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These maple bacon cinnamon rolls have become my go-to when I want a crowd-pleasing breakfast and feel like a baking superstar in under an hour. The combination of sweet and salty candied bacon inside classic cinnamon rolls topped with maple frosting is always the first thing gone at family brunches.
The first time I made these cinnamon rolls was for a busy autumn morning with houseguests. No one could believe how easy they were or that I had not been up at sunrise baking. Now they are a new holiday tradition at our house.
Ingredients
- Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with icing: I suggest the butter cream style as a shortcut with a soft gooey texture
- Bacon: thick-cut works best for candied bacon as it holds up during baking and crisps nicely
- Brown sugar: creates a caramel-like coating on the bacon for sweet crunch
- Maple syrup: pure maple is best for a rich natural flavor in both the bacon and the glaze
- When choosing bacon: look for slices with a mix of fat and meat for the best candied texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Bacon:
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange bacon so pieces do not overlap. This helps them crisp evenly. Bake at 375F for fifteen minutes.
- Candy the Bacon:
- Mix brown sugar and maple syrup together in a small bowl until well blended. Brush this mixture thoroughly over the partially cooked bacon. Return to oven for about fifteen minutes. Watch closely so the bacon gets caramelized and deep brown but not burned.
- Chop and Fill the Rolls:
- Cool the bacon slightly so it is easy to handle. Chop into small pieces. Keep half for topping. Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll and tuck pieces of candied bacon along the inner spiral then roll them back up and place in a greased round pan.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Bake rolls as directed on package usually at 350F until golden and baked through. Some maple syrup may bubble out and caramelize the edges.
- Make the Maple Frosting:
- While rolls bake whisk the packaged icing with a tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth and pourable. For extra creaminess add a dollop of softened cream cheese.
- Finish and Serve:
- Spread maple glaze over hot rolls right in the pan. Scatter reserved bacon across the tops so every bite has sweet salty crunch. Serve warm for the ultimate treat.
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Maple syrup is the star here I started using pure Vermont maple after my cousins sent me a bottle one Thanksgiving and now I will not use anything else in these rolls. These remind me of lazy mornings with my siblings when we raced to get the stickiest roll from the pan.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days. Warm in the microwave for soft gooey results or reheat in a low oven covered loosely in foil to prevent drying out. You can freeze baked rolls for up to two months and defrost overnight in the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer turkey bacon or need a pork-free option substitute that for regular bacon though the texture will be less rich. If you want to use homemade biscuit dough instead of store bought rolls make sure to add a little extra brown sugar in the filling for best result. And if you love extra nuts feel free to scatter chopped pecans on top for even more crunch.
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Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are amazing served with a hot cup of coffee or strong black tea. At special brunches I pair them with a fresh fruit salad and a simple egg bake for balance. They honestly double as an indulgent dessert treat especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Cultural and Historical Context
The marriage of bacon maple and cinnamon rolls is a distinctly American twist that has exploded in popularity thanks to brunch culture. Adding salty bacon to a classic sweet roll surprises guests and plays off the beloved breakfast combo of pancakes with bacon and syrup. Pillsbury rolls bring nostalgia for quick family breakfasts while the candied bacon updates the tradition for modern flavor cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → How do you candy bacon for cinnamon rolls?
Coat cooked bacon strips with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup, then bake again until caramelized and crisp.
- → Can I use other types of canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes, any canned cinnamon rolls work well. Choose your preferred flavor or icing to suit your taste.
- → What’s the best way to apply the maple glaze?
Mix maple syrup into the packaged icing and spread it over the warm rolls right after baking for a smooth finish.
- → Should I reserve bacon for topping?
Yes, keep half of the chopped candied bacon to sprinkle over the frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
They can be assembled in advance and baked fresh. For best texture, frost and add bacon topping right before serving.