If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with indulgent flavors and tempting textures, then you’re in for a real treat with this Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine the nutty richness of browned butter mingling perfectly with sweet chocolate chips and crispy, smoky bacon bites—all in one irresistible cookie. It’s a flavor party in every bite that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re baking for friends or just because, these cookies are sure to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the flavor complexity—this recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component has a distinct role that brings out the toasted, sweet, and savory balance that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Salted butter: Essential for that lovely browned butter flavor that adds depth and richness.
- Dark brown sugar: Packed for moisture and caramel undertones that intensify the cookie’s sweetness.
- Granulated white sugar: Helps with crisp edges and balances out the brown sugar’s moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large eggs: Provides structure and helps bind all ingredients seamlessly.
- Baking soda: Makes sure your cookies rise perfectly and have that tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, offering structure without heaviness.
- Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that create waves of sweetness in every bite.
- Thick cut bacon slices: Chopped into bite-sized chunks for a smoky, salty punch that sets these cookies apart.
How to Make Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Brown the Butter
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Then, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet, paying close attention as it foams and turns a gorgeous amber brown. This is the key step where the magic happens—the browned butter adds a nutty depth that’s completely irresistible. Once browned, transfer it to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 20 minutes to avoid scrambling your eggs later on.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook your thick-cut bacon pieces until they’re perfectly crisp. This savory touch adds a beautiful contrast to the cookie’s sweetness. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat—because while bacon fat is amazing, too much would overwhelm the cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine Sugars, Vanilla, and Baking Soda
Mix your dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and baking soda in the bowl with the cooled browned butter. Give it just a few stirs with a spatula to begin melding all those decadent flavors together.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix Until Smooth
Next, add the eggs into your sugar and butter mixture. Stir until the mixture is completely uniform—this ensures your cookies bake evenly and stay tender.
Step 5: Fold in Flour, Bacon, and Chocolate Chips
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour using a wooden spoon, mixing until primarily combined. Then fold in the crispy bacon chunks and melty chocolate chips. This is where the cookie dough really starts to feel like a little treasure trove of flavor.
Step 6: Portion and Bake Your Cookies
Scoop rounded tablespoons or use a medium cookie scoop to portion dough onto parchment or silicone-lined cookie sheets. Space them about two inches apart to allow plenty of room for spreading. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes—this resting time lets them set perfectly before transferring to a rack to cool completely. Then savor each cookie knowing you just created a truly special treat.
How to Serve Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Want to impress even more? Consider a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cookies while they’re warm to amplify the sweet-savory flavor contrast. Or drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent touch that feels like a fancy bakery creation.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite rich tea to balance their irresistible richness. The smokiness from the bacon blends beautifully with a creamy beverage, making every bite and sip feel elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board paired with small bowls of chopped bacon and chocolate chips for an interactive treat experience. You could also sandwich softened vanilla ice cream between two warm cookies for a gooey, melty dessert that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days—perfect for a midweek snack or surprise dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly-baked aroma and texture. This simple trick makes them taste like they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! While regular thick-cut bacon provides a smoky richness, turkey bacon can work as a leaner alternative and still lend that savory touch to the cookies.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are ideal as they create a nice balance between sweetness and richness, complementing the browned butter and bacon without overpowering.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This also helps deepen the flavors and prevent excessive spreading while baking.
Why is browning the butter important?
Browned butter develops a nutty, aromatic flavor that regular melted butter lacks. It adds complexity and warmth that elevate these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
Can I omit bacon if I’m not a fan?
Technically yes, but the bacon is what makes this Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stand out. Without it, you lose that amazing savory contrast that makes these cookies so memorable.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to in your baking playbook. The layers of nutty browned butter, sweet chocolate, and crispy bacon come together in such a harmonious way, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain chocolate chip cookies before. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of pure happiness.
Print
Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a perfect combination of rich, nutty browned butter, crispy bacon, and sweet chocolate chips baked into soft, chewy cookies. They balance salty and sweet flavors with a delightful buttery aroma, making them an irresistible treat for all occasions.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 8–10 slices thick cut bacon (chopped into bite sized chunks)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir continuously as the butter comes to a boil, watching it carefully as it foams and turns an amber brown color, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a medium mixing bowl to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for approximately 20 minutes.
- Cook the Bacon: Using the same skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain the excess fat on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Mix Sugars and Vanilla: To the cooled browned butter, add the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir gently with a rubber spatula 3-4 times to start incorporating the ingredients.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the sugar and butter mixture and stir until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add Flour and Mix-ins: Stir in the all-purpose flour using a wooden spoon until mostly combined. Then fold in the cooked bacon and chocolate chips, mixing evenly throughout the dough. The dough makes enough for two cookie sheets of 12 cookies each.
- Portion the Dough: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a medium cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon, place dough portions roughly 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Repeat for both cookie sheets if baking two batches simultaneously.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Watch the butter closely when browning to prevent burning.
- Rendering bacon in the skillet adds extra flavor but drain the excess fat well.
- Using parchment paper or silicone mats helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Spacing cookies properly allows for even baking and prevents them from merging.
- Let cookies cool on the pan first for easier handling and to set their shape.
