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 classic into an irresistible sweet-and-savory experience that will have everyone rushing to the table.
I created this recipe after a weekend brunch inspiration struck – why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both? The smoky, salty bacon perfectly balances the sweet maple glaze, creating a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick preparation using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough – no yeast-working required!
- Perfect balance of sweet maple, warm cinnamon, and savory bacon in every bite
- Impressive enough for weekend guests but easy enough for a special weekday breakfast
- Customizable – adjust the bacon amount or maple intensity to suit your taste
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for next-day enjoyment
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 a make-ahead option, prepare everything the night before but don’t bake – cover and refrigerate, then add 5 minutes to baking time.
- Try turkey bacon for a lighter option that still delivers great flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist on these rolls.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an enhanced sweet-savory contrast.
- For extra decadence, add 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the maple glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These maple bacon cinnamon rolls make a complete breakfast on their own, but pair beautifully with fresh fruit for balance. For a special brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the sweetness.
A hot cup of black coffee or cold brew provides the perfect bitter counterpoint to these sweet-savory rolls. For non-coffee drinkers, try serving with unsweetened chai tea.
Notes
- Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Rolls are done when the centers reach 190°F on an instant-read thermometer, or when they spring back when lightly touched.
- For best results, use center-cut bacon that has a good balance of meat and fat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade dough recipe, use it instead of the refrigerated version – just adjust the baking time according to your recipe.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
Make sure to sprinkle the bacon pieces between and on top of the rolls rather than directly on the bottom of the pan, where they might burn.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted baked rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before glazing.
Is there a way to make these less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup in the glaze by half and use a bit more bacon to shift the balance toward savory.
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