Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an extraordinary culinary creation: Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies. This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a delightful journey into the unexpected, where the classic comfort of peanut butter meets the irresistible crunch and savory depth of crispy bacon. Far from being a mere novelty, these cookies masterfully blend sweet and salty notes into a harmonious symphony of flavor that will leave you craving more. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they offer a truly unique dessert experience that stands out from the crowd.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
I have a confession that truly speaks volumes about the addictive nature of these Bacon Peanut Butter Cookies. Initially, they were destined for my wonderful sister-in-law, Bev, as a special care package. You see, Bev had quite an eventful week – she actually broke her leg on her way to a job interview! A truly dedicated professional, she stumbled and fractured her ankle en route. My heart went out to her, and I immediately started planning a thoughtful care package to lift her spirits, with these unique cookies as the star.
It was a brilliant plan, a gesture of love and deliciousness. That is, until my dear husband, John, returned home and decided to “sample” one of the freshly baked treats. Let’s just say his sampling session extended well beyond a single cookie, and then another, and then… well, they vanished. Every last one. The care package was suddenly cookie-less, a testament to their utterly captivating flavor. So, Bev, if you’re reading this, please know I owe you a fresh, untouched batch of these incredible Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies! I’ve learned my lesson; the next batch will be baked on a day when John is safely out of the house!
But this anecdote isn’t just a funny story; it’s a powerful endorsement. There’s absolutely no question: these cookies are spectacularly amazing. The combination of savory bacon and creamy, rich peanut butter creates a flavor profile that is truly divine. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and utterly good that makes them so unforgettable. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to whip up a batch of these as soon as humanly possible. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, making them an accessible treat for bakers of all skill levels.
Oh, and in case you were wondering about Bev – she totally got the job! Woohoo! Despite the unexpected detour, her perseverance paid off. Here’s hoping she won’t have to break any more body parts to secure future promotions!
Why This Unexpected Duo Works: The Science of Sweet & Savory
At first glance, the idea of mixing bacon and peanut butter in a cookie might raise an eyebrow. However, this seemingly unconventional pairing is a stroke of culinary genius. The success lies in the fundamental principles of flavor balance. Peanut butter, with its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet undertones, provides a comforting base. Bacon, on the other hand, delivers a potent punch of saltiness, smokiness, and umami – that elusive savory depth that makes food so satisfying. When combined, these elements create a complex and incredibly addictive flavor profile that hits all the right notes on your palate. The salty crispness of the bacon perfectly complements the tender chewiness of the peanut butter cookie, resulting in a texture and taste experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s the ultimate salty-sweet indulgence that appeals to lovers of both classic cookies and adventurous flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Your Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
Crafting the perfect Peanut Butter Bacon Cookie begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after balance of flavor and texture:
- Cooked Bacon: The star of the show! Use good quality bacon, cooked until perfectly crispy and then crumbled. Its salty, smoky crunch is what truly elevates these cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our chewy cookies.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cookies their ideal lift and texture.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors, particularly the sweetness and nuttiness.
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): Crucial for a smooth, well-emulsified dough. Make sure it’s softened, not melted, for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars provides both sweetness and that characteristic soft, chewy texture. Brown sugar also adds a hint of molasses flavor.
- Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter: The “extra crunchy” variety is key here, adding another layer of delightful texture that plays wonderfully with the bacon. Choose a good quality, natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens the overall taste of the cookie.
For those feeling particularly adventurous, you can take these peanut butter bacon cookies to an even more indulgent level by mixing in some chocolate chips. The addition of chocolate creates a triple threat of sweet, salty, and decadent flavors that is truly out of this world.
