Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of cookies, where sweet meets savory in the most irresistible way! These Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are a treat that will tantalize your taste buds and have butter lovers rejoicing. Imagine the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter mingling with the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies, and then there’s a surprising burst of savory goodness from crispy bacon—talk about a flavor explosion! Perfect for an indulgent dessert or a whimsical snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6-8 strips)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, brown the butter over medium heat. Stir the butter gently and watch as it transforms, developing a nutty aroma and turning a gorgeous golden brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s reached that perfect color, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is well combined, creamy, and smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is harmoniously blended and velvety.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crumbled bacon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- For that extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply heavenly!
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks, where they will cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon to your liking for a stronger or milder savory flavor.
- For an added twist, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate chips, like dark or milk chocolate.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the technique of browning butter is key to enhancing the depth of flavor in these cookies. Keep a close eye on the butter as it heats to prevent it from burning, and remember to stir constantly to ensure even browning. This simple technique can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, making all the difference in your baked treats!
FAQ
- Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While you can substitute margarine, using unsalted butter will provide the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
Conclusion
These Browned Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful journey of flavors that you simply need to experience! With the perfect balance of sweetness from the chocolate and the salty crunch of crispy bacon, every bite is a little piece of heaven. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these deliciously unique cookies. Happy baking!