I absolutely love bacon! I also love recipes that blend sweet and savory flavors, so I put chopped bacon in my cinnamon buns. The combination is finger-licking good.
—DANIELLE WILLIAMS NEWPORT, RI
PREP: 50 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 1 DOZEN
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 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
5 bacon strips, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
ICING
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
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, 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 the bacon on paper towels. Discard the drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons.
4. Wipe skillet clean if necessary. Combine brown sugar, syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and reserved bacon drippings in skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until blended. Cool to room temperature.
5. Punch the dough down. Roll into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Spread the bacon mixture 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.
7. In a small bowl, beat icing ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve warm.