Ingredients
Choosing good quality ingredients always makes a difference, especially for a recipe that relies on simple flavors playing off each other. I like to use real maple syrup rather than artificial syrups to get that deep, natural sweetness. For the bacon, thick-cut is best—it crisps up nicely and holds its texture inside the rolls. The bourbon should be something you enjoy drinking, as it lends character to the glaze. I often think back to my early days experimenting in the kitchen, and how paying attention to ingredients turned even my kitchen mishaps into learning moments.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
Instructions
- Start by warming the milk until it’s just about body temperature (around 110°F). Stir in the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy—this shows your yeast is alive and ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast-milk mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If your dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to overdo it—soft dough yields softer rolls.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- While the dough rises, cook the bacon until crisp, then chop into small pieces. Mix the bacon with a little maple syrup for extra stickiness.
- Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar and the maple-coated bacon bits.
- Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for cleaner edges.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls bake, combine maple syrup and bourbon in a small saucepan. Warm gently and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. For an extra touch, whisk in powdered sugar to create a glaze.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the warm bourbon maple glaze over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes so the glaze seeps in before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
