Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until very crispy. Alternatively, you can pan-fry it. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners and spray the liners lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the muffins release cleanly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a uniform rise.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Mix the Batter (Do Not Overmix!)
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. The batter should be lumpy; overmixing will lead to tough, dense muffins. Gently fold in about 3/4 of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for the topping.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Now, take the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and drizzle a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) over the top of each muffin. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the syrup into the batter. This creates delicious pockets of maple flavor.

Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top of each muffin. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If making the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup together in a small bowl. Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature. These are best enjoyed the day they are made but will keep beautifully for several days