Bacon Cinnamon Buns

Total Time

Prep: 50 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Sep. 22, 2022
I absolutely love bacon! I also love recipes that blend sweet and savory flavors, so I put chopped bacon in traditional cinnamon buns for a finger-licking-good combination. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Bacon Cinnamon Buns Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • FILLING:
  • 5 bacon strips, chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • FROSTING:
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons.
  4. In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and reserved bacon drippings; cook and stir until blended. Cool to room temperature.
  5. Punch dough down. Roll into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture and bacon to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; pinch seams to seal. Cut into 12 rolls.
  6. Place rolls, cut side down, in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 20 minutes.
  7. In a small bowl, beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve warm.