Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1/2 cup Butter (unsalted)
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 6 strips Bacon (thick-cut)
• 1/2 cup Pecans (optional, chopped)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk and butter over low heat until warm (about 110°F). Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it stand for about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
5. Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a bowl. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon (and pecans, if using) over the top.
7. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. While the rolls are baking, mix together the bourbon and any remaining maple syrup to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven.