Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies- Baked Healthy

Imagine a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup, spiced with a hint of chili. That’s what you get when you make Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies. These cookies blend the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, creating a delightful treat that stands out from the usual desserts. The maple syrup provides a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the bacon, while the chili adds a surprising kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a bacon lover or someone looking for a unique cookie recipe, these Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies are sure to impress. They are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy night in, a festive holiday gathering, or a casual get-together with friends. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake a batch of these mouth-watering cookies that will have everyone hooked from the first bite!

Chef’s Notes- Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Ensure you refrigerate the dough for the full 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Infusing the Maple Syrup: For a more pronounced chili flavor, let the maple syrup and chili mixture sit longer before adding it to the dough. Straining the chili pieces is optional based on your heat preference.
• Bacon Preparation: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy to ensure it adds a delightful crunch to the cookies. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease before chopping.
• Even Mixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
• Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies, which will bake more consistently.
• Rolling in Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in the bacon-sugar mixture adds a crunchy, sweet exterior that enhances the cookie’s texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies during baking. They should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Cooling on Baking Sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and avoids breakage.
• Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon or add-ins like chopped nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added flavor and texture.
• Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies

Course: Dessert, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

24

cookies

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Resting Time

30

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

2

minutes

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies! Combining the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy, these cookies are a must-try for bacon lovers. The subtle maple flavor paired with a chili kick balances the smokiness of the bacon, making these cookies irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will have everyone hooked from the first bite!

Ingredients

• Bacon and Syrup Mixture

• 1 lb smoked bacon about 11-13 thin slices

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 small hot red chili pepper

• Cookie Dough

• 2/3 cup canola oil or other light oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• Rolling Mixture

• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar

Directions

• Infuse Syrup – Finely chop the chili pepper and combine it with the maple syrup in a microwavable bowl. Heat for about 30 seconds and let it cool to infuse the flavors.
• Cook Bacon – Fry the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, finely chop the bacon and divide into two portions (two-thirds for the dough and one-third for rolling).
• Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine canola oil, granulated sugar, egg, infused maple syrup (strained if desired), baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Combine Bacon and Dry Ingredients – Add the larger portion of chopped bacon to the wet mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined.
• Chill Dough – Refrigerate the dough until firm (about 30 minutes).
• Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
• Form Cookies – Mix the reserved chopped bacon with turbinado sugar in a small bowl. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls, roll in the bacon-sugar mixture, and place on prepared baking sheets.
• Bake Cookies – Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• nonstick pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• baking sheet
• silicone spatula set

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 40mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 0IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg
• Calcium: 1mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ- Spicy Maple Bacon Cookies

Can I use regular bacon instead of smoked bacon?

Yes, you can use regular bacon, but smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. If using regular bacon, you might want to add a touch of liquid smoke to the dough for a similar effect.

How do I store the cookies, and how long will they stay fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.

What can I use instead of chili pepper for the spicy kick?

If you don’t have fresh chili peppers, you can use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute for maple syrup. Keep in mind that each sweetener will impart a slightly different flavor to the cookies.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may turn out flatter and less chewy.