If you’ve ever wondered what happens when sweet meets savory in the most delightful way possible, let me introduce you to the *Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe*. This luscious treat combines the rich, buttery flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with crispy, smoky bacon bits, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The crispy bacon enhances the sweetness of the chocolate while adding an irresistible texture contrast. Whether you’re a cookie lover or a bacon fanatic, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite for all kinds of occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each playing an essential role to deliver perfect flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy bacon to the creamy butter and rich chocolate chips, every component is vital for baking success.
- Thick-cut bacon (6 slices): Gives the cookies that irresistible smoky crunch and salty balance.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Provides structure and stability to the cookie dough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise just right and have a tender crumb.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates that chewy, gooey texture you crave.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens while contributing to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramelized flavor for added complexity.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and provide structure, helping your cookies hold together.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brightens the flavor, balancing sweetness with warm notes.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): The melty, luscious heart of these cookies that pairs perfectly with bacon.
- Cooked bacon pieces (¾ to 1 cup, chopped): The star ingredient that creates an addictive salty crunch.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a finishing touch of savory sparkle to enhance every bite.
How to Make Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
The foundation of these extraordinary cookies is crispy bacon, so start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lay your thick-cut bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until perfectly crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and let it cool completely before chopping into small, cookie-ready pieces. This step ensures maximum bacon crunch without sogginess.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Meanwhile, lower your oven temperature to 350°F and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients ahead of time creates an even distribution of leavening and flavor in your cookie dough, which is key to consistent results.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming properly traps air in the dough for a lighter, chewier texture in the finished cookie.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the pure vanilla extract next, which gives a subtle aromatic lift that brings the entire cookie together.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here as it could develop gluten and result in a tougher cookie—light and tender is what we’re aiming for!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Bacon
Now the best part—folding in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped crispy bacon. This step evenly distributes those delectable pockets of melty chocolate and bursts of bacon greatness throughout every cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Use a cookie scoop to drop 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown. While still warm, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt for that final gourmet touch. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. If you want to impress guests even more, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for added decadence and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or an evening cup of rich coffee. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert experience that balances salty, sweet, warm, and cold.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe into mini towers tied with rustic twine as charming party favors. Alternatively, sandwich a layer of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a deliciously indulgent treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls separated on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once firm. When ready, bake directly from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn and enjoy later.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will soften the chocolate and bring back the crispy-chewy bacon cookie magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut for this Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular bacon works fine, but thick-cut bacon tends to hold up better in the cookie and offers a meatier bite, making the texture and flavor more pronounced.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the bacon before adding it to the cookie dough?
Yes, pre-cooking the bacon until crispy is essential because raw bacon won’t cook fully in the short time the cookies bake, and it could release unwanted grease into the dough.
Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for another type of chocolate?
Definitely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be swapped in depending on your taste preference, but semisweet offers a lovely balance with the salty bacon.
Will the bacon flavor overpower the cookie’s sweetness?
No way! The bacon adds a subtle smoky saltiness that actually enhances and balances the sweetness rather than overpowering it. The combination is truly harmonious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Final Thoughts
You have to try the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe if you haven’t yet—it’s a game changer that will transform your cookie expectations forever. The interplay of sweet, salty, smoky, and crunchy flavors is simply irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings. So grab your ingredients and get baking today!
Print
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Crispy, thick-cut bacon pieces are baked to perfection and mixed into classic chocolate chip cookie dough, offering an irresistible combo of smoky bacon and melty chocolate chips topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for cookie lovers looking to elevate their treat with a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Bacon
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾–1 cup cooked bacon (roughly chopped from above)
Topping
- Flaky sea salt (for topping cookies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lay the bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 15-20 minutes until they become crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and allow it to cool completely. After cooling, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined — be careful not to overmix. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped cooked bacon pieces gently to evenly distribute them through the dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, drop 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance flavor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the bacon is thoroughly cooled before chopping and mixing into the dough to prevent melting the chocolate chips.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- If you prefer softer bacon flavor, reduce the bacon cooking time slightly.
- Flaky sea salt topping can be adjusted to taste or omitted if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
