Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines sweet, salty, and indulgent flavors, then these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are just the treat for you! Picture this: crispy bacon mingling with rich chocolate chunks in a perfectly chewy cookie. It’s a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds and make any gathering feel special. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family night or just want to spoil yourself after a long day, these cookies are here to impress.

This recipe comes from my collection of favorites because it’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up. You can make a big batch for parties or save some dough in the freezer for when those cookie cravings hit. Trust me, once you take that first bite of these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of bacon and chocolate creates a sweet and savory experience like no other.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can bake these cookies with confidence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will gobble these up—who can resist bacon in dessert?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to get started on these lovely cookies! You might already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 12 ounces center-cut thick bacon, (½-inch diced)
• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, (at room temperature)
• ½ cup reserved bacon fat, (chilled; see notes below if you don’t have enough)
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, (chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about baking is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for a lighter option!
• Change the chocolate: Use milk chocolate or even white chocolate chunks if that’s more your style.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.

How to Make Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it turns golden brown and crisp. This step is crucial—it brings out that savory depth of flavor we love! After cooking, transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess grease. Now, don’t forget to reserve that delicious bacon fat! We need ½ cup for our cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. This mixture helps create the perfect texture by ensuring even distribution of leavening agents throughout our dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter with the reserved bacon fat, granulated sugar, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well creates a fluffy base that will help our cookies rise beautifully. Then, add in the eggs one at a time until everything is nicely combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Next, beat in your dry mixture from earlier until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then gently fold in those crispy bacon bits and chopped dark chocolate—this is where the magic happens! For that extra touch, save some pieces of bacon and chocolate to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 9 to 11 minutes until they’re lightly browned. Let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks—this allows them to firm up while maintaining their chewy center.

Step 6: Store Your Delicious Treats

Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage options—freeze them in a covered container or zip bag for up to six weeks!

Now go ahead and share these delightful Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies with friends or savor them all yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Baking is all about precision and creativity; here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out absolutely delectable!

• Use Chilled Bacon Fat: Chilling the bacon fat before using it in the dough creates a better texture and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Mix Ingredients Gradually: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix it slowly to avoid overworking the dough. This keeps your cookies tender and chewy.
• Save Some Toppings: For a decorative touch, reserve a few bacon bits and chocolate chunks to place on top of each cookie dough mound before baking. This not only looks great but adds an extra burst of flavor.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, let your cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy.

How to Serve Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a warm beverage. Here’s how you can elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an elegant touch and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich cookies, balancing out their sweetness.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream makes for a delightful dessert combo that melts into every bite of cookie.
• Coffee or Barley Tea: Pairing these cookies with a cup of coffee or barley tea offers a beautifully comforting experience, enhancing both flavors and warming your spirit.
• Cheese Platter: Create a small cheese platter with mild cheeses like brie or gouda. The creaminess complements the salty bacon flavor perfectly.

Enjoy making and sharing these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite treat in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will stay good at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 6 weeks.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• For an extra touch, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you prepare these delightful treats!

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute! It will provide a similar flavor profile, although the texture may be slightly different.

How do I make Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies without bourbon?

If you’d like to skip the bourbon, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even coffee for an added depth of flavor.

Are Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies suitable for special diets?

While this recipe isn’t gluten-free or vegan, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends and egg substitutes if needed!

What is the best way to store Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies! They bring together sweet and savory flavors that are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a special treat later on, they are bound to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with friends and family!