If you are searching for a truly unforgettable treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, then the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Hint of Salt Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies cleverly combine crispy, smoky bacon with gooey chocolate chips, all elevated by a subtle sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds with each bite, making this recipe a standout for any occasion, whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a batch all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Every item plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavor, chewy texture, and that satisfying salty-sweet finish. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon: Cooked until perfectly crispy for smoky, savory bursts within the cookie.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, keeping them soft and cakey.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture when creamed with sugar.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps the cookies crisp on the edges.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and contribute moisture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: Classic melty pockets of indulgence throughout every cookie.
- ¾-1 cup cooked bacon (roughly chopped): The key surprise ingredient delivering texture and a smoky bite.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): The final touch that creates a sophisticated salty crunch on top.
How to Make Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Hint of Salt Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bacon and Dry Ingredients
Begin by cooking your thick-cut bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. This imparts a smoky aroma and crunchy texture that’ll make these cookies unforgettable. After cooking, drain the bacon on paper towels and roughly chop it once cooled. Meanwhile, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a bowl—this ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars to Perfection
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the butter, which helps the cookies rise nicely and develop a tender crumb. Then, add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, which brings a lovely aromatic quality to your dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your seasoned flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so take care to fold the flour in slowly. Once incorporated, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped crispy bacon. This is where the cookie dough really starts to look exciting—speckled with melty chocolate and smoky bacon bits for a flavor combination that’s truly next-level.
Step 4: Shape, Top, and Bake
Scoop the dough onto prepared baking sheets in generous tablespoon-sized mounds spaced about 2 inches apart. For that signature hit of saltiness, sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt right before popping them into the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. These cookies will firm up as they cool, resulting in a chewy, tender bite that’s perfectly contrasted by the melted chocolate and crispy bacon.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your bacon chocolate chip cookies with a hint of salt recipe to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial as it lets the cookies set without losing their moist, chewy texture. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for more than one; it’s absolutely that good!
How to Serve Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Hint of Salt Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, a light dusting of additional flaky sea salt right before serving can highlight the sweet-savory balance spectacularly. For a festive touch, some finely chopped candied pecans or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the cookies’ flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of strong black coffee to cut through the richness. For adults, a smooth dessert wine or a smoky bourbon cocktail complements the bacon’s flavor and chocolate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking these cookies in a beautiful jar or wrapping them in parchment paper tied with a rustic ribbon for gifts that feel homemade and heartfelt. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese or peanut butter between two cookies for an indulgent treat that doubles the delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they maintain their chewy texture and that delicious contrast between bacon crunch and chocolate melt.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough by shaping the dough into balls and placing them on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly (around 10-15 seconds). This melts the chocolate chips perfectly and brings back that irresistible gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon offers more bite and texture, regular bacon will work fine. Just cook it until crispy and chop slightly smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt on top?
It’s highly recommended because the flaky sea salt adds a delicate crunch and highlights the sweet-salty contrast that makes this cookie so special. If you don’t have it on hand, a fine kosher salt will work but use sparingly.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal as they provide that perfect balance of sweetness without overpowering the smoky bacon or salty notes. However, feel free to experiment with dark or even milk chocolate to suit your preference.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain dough structure and texture.
Will the bacon flavor be overpowering?
Not at all. The bacon adds a subtle smoky crunch that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and dough rather than overshadowing it. The hint of salt on top further balances the overall flavor to create a harmonious bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Hint of Salt Recipe highly enough. It’s one of those rare baked goods that surprises and delights, becoming an instant favorite for those who crave something classic with a bold twist. Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with friends, or bringing a unique treat to a gathering, these cookies are destined to stay in your repertoire. Go ahead—give this recipe a try and watch your cookie game soar to delicious new heights!
Print
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Hint of Salt Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your taste buds with these unique Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine savory bacon and sweet chocolate chips for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked
- ¾–1 cup cooked bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Bacon: Cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and once cooled, roughly chop the bacon to be added later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate and Bacon: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the roughly chopped cooked bacon pieces.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with flaky sea salt for an enhanced flavor contrast.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are set but slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect balance of salty and sweet!
Notes
- For best results, use thick-cut bacon for more pronounced flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- The flaky sea salt topping is optional but highly recommended to enhance the sweet and savory balance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
