch centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls to a whole new level. The salty, crunchy bacon balances the sweetness of the dough and glaze, creating a dynamic bite every time. Rich maple adds depth to both dough and icing, enhancing the homey flavors.
These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly gooey in the center, making them irresistible. Even if you’re new to baking, the clear step-by-step process means you’ll get impressive results. Serve them warm and watch as they quickly disappear from the table!
Key Ingredients
The dough is rich and soft, thanks to whole milk, butter, and eggs, producing a tender roll that stays moist for days. Filling layers feature brown sugar, cinnamon, and crispy bacon, providing the signature swirl and flavor depth.
The finishing maple glaze is made with real maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a touch of cream cheese for smoothness. Good quality, thick-cut bacon delivers best results—don’t skimp! The combination of these ingredients transforms a comforting classic into a bakery-worthy brunch showstopper.
Ingredients
- For Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Filling:
- 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For Maple Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Start by preparing the dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit for 5–8 minutes, until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix with the paddle attachment until combined. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Switch to the dough hook and knead for 6–8 minutes, adding a tablespoon of flour at a time if needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 1 hour.
While the dough rises, cook the bacon until crispy (bake, pan-fry, or air-fry as you prefer). Drain well and chop into small bits. For the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until you have a spreadable paste.
When the dough has risen, punch it down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough, right to the edges. Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly over the filling.
Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Arrange rolls, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. While they bake, prepare the glaze: beat cream cheese until smooth, then add maple syrup and powdered sugar, mixing well. Adjust thickness with milk for drizzling or spreading.
Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread or drizzle with warm maple glaze. Top with extra bacon bits if you like. Serve these sticky, gooey, irresistible rolls warm for the best experience.
Tips & Tricks
Make the dough the night before and chill after the first rise; in the morning, roll, fill, slice, and proof for stress-free brunch prep. To evenly slice rolls, use flavorless dental floss for clean cuts. Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and flavor impact.
For even richer dough, swap half the flour for bread flour. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls so it seeps into every swirl for extra gooeyness.
Substitutions
Try turkey bacon for a lighter twist, or leave out bacon for classic cinnamon rolls. Almond or oat milk works well if you need a dairy substitute. Maple extract can add extra flavor to both glaze and filling if you’re low on real maple syrup. For gluten-free, use a reliable gluten-free baking blend suited to yeast doughs.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are outstanding with strong coffee or chai lattes. For brunch, pair with a fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. Serve smaller portions for dessert. For holidays, double the recipe and bake in two pans; leftovers reheat beautifully the next day, either at room temp or lightly warmed.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Unbaked rolls can be shaped, placed in the pan, and refrigerated overnight, then proofed and baked fresh in the morning. Baked and cooled rolls stay moist for two days in an airtight container; reheat in the oven or microwave for gooeyness.
The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring to room temperature before drizzling.
Nutrition Note
Bacon adds protein and savoriness; maple syrup provides sweetness without refined sugar in the glaze. For lighter rolls, reduce some butter and sugar, or use turkey bacon. Whole wheat flour can add fiber when swapped for part of the all-purpose. Portion sizes are generous, so these are perfect for sharing!
Variations
Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunchy contrast. Mix a little orange zest into the dough for brightness. Top with candied bacon or swirl in a touch of espresso powder to deepen flavor. Make mini rolls for party buffets or a large “skillet cinnamon roll” for dramatic presentation at brunch.
Final Thoughts
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls deliver sticky, tender, sweet-and-savory comfort perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of rich maple, smoky bacon, and pillowy cinnamon dough turns an everyday treat into something unforgettable.
Share these with loved ones for a holiday, special breakfast, or just because—they’re sure to make any morning brighter!
