Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the rich, savory taste of crispy bacon with the sweetness of gooey chocolate chips and the delightful depth of maple syrup. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of salty and sweet.

They make an excellent treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a fun dessert, or simply craving a unique cookie that stands out from the crowd. You can also experiment with adding your favorite nuts or switching up the type of bacon used for even more flavor variations. These cookies are a perfect conversation starter!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Stir in the crumbled bacon, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans if using.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is an absolute game-changer. The contrast between the rich, gooey chocolate chips, the crispy bacon, and the smooth, natural sweetness of maple syrup creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The salty bacon provides the perfect contrast to the sweet cookie dough, while the maple syrup adds depth and warmth that brings the entire combination together. It’s a unique, mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress guests at your next party or gathering. With this recipe, you’ll be able to indulge in a gourmet cookie that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Expert Tips and Tricks

To make sure your Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Crisp the Bacon: Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy will ensure it adds the right texture to the cookies. Blotting the excess grease off the bacon is essential to prevent your cookies from becoming greasy.
Use Real Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, opt for pure maple syrup. While maple extract can work in a pinch, nothing compares to the natural sweetness and depth of flavor that comes from real maple syrup.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies that lack the desired texture.
Bake Until Golden: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are a few ways you can personalize it to suit your preferences:

Maple Glaze: For an extra burst of sweetness, drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled cookies. This can add another layer of maple flavor and make the cookies even more indulgent.
Add Pecans: If you love a bit of crunch, try adding chopped pecans to the dough. The nutty flavor will complement the bacon and maple perfectly.
Spicy Bacon: Want to give your cookies a kick? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder on the bacon before cooking it. The spice will provide a unique contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
Dark Chocolate: For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet ones. Dark chocolate will also pair well with the maple and bacon flavors.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a comforting treat, pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. The sweetness of the cookies and the warmth of the beverage create the perfect cozy combination. These cookies also make a great dessert for a hearty meal or a fun addition to a brunch spread. If you’re hosting a fall-themed event, consider serving these cookies alongside warm apple cider or a maple latte.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat your cookies:

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll remain soft and delicious for several days.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cookie dough on hand for future baking, you can freeze it! Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. The dough will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: For the freshest experience, microwave the cookies for 10 to 15 seconds before eating. This will melt the chocolate and give you that warm, fresh-baked flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use maple extract instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use maple extract, but you’ll need about half the amount as it is more concentrated. If you opt for maple extract, make sure to adjust the quantity to ensure the right flavor balance.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can use pre-cooked bacon, but make sure it’s fully crispy and cooled before adding it to the dough. Otherwise, it may not provide the right texture in the cookies.

Will the cookies taste greasy with bacon?
As long as you cook the bacon until it’s crispy and blot off any excess grease, the cookies won’t taste greasy. The bacon should add flavor and crunch without affecting the texture.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much. If the dough is too warm when baked, the cookies may spread excessively. A quick chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes will help the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Can I substitute the bacon for something else?
If you prefer, you can substitute the bacon for something else, such as chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. For a different twist, you could also try using candied bacon for an extra sweet and savory experience.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, helping to create a tender and chewy texture. It also helps in leavening the dough, allowing the cookies to spread and bake evenly.
Sugars (White and Brown): The combination of white and brown sugars gives the cookies the perfect sweetness. The white sugar helps them spread, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together. They also contribute to the cookies’ rise and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the flavors in the dough, bringing all the ingredients together in harmony.
Flour: The flour provides structure to the cookies, helping them maintain their shape while keeping them soft and chewy.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
Salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances all the flavors.
Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are the sweet, melty pockets of goodness in the cookies. They provide a rich, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon.
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet dough and chocolate chips. It’s the key to making this recipe unique.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a distinct maple flavor that complements the chocolate and bacon. It also contributes to the cookies’ moist texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies spread too thin, make sure the butter is softened but not too soft or melted. Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading.
Cookies Not Spreading Enough: If the cookies don’t spread enough, it could be because the dough is too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh to help the cookies rise.
Cookies Too Crisp or Too Soft: For softer cookies, bake for less time and remove them while the centers are still slightly underdone. For crisper cookies, bake for a few extra minutes.
Uneven Cooking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Flavors Not Balanced: If the maple or bacon flavor is too overpowering, reduce the amounts slightly. If they’re too subtle, ensure you’re using high-quality ingredients, particularly maple syrup and freshly cooked bacon.

Conclusion

Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these cookies are sure to become a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, as a fun snack, or as a treat to impress your friends, these cookies will not disappoint. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Try them out and experience the amazing combination of maple, bacon, and chocolate in every bite!

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