The warm aroma of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter wraps around you the moment these Bacon Cinnamon Rolls come out of the oven. Soft, gooey rolls with a sweet filling meet crispy, smoky bacon in the most irresistible combination.
Perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast treat, these rolls offer a playful twist on a classic. They’re super simple to make using crescent dough and are finished with a light vanilla glaze that melts over the warm rolls. Once you try this sweet-and-savory fusion, there’s no going back.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form a rectangle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Sprinkle chopped cooked bacon evenly on top.
- Starting from the short edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 8 even rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 rolls
A Sweet and Savory Twist: Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. Now imagine that scent infused with the smoky aroma of crispy bacon—that’s exactly what you get with these irresistible Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. This dish is a delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors, wrapped up in a warm, gooey roll and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or just treating yourself on a cozy day at home.
Why Bacon and Cinnamon Work Together
At first glance, bacon and cinnamon may seem like an unlikely pair. But much like salty caramel or chocolate-covered pretzels, there’s a unique flavor harmony that emerges when sweet and salty collide. The smoky, savory profile of crispy bacon balances the warm sweetness of cinnamon sugar, creating a mouthwatering contrast that hits every note on your palate.
Bacon also brings an umami element that deepens the overall flavor. When combined with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, the bacon transforms into more than just an addition—it becomes an essential component that enhances the richness and complexity of every bite.
Using Crescent Roll Dough for Convenience
One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible it is. Instead of making dough from scratch, this version uses crescent roll dough, which cuts down on prep time without sacrificing that soft, flaky texture. Crescent dough is buttery, tender, and bakes up beautifully in a cinnamon roll format. It allows you to whip up an impressive dish in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
Of course, if you’re an ambitious baker or looking to level up the dish, you can always make your dough from scratch. But for many home cooks, the convenience of store-bought dough makes this recipe a repeat favorite.
Choosing the Right Bacon
Not all bacon is created equal, and the variety you use will have a big impact on the final flavor. Thick-cut bacon adds a meatier bite and tends to hold its texture better when baked inside the roll. Center-cut bacon has less fat and crisps up nicely, while maple or brown sugar-glazed bacon can add an extra layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon filling.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the dough. This prevents it from becoming soggy during baking and allows it to integrate seamlessly into each roll.
How to Make the Vanilla Glaze Pop
The vanilla glaze is the finishing touch that brings everything together. It adds a silky sweetness and a visual appeal that makes these rolls irresistible. A simple combination of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract is all you need, but you can adjust the consistency based on your preference. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a drizzle-style finish, thin it out slightly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of maple syrup or bourbon to the glaze for a grown-up version that brings in warm, seasonal notes. A little orange zest can also brighten up the flavor and add a bit of contrast to the rich filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them fresh out of the oven for a family breakfast or dress them up on a tray for your next brunch gathering. They’re also great for holidays like Christmas or Easter when you want a crowd-pleasing treat that feels a little more special.
You can even turn them into a dessert option by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra drizzle of glaze or caramel sauce. The salty-sweet contrast works just as well for dessert as it does for breakfast, making these rolls a true all-day treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the most convenient aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can prepare the rolls the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning. Simply assemble the rolls and place them in your baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before baking as usual.
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Drizzle maple syrup into the filling or add it to your glaze for an extra cozy vibe.
- Pecan Bacon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans along with the bacon for crunch and nuttiness.
- Spicy Bacon Rolls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy candied bacon to bring some heat to the mix.
- Apple Bacon Rolls: Finely dice apples and mix them into the filling for a fall-inspired flavor burst.
- Cheddar Bacon Cinnamon Rolls: Add shredded cheddar to the filling for a savory spin that plays up the sweet-salty balance even more.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own. Whether you like it sweeter, smokier, spicier, or nuttier, the foundation of bacon, cinnamon, and dough leaves plenty of room for personal flair.
Pairing Suggestions
These rolls go wonderfully with your favorite morning beverages. Serve them with:
- Coffee – A bold cup of black coffee or a latte helps balance the sweetness and enhances the smoky notes.
- Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai echo the cinnamon and elevate the overall flavor experience.
- Milk – A classic choice that softens the sweetness and provides a creamy contrast.
- Sparkling Apple Cider – Perfect for holiday brunches, adding a festive touch.
If you’re serving them for dessert, consider a pairing with bourbon-spiked whipped cream, an espresso shot, or a rich hot chocolate for added indulgence.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s something nostalgic and comforting about cinnamon rolls, but adding bacon takes this timeless treat to a whole new level. The combination of crispy, salty meat and sugary, spiced filling feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Plus, the recipe is quick and easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
It’s also a great introduction to exploring sweet-and-savory pairings for those who’ve never tried it before. Whether you’re making it for your family, your guests, or just yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks conversation and leaves people asking for seconds.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and unexpectedly delightful dish, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls deliver on every front. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with that crave-worthy contrast of flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something a little indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for traditional cinnamon rolls, toss in some bacon—and watch as your kitchen becomes everyone’s favorite place to be.