Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with a rich maple glaze and crispy bacon bits. A perfect sweet and salty treat for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Maple Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough
- Add the egg, yolks, and melted butter, then mix well.
- Slowly add flour and salt, kneading until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Shape the Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 14×18 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly, then sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.
- Second Rise
- Place rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Finish & Serve
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and sprinkle with extra bacon pieces if desired.
Tips & Tricks ✨
- For richer flavor, use thick-cut smoky bacon.
- Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight for easier morning baking.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar (for thick) or milk (for thin).
- Best served warm, but leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
