Take classic Chocolate Chip Cookies to a whole new level by adding crispy bacon and a hint of maple flavor! These cookies perfectly blend sweet and savory with the rich chocolate chips, smoky bacon, and a subtle touch of maple.

The combination of flavors is a delightful twist on the traditional cookie, making them a hit for parties, gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. These cookies are easy to make, but their unique flavor profile makes them feel gourmet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies with Bacon & Maple Flavor for their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes. The addition of crispy bacon brings a salty contrast to the sweet cookie dough and melty chocolate chips, while the maple flavor adds a rich, warm undertone that complements both beautifully. These cookies are not only delicious but also unique, making them a great conversation starter or a treat that’s sure to impress.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy and blot off excess grease to prevent the cookies from becoming greasy.
• Use Real Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup or maple extract for a more concentrated maple flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the cookies and bake just until the edges are golden for soft, chewy centers.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze on top of the cookies for an extra touch of maple sweetness.
• Add Pecans: Stir in chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spicy Bacon: Sprinkle the bacon with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy-sweet twist.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that contrasts beautifully with the maple and bacon.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these bacon and maple chocolate chip cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for a cozy treat. These cookies are perfect for dessert after a hearty meal, or as a fun addition to a brunch menu. The combination of sweet, salty, and maple flavors pairs well with fall-themed beverages like apple cider or a maple latte.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked, melty chocolate experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use maple extract instead of maple syrup? Yes, maple extract is more concentrated, so you’ll need to use about half the amount to achieve the same flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Pre-cooked bacon works, but make sure it’s crispy and fully cooled before adding it to the dough.

Will the cookies taste greasy with bacon? If you cook the bacon until crispy and blot off the excess grease, the cookies will have the perfect balance without becoming greasy.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading and ensures they bake up thick and chewy.

Can I substitute the bacon for something else? If you prefer, you can swap the bacon for candied bacon or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different texture.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, helps create a tender texture in cookies. It also aids in leavening during baking, helping the cookies spread.
• Sugars (White and Brown): White sugar helps the cookies spread and brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cookies rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, adding depth to the taste profile.
• Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. The gluten in the flour helps trap air and moisture to keep the cookies chewy.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide sweet, melty pockets in the cookies, contrasting with the savory elements.
• Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch that contrasts with the sweet chocolate and dough.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and a unique flavor that complements both the chocolate and bacon. It also contributes to the moisture content of the dough.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too thin, ensure that the butter is not too soft or melted before mixing. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
• Cookies Not Spreading Enough: If cookies aren’t spreading, it might be because the dough is too cold or the baking soda is inactive. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking if it’s too chilled, and always ensure your baking soda is fresh.
• Cookies Too Crisp or Too Soft: For softer cookies, bake for less time and remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underdone in the center. For crisper cookies, extend the baking time by a few minutes.
• Uneven Cooking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time, especially if your oven has hot spots.
• Flavors Not Balanced: If the maple or bacon flavor is overwhelming, reduce their amounts slightly. Conversely, if they’re too subtle, ensure you’re using high-quality, potent ingredients, especially pure maple syrup and freshly cooked bacon.