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These soft cinnamon rolls get a delicious upgrade with crispy bacon and a sweet maple glaze making them perfect for a brunch treat or a special breakfast delight. The combination of warm cinnamon, salty bacon, and sticky maple syrup creates an irresistible sweet and savory balance that's sure to become a favorite.
I first tried this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning and was blown away by how simple it was to impress everyone with those bold flavors. Now it’s a weekend staple whenever I want a cozy indulgence.
Ingredients
- One can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: for a soft fluffy base and convenience
- Eight pieces of bacon: which bring a smoky crisp texture and contrast to the sweetness
- Two tablespoons of brown sugar: to add caramel notes in the maple glaze
- Quarter cup of real maple syrup: for authentic flavor and sticky sweetness
- One tablespoon of maple syrup: to mix into the frosting for an extra maple kick
- Choose high quality bacon that crisps well and pure maple syrup not pancake syrup for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil to catch any drips and make clean up easier. Arrange bacon strips evenly spaced so they cook uniformly.
- Bake and Glaze the Bacon:
- Bake the bacon for 15 minutes until it just starts crisping. Carefully remove from oven and brush it generously with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes until bacon is deeply caramelized and crispy.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Set the bacon aside to cool slightly. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop half the bacon into small pieces. Unroll the cinnamon rolls and sprinkle chopped bacon inside each before rolling them back up.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Place rolled cinnamon rolls snugly into a greased round cake pan. Bake according to package instructions which usually take about 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Maple Frosting:
- While the rolls bake, stir one tablespoon of maple syrup into the canned frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls. This melds the flavors perfectly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once your cinnamon rolls are freshly baked, spread the maple frosting evenly over them and top with the reserved chopped bacon. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect combination of gooey sweet and savory crunch.
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My favorite part is the maple glaze which takes the usual cinnamon roll frosting to another level completely. Every family gathering where I brought these cinnamon rolls turned into a happy memory with smiles all around.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days but they are best enjoyed fresh. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Freezing the assembled but unbaked rolls works well if you want to bake fresh later just extend baking time slightly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Pillsbury cinnamon rolls you can make your own dough or use any store-bought variety but adjust baking times accordingly. Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option though the crisp texture may be slightly different. Pure maple syrup is preferred but maple-flavored syrup is acceptable if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a comforting breakfast. These rolls also pair nicely with fresh fruit or a side of scrambled eggs to round out a brunch spread. They make a sweet and savory snack any time of day.
Cultural Context
Maple syrup is an iconic ingredient in North American cuisine especially in regions known for maple tree tapping like Vermont and Canada. Bacon on sweet dishes has gained popularity in recent years for the irresistible contrast it offers. This recipe combines classic American cinnamon rolls with these beloved flavors for a modern twist.
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Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get crispy bacon for the rolls?
Bake bacon strips on a foil-lined sheet at 375°F for 15 minutes, brush with a maple and brown sugar mix, then bake another 15 minutes for extra crispiness.
- → Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate before baking. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
- → What type of cinnamon rolls work best?
Using pre-made soft cinnamon rolls that can be unrolled and re-shaped helps maintain the tender texture after adding bacon.
- → How is the maple glaze made?
Mix cinnamon roll frosting with a tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth, then spread over warm rolls for a sweet finish.
- → Can I use other types of bacon?
Thick-cut bacon adds more texture and flavor, but regular sliced bacon works well too if baked until crispy.