These Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are outrageously good — the kind of treat that makes everyone at the table stop mid-bite and go, “Whoa.” Sweet, salty, sticky, and buttery with a warm cinnamon swirl in every bite, these rolls are a celebration of breakfast decadence. And yes, they’re much easier than you think! Perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or a special weekday morning pick-me-up when you just need something cozy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Combo: The mix of maple syrup, smoky bacon, and gooey cinnamon sugar is next-level delicious. This isn’t just dessert for breakfast — it’s breakfast royalty.
Easy to Make: Thanks to store-bought dough or a quick-rise homemade option, these rolls come together faster than you’d expect.

Crowd-Pleaser: These cinnamon rolls are always a hit. Bring them to a brunch party or surprise your family on a sleepy Sunday morning.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them the night before and pop them in the oven the next day. No morning stress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough or homemade yeast dough: The base of the rolls — go easy with pre-made dough or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

Brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-like sweetness inside the swirl.

Ground cinnamon: The heart of any cinnamon roll — don’t skimp on this.
Butter: Melted and spread across the dough to help the filling stick and add richness.

Thick-cut bacon: Cooked until crispy. It adds saltiness, crunch, and smoky depth to every bite.

Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup if you can — it brings out a deep, woodsy sweetness that complements the bacon beautifully.
Cream cheese: For the glaze. It gives that classic tangy balance to the sweetness.

Powdered sugar: To sweeten the glaze and get that smooth, drizzly finish.

Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the glaze’s flavor.
Milk: To loosen the glaze to your perfect consistency.

Variations

Go Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch and extra depth.

Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced twist.
Mini Rolls: Use smaller sections of dough and less filling to make bite-sized rolls — perfect for brunch spreads.

No Bacon? No Problem: For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon and amp up the maple in the glaze.

How to Make Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Dough

If using refrigerated dough, unroll it carefully on a floured surface. If making homemade dough, prepare and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick once it’s risen.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Spread melted butter across the surface of the dough. Sprinkle generously with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Crumble the cooked bacon evenly over the top.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into even rolls — a serrated knife works best here. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Let Them Rise (If Using Homemade Dough)

Cover loosely with a towel and let rise until puffed — about 30-45 minutes in a warm spot.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Don’t overbake or they’ll dry out!

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the maple cream cheese glaze. Top with a few extra bacon crumbles if you saved some — highly recommended.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temp Ingredients: Especially for the glaze — cold cream cheese can turn your glaze lumpy.

Don’t Overfill the Dough: A little restraint helps the rolls keep their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out.

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
Crispy Bacon Only: Make sure your bacon is cooked until crisp. Soft bacon will get lost in the dough and won’t give you that satisfying texture contrast.

How to Serve

These rolls are best served warm — right out of the oven or reheated slightly. Here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

With a Hot Drink

Serve alongside a strong coffee, espresso, or chai latte. The rich glaze and bacon love a bold beverage pairing.

With a Fresh Side

Balance the richness with a side of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad.

As a Dessert

Yes, they double as dessert. Just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked, sliced rolls (without glaze) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh when ready.

Reheating

Microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon?
Yes, you can! The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor pairing with the maple still works beautifully.

Do I need to use maple syrup in the glaze?
You could substitute honey or a vanilla cream glaze, but real maple syrup adds that classic flavor that makes this recipe sing.

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Definitely. A soft, enriched dough (like brioche or a basic cinnamon roll dough) will make the rolls even more pillowy and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to seriously upgrade your cinnamon roll game, this Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll recipe is the answer. It’s bold, rich, and absolutely irresistible — the perfect mix of sweet and savory in every single bite. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just because you deserve it (you do), give these a try and enjoy every decadent forkful.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe