Gooey Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Summer Brunch Treat

Indulge in the luscious flavors of summer with these incredibly gooey, juicy, and aromatic Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls. While this homemade recipe calls for a bit of patience to allow the yeast dough to properly rise, the wait is more than worth it. The end result is a picture-perfect pan of irresistible cinnamon rolls that promise to be the highlight of your morning. It’s truly the best way to start your day, infusing it with vibrant peach goodness and a hint of warming bourbon.

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Embracing the Sweetness of Peach Season

There’s an undeniable joy that comes with the arrival of fresh peach season, and this week, I find myself completely immersed in it. I’m currently on the picturesque west slope of Colorado, a region renowned for producing some of the finest peaches in the world. Being here feels absolutely heavenly. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a Palisade peach, then you are truly missing out on an extraordinary experience. These aren’t just ordinary peaches; they are legendary across Colorado for their intense sweetness, delicate texture, and incredible juiciness.

Everyone in Colorado eagerly awaits these peaches, and they famously sell out incredibly quickly in cities like Denver. The demand is immense due to their superior quality and taste. However, here on the west slope, in their native growing region, those prime, sun-ripened peaches are literally everywhere! I’ve been enjoying at least two a day, savoring every sweet, dripping bite. My plan is to acquire a couple of crates before my partner and I drive back to Denver, ensuring we can extend the blissful taste of summer for as long as possible.

While Georgia peaches are certainly delightful, Palisade peaches elevate the experience to a whole new level. They are literally filled to the brim with juice, making them exceptionally moist and flavorful. When you bite into one, the sweet, golden juice inevitably drips everywhere, and that, my friends, is nothing short of GLORIOUS! This abundance of fresh, ripe peaches inspires me to incorporate them into every possible dish.

The Ultimate Summer Treat: Why These Rolls Are So Special

With so much inspiration from the bounty of peach season, I’ve been incorporating peaches into absolutely EVE-RY-THANG! And these Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls might just be the pinnacle of peachy goodness I’ve crafted so far. The combination of tender, fluffy cinnamon roll dough and a luscious, bourbon-infused peach filling creates a truly unique and memorable flavor profile.

The secret lies in the bourbon peaches themselves, which are hidden inside each spiral. As they bake, they become incredibly soft and succulent, developing a subtle yet distinct boozy kick that perfectly complements their natural sweetness. The fruit’s abundant, flavorful juice seeps into the surrounding dough, ensuring that the cinnamon rolls remain wonderfully moist, incredibly gooey, and simply melt in your mouth. This juicy infusion prevents any dryness, making every bite a decadent pleasure.

To crown these masterpieces, a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting is generously spread over the warm rolls. This creamy topping provides the ideal balance of sweetness and a slight tang, harmonizing beautifully with the warm spices, vibrant peach, and underlying bourbon notes. It’s a dessert or breakfast item that satisfies every craving for comfort and seasonal flavor.

Perfect for Any Gathering or a Special Morning Indulgence

These Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls are truly versatile and perfect for a range of occasions. Bring them to your next brunch gathering, and be prepared to receive endless compliments and eager requests for the recipe. For a truly special and memorable gesture, surprise your significant other with a pan of these delectable rolls for breakfast in bed – it’s a sweet start to the day that is guaranteed to impress (hint, hint, The Man, if you’re reading this!). Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee, a robust tea, or even a refreshing mimosa, and you’ll be setting yourself up to start the day on the absolute best foot, ever.

The process of creating these rolls is a labor of love, but the immense reward makes every minute worthwhile. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction that comes from pulling a pan of perfectly golden-brown, fragrant cinnamon rolls from a hot oven. The enticing aroma alone is often enough to lure anyone out of bed and into the kitchen!

Essential Tools for Baking Bakery-Quality Cinnamon Rolls

This Recipe’s Must-Haves

If you’re in need of a new, reliable pan for baking, I highly recommend snagging a Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9 x 13-Inch Pan. It offers both excellent quality and durability without costing you an arm and a leg, ensuring your rolls bake beautifully.
Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper is something I always keep on hand. It’s incredibly helpful for preventing sticky baked items like these cinnamon rolls from adhering to the pan, making cleanup a breeze!
The Fox Run Marble Rolling Pin and Base is my absolute favorite rolling pin. Its natural weight helps roll out dough quickly and with minimal effort, plus it’s a gorgeous piece to have in your kitchen.

Pin This Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Later!

Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to pin this Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls recipe to your favorite breakfast or dessert board on Pinterest. This way, you’ll always have it handy for whenever you’re ready to bake a batch of these glorious summer-inspired treats. Share the peachy, boozy deliciousness with your friends and followers, and spread the joy of homemade baking!

Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls

Bourbon and juicy peaches unite to create these irresistibly soft, gooey, and flavorful cinnamon rolls with a delightful boozy kick!

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Additional Time:
4 hours

Total Time:
5 hours 10 minutes

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Ingredients

Dough

1 cup milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
8 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp sea salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Bourbon Peaches

4 ripe peaches peeled and diced (approximately 3 cups total)
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup bourbon
1/3 cup maple syrup

Cinnamon Filling

4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 Tbsp butter melted
2 Tbsp heavy cream
2 oz cream cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by gently warming the milk for the dough over moderately low heat until it just simmers. Be careful not to let it boil. Immediately remove it from the heat and pour the warm milk into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Stir in the sugar and the active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to rest undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes, or until a light foam forms on the surface, indicating the yeast is active and ready. Next, add the softened unsalted butter, large eggs, and a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on medium speed until a soft dough begins to form, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat the dough for an additional 10 minutes, until it becomes wonderfully soft, smooth, and pliable.
2. First Rise: Carefully remove the prepared dough from the mixer bowl and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough gently with your hands a few times, then shape it into a smooth ball. Lightly grease a medium-sized bowl with a little butter, then place the dough ball into the greased bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place until the dough has impressively doubled in size. This crucial first rise usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, contributing significantly to the rolls’ airy texture.
3. Make the Bourbon Peaches: While your dough is undergoing its first rise, it’s the perfect time to prepare the flavorful bourbon peaches. In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and diced ripe peaches, aromatic lemon zest, warm allspice, fragrant cinnamon, rich bourbon, and sweet maple syrup. Heat this mixture over medium heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure the peaches cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. During this time, the peaches will soften and deeply absorb the delicious bourbon-maple flavors. Once simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the peach mixture to cool completely before incorporating it into the rolls.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon filling until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a paste-like consistency. Set this mixture aside for later use.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining its bottom with parchment paper. Allow the parchment paper to extend up the long sides of the pan, creating “handles” for easy removal later. Lightly grease both the parchment paper and any exposed sides of the pan with butter. Turn out the fully risen dough from its bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough out into a large, even rectangle, approximately 10 inches by 24 inches in dimension. Aim for a consistent thickness across the entire rectangle.
6. Assemble the Rolls: Now, it’s time to layer in the flavors! Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the melted butter from your prepared cinnamon filling. Next, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Finally, spread the completely cooled bourbon peaches in an even layer across the dough, ensuring you leave a small border (about half an inch) free along one of the longer edges. This border will help seal the roll.
7. Slice and Arrange: Working efficiently, tightly roll the dough from the long edge (the one opposite the small border you left free) to form a uniform 24-inch log. Using a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss for clean cuts, carefully cut the log into quarters. Then, cut each quarter into 4 even slices, resulting in a total of 16 individual cinnamon rolls. Arrange these slices in the prepared baking pan with the cut sides facing up. Don’t worry if any peaches or juice spill onto your work surface; simply gather them and tuck them into the baking pan between the rolls for extra gooeyness. Loosely cover the rolls with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional 2 hours in a warm spot. This second rise is crucial for light, fluffy, and tender rolls.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Once preheated, place the baking pan with the risen rolls into the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on top and are thoroughly cooked through. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool Slightly: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the rolls set slightly and makes them easier to handle before frosting.
10. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, prepare your luscious cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until the frosting is completely smooth, wonderfully creamy, and easily spreadable.
11. Invert and Frost: This step helps achieve maximum gooeyness! Carefully grab the extended sides of the parchment paper that hang over the baking pan and use them as handles to gently lift and invert the entire batch of rolls onto a cooling rack. Peel off the parchment paper. Then, invert the rolls once more onto a serving platter, ensuring they are right-side up. This method helps redistribute any extra gooey filling from the bottom of the pan over the tops of the rolls, making them even more irresistible.
12. Serve Warm: Generously spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm (but not hot) cinnamon rolls with a spatula. The slight warmth will allow the frosting to melt just perfectly, creating a beautiful glaze. Serve immediately and prepare for them to disappear quickly!

Category:
Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Tips for Making the Best Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon rolls in your own kitchen is entirely within reach with a few essential tips:

Don’t Rush the Rise: The rising time for yeast dough is paramount for light and fluffy rolls. Yeast thrives in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, you can place the covered bowl in a slightly warmed (but turned off!) oven, or near a warm appliance like a refrigerator exhaust. Patience during these rising periods will truly pay off in the final texture.
Select Quality Peaches: Since peaches are the star of this recipe, using the freshest, ripest peaches available is key. Local, in-season varieties, like the coveted Palisade peaches, will yield the most flavorful and juicy results. If fresh peaches are not available, high-quality frozen peaches (thawed and well-drained) can serve as a decent alternative.
Consider Chilling the Dough (Optional): For easier handling, especially when rolling and slicing, you might find it helpful to let the dough complete its first rise, then gently punch it down, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Cold dough is firmer and less sticky, making it simpler to roll into a perfect rectangle and cut neat spirals. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before you begin rolling.
Evenly Distribute the Filling: Ensure that your cinnamon sugar and bourbon peach filling are spread as evenly as possible across the dough. This attention to detail guarantees that every bite will have a consistent burst of delicious flavor and helps prevent any dry spots or overly wet sections within your rolls.
Roll Tightly for Perfect Spirals: When rolling the dough into a log, aim to do so as tightly as you can without tearing the dough. A tight roll is crucial for helping the cinnamon rolls hold their shape during baking and creating those beautiful, distinct spirals that are so characteristic of a classic cinnamon roll.
Use Dental Floss for Clean Cuts: For perfectly clean cuts that won’t squash or distort the delicate dough, try using unflavored dental floss! Simply slide a piece of floss under the rolled log, cross the ends over the top where you want to cut, and pull firmly to slice through.
Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: For the smoothest, most lump-free cream cheese frosting, ensure both your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature. This allows them to cream together effortlessly into a velvety smooth consistency.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

While this Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to get creative and adapt it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:

Non-Alcoholic Alternative: If you prefer to omit the bourbon, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of peach juice, apple cider, or even orange juice. These options will still provide a wonderful fruity depth to the filling without any alcohol.
Add a Nutty Crunch: For an additional layer of texture and flavor, consider sprinkling some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the bourbon peaches before you roll the dough. The crunch of nuts complements the soft rolls beautifully.
Boost the Spice Profile: If you’re a fan of bolder, warmer spices, try adding a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or ground cardamom to either the cinnamon filling mixture or the peach concoction. This will add an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Brown Butter Frosting: Elevate your frosting by browning the butter before incorporating it. Simply melt the butter and cook it gently over medium heat until it turns a nutty brown color and smells fragrant. Cool it slightly before mixing with the other frosting ingredients for a rich, deep flavor.
Lighter Glaze Option: For those who prefer a lighter topping than a thick cream cheese frosting, you can create a simple glaze. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar with a small amount of milk or even a splash of bourbon until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably best when enjoyed fresh and warm straight from the oven. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored and reheated to preserve their deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover frosted cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Note that the cream cheese frosting may firm up slightly when chilled, so allowing them to come to room temperature before reheating is recommended.
Reheating for Freshness: To quickly reheat individual rolls, place them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until they are warm and soft. For a slightly crispier exterior and gooey interior, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes. If they are frosted, loosely cover them with aluminum foil to prevent the frosting from browning too much.
Freezing Unbaked Rolls: If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after their second rise. Arrange them in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, let them rise at room temperature for an hour or two (or until visibly puffy) before baking as directed in the recipe.

Whether you’re celebrating the peak of peach season, planning a delightful brunch, or simply craving a sweet, comforting, and slightly boozy treat, these Bourbon Peach Cinnamon Rolls are destined to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. The harmonious blend of tender dough, warm spices, and incredibly juicy, bourbon-infused peaches creates an unforgettable indulgence. So gather your ingredients, set aside some dedicated baking time, and prepare to create some truly magical morning pastries!