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Easy Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, but add maple and bacon to the mix? That’s a game-changer. These Easy Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls transform a beloved breakfast treat into an irresistible sweet-and-savory experience that will have everyone rushing to the table.
Perfect for weekend brunches or special holiday mornings, these rolls strike the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create these impressive treats that combine the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with the smoky-sweet allure of maple bacon.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of sweet cinnamon, smoky bacon, and rich maple
- Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a family breakfast
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare the night before and bake in the morning
- Customizable to your preferred level of sweetness or bacon intensity
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (with frosting packet)
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Frosting packet from cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Lay the bacon strips on the foil-lined pan and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. This first bake gets them started on their journey to crispy perfection.
- Remove the bacon from the oven and brush each strip with a mixture of brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Make sure to coat both sides well – this is what makes the bacon absolutely irresistible. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
- Once the bacon is done, set it aside to cool and reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. The bacon will get even crispier as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit soft when hot.
- Chop the candied bacon into small pieces. Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll and place a few bacon pieces along the inside, spacing them about an inch apart. Re-roll the cinnamon rolls and place them in a greased round cake pan. Save half the bacon for topping later!
- Bake the stuffed cinnamon rolls according to the package directions – usually about 13-17 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell absolutely amazing right about now.
- While the rolls bake, whisk together the frosting packet with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. This creates the perfect sweet maple glaze that ties everything together beautifully.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them generously with the maple glaze and sprinkle the remaining chopped candied bacon on top. Serve these warm for the ultimate breakfast treat!
Tips & Variations
- For extra decadence, add 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans to the bacon filling
- Try using maple-flavored bacon for an even more intense maple taste
- Make it a bit healthier by using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
- For a make-ahead option, prepare through step 6 the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning (may need a few extra minutes of baking time)
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for an adult version with complex flavor
- If you prefer homemade dough, substitute your favorite cinnamon roll recipe for the refrigerated version
Serving Suggestions
These maple bacon cinnamon rolls are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with fresh fruit to balance the richness. Try serving with a side of mixed berries or sliced oranges. For a complete brunch spread, add some scrambled eggs and a pitcher of cold milk or hot coffee.
If you’re serving these for dessert rather than breakfast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes them to new heights of indulgence.
Notes
- Rolls are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
- The rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center
- For a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze by half
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Just prepare your favorite cinnamon roll dough and follow the instructions starting from step 3.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and if you gently press the center of a roll, it should spring back rather than feel doughy. If using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F.
Can I prepare these the night before?
Yes! Prepare through step 6, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. You may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey can work as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile. For the maple taste without syrup, try using 1-2 teaspoons of maple extract mixed with 1/4 cup of honey or corn syrup.
Servings8
Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Calories130 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (with frosting packet)
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Frosting packet from cinnamon rolls
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Lay the bacon strips on the foil-lined pan and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. This first bake gets them started on their journey to crispy perfection.
- Remove the bacon from the oven and brush each strip with a mixture of brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Make sure to coat both sides well - this is what makes the bacon absolutely irresistible. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
- Once the bacon is done, set it aside to cool and reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. The bacon will get even crispier as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit soft when hot.
- Chop the candied bacon into small pieces. Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll and place a few bacon pieces along the inside, spacing them about an inch apart. Re-roll the cinnamon rolls and place them in a greased round cake pan. Save half the bacon for topping later!
- Bake the stuffed cinnamon rolls according to the package directions - usually about 13-17 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell absolutely amazing right about now.
- While the rolls bake, whisk together the frosting packet with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. This creates the perfect sweet maple glaze that ties everything together beautifully.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them generously with the maple glaze and sprinkle the remaining chopped candied bacon on top. Serve these warm for the ultimate breakfast treat!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 130 kcal
