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Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful rolls combine the sweetness of cinnamon and maple syrup with the smoky depth of bacon for a perfect breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 450 g smoked bacon
  • 110 g light brown sugar
  • 60 ml pure maple syrup
  • 30 ml bourbon whiskey
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 30 g all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)
  • 180 ml water (for tangzhong)
  • 440 g all-purpose flour (for dough)
  • 67 g granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 0.75 tsp fine sea salt
  • 120 ml whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 113 g unsalted butter (for filling)
  • 135 g light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup crumbled candied bacon, reserved
  • 56 g unsalted butter (for frosting)
  • 57 g cream cheese, room temperature
  • 95 g powdered sugar
  • 2.55 ml bourbon whiskey (for frosting)
  • 30 ml pure maple syrup (for frosting)
  • 0.5 cup candied bacon strips, reserved for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices on the tray.
  2. Make the Bacon Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and black pepper. Evenly spread this mixture over the bacon. Bake on the center rack for 30-40 minutes until the bacon is caramelized and crisp.
  3. Cool the Bacon: Once done, remove the tray from the oven and transfer the bacon strips to a wire rack to cool fully. Reserve 0.5 cup of bacon strips for garnish and chop the remaining bacon into fine crumbs.
  4. Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 30 g of all-purpose flour over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until a thick slurry forms. Transfer this tangzhong to a bowl and allow it to cool.
  5. Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the remaining 440 g of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and sea salt. Add in the egg, milk, and cooled tangzhong. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for 2 minutes until a cohesive dough forms.
  6. Knead the Dough: With the mixer running, add softened butter in 0.5-tablespoon increments, allowing each to incorporate before adding the next. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, sticking only to the bottom of the bowl. Adjust with more flour or milk if necessary.
  7. Let the Dough Rise: Once kneaded, form the dough into a smooth ball and place it seam-side down in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  8. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, approximately 38 x 46 cm, with the long side facing you.
  9. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border along the top edge.
  10. Add the Crumbled Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled candied bacon over the cinnamon filling.
  11. Cut the Rolls: Slice the dough into twelve strips, each 4 cm wide, using a pizza cutter. Roll each strip away from you and arrange them in a parchment-lined 23 x 33 cm pan.
  12. Proof the Rolls: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls proof for 1 hour at room temperature until nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 162°C.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls on the center rack for 24-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool in the pan set over a wire rack.
  14. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, blend the butter and cream cheese until creamy. Incorporate the powdered sugar, then whisk in maple syrup and bourbon, adjusting the bourbon based on your flavor preference.
  15. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the lukewarm rolls and garnish with the reserved candied bacon strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure your dough is allowed to rise in a warm space; this is crucial for the best texture. Check your bacon regularly while it bakes to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, bourbon, bacon, breakfast, brunch, dessert