Recommended Equipment for Flawless Baking
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, ensuring your Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Sheets: I highly recommend using baking sheets with raised sides. This prevents any unfortunate mishaps where clumsy hands (we’ve all been there!) might cause cookies to slide off directly into the bottom of the oven. A good sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy transfer.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can certainly mix these cookies by hand, a mixer makes the process significantly quicker and easier. I’m a huge advocate for using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you have one) to ensure all ingredients are perfectly combined and the butter and sugars are creamed until light and fluffy. This prevents arm fatigue and guarantees a consistent dough.
- Fork: An essential, yet simple, tool to create the traditional crisscross pattern on top of the peanut butter cookies. This not only gives them that classic look but also helps with even baking.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a cooling rack is indispensable. It allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring they cool completely and evenly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture before your inevitable taste test!
- Paper Towels: Absolutely necessary for draining excess grease from your cooked bacon. You want crispy bacon bits, not greasy ones, in your cookies. As a bonus, you can save the bacon drippings to infuse other dishes with amazing flavor – my sister-in-law, for instance, loves to use bacon fat in her green beans.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is key for easily combining ingredients without spills. We’re particularly fond of glass batter bowls with a handle, as they provide stability on the counter and make mixing a breeze.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first! A few years ago, we had a scary incident involving a cloth potholder accidentally catching fire on a burner we didn’t realize was on. Since then, we’ve exclusively used heat-resistant silicone potholders. They provide peace of mind and are an indispensable safety item in any kitchen.
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Cookies
Achieving the perfect Peanut Butter Bacon Cookie involves a few key techniques and considerations. Follow these tips to ensure your batch is nothing short of spectacular:
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is cooked until it’s wonderfully crispy, not chewy. This texture contrast is vital. After cooking, drain the bacon thoroughly on paper towels to remove as much grease as possible. Greasy bacon can make your cookies heavy and less appealing.
- Bacon Presentation: If you want those enticing bacon bits to be visible on top of your cookies, reserve a small portion of the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle these pieces directly onto the cookie dough balls just before they go into the oven. This adds visual appeal and signals the unique flavor within.
- Trim Excess Fat: When preparing your bacon, pay attention to the fat content. Sometimes, bacon comes with larger chunks of fat that don’t render down well or bake effectively into the cookies. Take a moment to peel off any excessive, unrendered fat. This small step ensures that no one bites into an unpleasant mouthful of pure bacon grease, making for a much more enjoyable cookie experience.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, homogenous dough that bakes evenly and results in a superior cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. The same goes for the bacon – stir it in until it’s just incorporated.
- The Crisscross Pattern: The classic fork marks on peanut butter cookies aren’t just for looks; they help flatten the dough slightly and promote even baking. Gently press down with a fork, then rotate 90 degrees and press again.
- Even Scooping: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are roughly the same size. This guarantees they bake uniformly, preventing some from being overdone while others are undercooked.
- Cooling Time: Resist the urge to move the cookies immediately from the hot baking sheet. Let them rest on the sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- Storage: Store your cooled Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the unique twist of these Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies, you’ll love exploring other creative and easy cookie recipes:
- Coconut Pineapple Drop Cookies: A taste of the tropics in every bite.
- 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies: Unbelievably easy and decadently delicious.
- Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies: A wholesome twist on a classic dessert.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: A nostalgic treat reimagined.
- Caramel Macchiato Cookies: For the coffee and caramel lovers.
Be sure to check out all of our quick and easy cookie recipes for even more inspiration!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock-Pot Recipes.
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Bacon Peanut Butter Cookies
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Ingredients
- 5 slices Bacon cut into ¼ pieces
- 1 ¼ cups All Purpose Flour
- ¼ Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter room temp
- ½ cup White Sugar
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- ½ cup Crunchy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook bacon until lightly browned and crispy. Drain thoroughly on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently to ensure everything is well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Beat in the crunchy peanut butter until it’s thoroughly incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. Then, add the large egg and vanilla extract, beating until just combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- Hand Mixer (or Stand Mixer)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cooling Rack
- Fork
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 81
Recipe originally shared on March 7, 2014. Updated on April 2, 2020.
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