Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will wow your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! These Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory. Picture this: warm, gooey chocolate chunks mingling with crispy bacon pieces in every bite. It’s a flavor combination that feels both luxurious and comforting, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to lively parties, or even just a quiet night in with a good book.

This recipe has been a cherished part of my baking repertoire for years. The mix of textures and flavors always brings smiles around the table. Plus, the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen while they bake is simply heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of chocolate and bacon—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these cookies in advance and store them for later. They freeze beautifully!
• Unique Flavor Profile: The mix of sweet chocolate and savory bacon creates a memorable taste experience that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful cookies! Each component adds its own special touch to the final product.

For the Cookie Dough

• 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)
• 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

The beauty of these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to play around with different ingredients or additions.

• Try Different Chocolates: Swap out dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Flavor: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor.

How to Make Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until it turns golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial as it provides not only flavor but also that delightful texture throughout your cookies. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of bacon fat from the pan—this will add richness to your dough!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter with chilled bacon fat, sugars, bourbon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, beat in each egg one at a time until well blended. Finally, gradually mix in the dry ingredients and stir in those crispy bacon bits along with chopped dark chocolate—this is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them for 9 to 11 minutes or until they are lightly browned on top. The key here is not to overbake—soft cookies are what we want! Let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 4: Storage

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want to save some for later indulgence, pop them into a zip bag or covered container and freeze them for up to six weeks.

Enjoy every delicious bite of your Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies! They are sure to be a hit wherever you share them!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Baking is both an art and a science, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and chewy texture we’re aiming for.
• Adjust Baking Time Based on Oven Type: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; different ovens can produce varying results. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, reduce the baking time or lower the temperature slightly.
• Save Some Toppings for Garnish: For a beautiful presentation, reserve a few pieces of bacon and chocolate to sprinkle on top of each cookie dough mound before baking!

How to Serve Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are delightful on their own but can be presented beautifully with a few thoughtful touches.

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished cookies enhances their sweet and savory profile.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee or espresso create a lovely pairing that complements the chocolate and bacon beautifully.
• Barley Tea: This mild tea offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies; its nutty notes work wonderfully with chocolate.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone.
• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad can provide a light, refreshing contrast to these rich cookies, adding brightness and natural sweetness to your dessert spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only impress your guests but also create memorable moments around these delicious Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a zip-top bag or an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat cookies straight from the freezer or fridge in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individually for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delightful cookies!

Can I use another type of fat instead of bacon fat in my Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

Absolutely! If you don’t have enough bacon fat, you can substitute with shortening or unsalted butter. Both alternatives will still yield delicious cookies.

How long do Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies last?

These cookies will last for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to 6 weeks!

Are Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These cookies are great for meal prep since they store well and can be made ahead of time. Enjoy them as a sweet treat any day of the week!

Can I leave out the bacon in the Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies?

While the bacon adds a unique flavor to these cookies, you can certainly make them without it if you prefer. Just adjust the fat content accordingly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies as much as I do! They bring together sweet and savory flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy!