Save to Pinterest Soft, chewy cookies featuring warming chai spices, sweet maple syrup, and crisp bacon for a uniquely irresistible treat.
I remember the first time I baked these cookies—my friends were skeptical of using bacon, but after one bite, everyone loved the rich maple and spicy chai notes balanced with savory crunch.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped finely
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cardamom: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (110 g), packed
- Pure maple syrup: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cook bacon:
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain, cool, and chop finely. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine:
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in bacon:
- Fold the chopped bacon gently into the dough.
- Shape cookies:
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers just set.
- Cool:
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest Whenever I bring these out for family gatherings, they spark lively conversation—especially when the bacon is revealed as a secret ingredient everyone adores.
Required Tools
Skillet, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter), pork (bacon, unless substituted). Double-check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 130 calories, 6 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy a batch fresh from the oven for the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. These cookies are a conversation starter every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter alternative while still offering crisp texture and savory flavor.
- → How do I enhance the chai spice flavor?
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice or a pinch of white pepper for extra chai aroma and warmth in your cookies.
- → What is the best way to store these cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain softness and flavor.
- → Can I drizzle extra maple syrup on top?
Absolutely! A drizzle of maple syrup or a maple glaze adds sweetness and complements the chai spices beautifully.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
No, but you may substitute turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative if desired.
- → What beverages pair well with these cookies?
Enjoy these cookies with chai tea or strong coffee for a warm, comforting dessert experience.