Easy Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Start by baking bacon until crispy and brushing it with a maple-brown sugar mixture. Once cooled, chop it and add inside unrolled cinnamon rolls. Reserve extra bacon for topping. Roll and bake the filled dough rounds, then blend the included icing with maple syrup for a smooth glaze. Finish by coating warm rolls with glaze and topping with remaining bacon pieces for a golden, sweet-savory treat.

Tags: #north-american #baked #brunch #easy #over-30-minutes #family-friendly

sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 18:15:03 GMT
A delicious looking cinnamon roll with bacon and maple syrup on top. Pin it
A delicious looking cinnamon roll with bacon and maple syrup on top. | recipebyme.com

This irresistible recipe transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a sweet and savory morning treat with a buttery swirl of maple and bacon. I discovered this shortcut version during a last-minute brunch panic and it instantly became the most-requested special occasion breakfast in my house. If you are looking for a fuss-free showstopper for weekend mornings or holiday brunches this recipe will not disappoint.

Ever since I baked these for a birthday breakfast my family has begged for them any time we have guests over. The smell alone makes everyone gather in the kitchen before the pan is even out of the oven.

Ingredients

  • Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: The secret shortcut for bakery-style rolls with minimal effort Check the can date and choose one without dents for the freshest result
  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut for chewy texture or standard for crisper bites Check for a good balance of meat and fat for best flavor
  • Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel hints and helps bacon get gorgeously glazed Choose dark brown for deeper molasses notes
  • Maple syrup: For that signature sweet finish Always choose pure over artificial for best flavor and avoid any with added sugar
  • Maple frosting: The included cinnamon roll icing gets an upgrade with more syrup for a double hit of maple flavor make sure to fully blend for a glossy glaze

Instructions

Prep the Bacon:
Lay bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes This partially cooks the bacon so it stays crisp inside the rolls
Glaze and Finish Bacon:
Mix brown sugar with maple syrup then brush over bacon strips Return to the oven for another 15 minutes This creates a shiny flavorful glaze that clings to each piece
Cool Chop and Set Aside:
Let bacon cool on a rack then chop into small even pieces This makes stuffing and topping the rolls super easy Reserve half for the filling and half for topping
Stuff and Shape Cinnamon Rolls:
Unroll each cinnamon roll flat Scatter some chopped bacon along the inside then gently roll them back up Place in a greased round pan as directed on the cinnamon roll packaging
Bake the Rolls:
Bake the pan of cinnamon rolls at 350°F using the time on the Pillsbury can The rolls should be puffed and golden and the bacon inside will be perfectly tender
Maple Glaze Prep:
While rolls bake stir 1 tablespoon of maple syrup into the can of included frosting Mix until fully smooth and pourable for easy drizzling
Finish and Serve:
Once the rolls are baked spread the maple glaze generously over the tops Sprinkle over the reserved bacon so every bite has that sweet and smoky crunch Serve warm from the pan for best flavor
A plate of Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with a cup of coffee.
A plate of Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with a cup of coffee. | recipebyme.com

Nothing beats the sigh my kids let out when they taste it for the first time and ask for seconds before they are even done their first.

Storage Tips

These rolls are best fresh but will keep for up to two days covered at room temperature If you have leftovers gently reheat them in a low oven or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore the gooey texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make them vegetarian you can skip the bacon or use a quality plant-based bacon substitute Swap maple syrup for honey if that is what you have but maple truly gives the best aroma

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cinnamon rolls as the star of a holiday breakfast platter or for a lazy weekend brunch Pair them with fresh fruit eggs or creamy Greek yogurt for a complete menu If you have a sweet tooth drizzle on extra maple syrup right before serving

Cultural Notes

Bacon and maple are a classic North American comfort food pairing often found in diner pancakes and waffles These rolls bring that spirit home in a fun modern way that anyone can pull off no matter their baking experience

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm winter twist Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts with the bacon for crunch in the fall Brighten the glaze with orange zest and serve with berries in the spring

Success Stories

I first made these on a chilly winter morning for friends visiting from out of town The entire pan vanished before anyone sat down and now it is my secret weapon for making guests feel special

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze bake the rolls as instructed but skip the glaze and bacon topping Let them cool completely wrap well and freeze When ready to serve thaw glaze bake for a few minutes to warm and sprinkle with fresh bacon

A delicious looking cinnamon roll with bacon and maple syrup on top.
A delicious looking cinnamon roll with bacon and maple syrup on top. | recipebyme.com

These cinnamon rolls will wow guests every time and become a requested favorite for years to come. Enjoy the sweet and salty combination any time you need a breakfast treat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Yes, homemade dough works well. Ensure it's rolled out, filled with bacon, and baked according to your dough's instructions.

→ How crispy should the bacon be?

Bake the bacon until just crispy. This prevents it from becoming too hard after a second bake inside the rolls.

→ Is the maple glaze essential?

The maple glaze adds sweetness and pairs well with the salty bacon, but you can use plain icing if preferred.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Bake fresh in the morning and glaze before serving.

→ What’s the best way to chop bacon for filling?

Once cooled, cut bacon into small bits so each bite contains both savory and sweet elements evenly.

Easy Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls filled with crisp bacon and finished with maple glaze, offering sweet and savory flavors.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 rolls)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough and Filling

01 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with included frosting

→ Bacon

02 8 slices bacon

→ Sweetener

03 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
04 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
05 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Combine brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup in a bowl. Remove bacon from oven, brush both sides with maple mixture, and return to oven for another 15 minutes or until bacon is caramelized and crisp.

Step 03

Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Once cooled, chop bacon into small pieces.

Step 04

Unroll each cinnamon roll. Sprinkle some chopped bacon pieces inside each, reserving half for topping. Re-roll the dough and arrange rolls in a greased round cake pan.

Step 05

Bake cinnamon rolls at 350°F (175°C) as instructed on packaging, until risen and golden brown.

Step 06

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon roll frosting with 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Stir until smooth.

Step 07

Spread maple glaze over warm rolls. Top with reserved chopped bacon and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For best texture, ensure bacon is very crisp before integrating into the dough or using as a topping.

Required Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush
  • Round cake pan
  • Paper towels

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat and gluten
  • Contains dairy
  • May contain eggs

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 6 g