Recipe of the week: Makers Mark Bourbon Bacon Cookies

Taste them tomorrow at Forsyth Saturday June 29

Extra Notes:This is one of my signature recipes, with two of my favorite things, bacon and bourbon, accented by chunks of rich, dark chocolate. The smoky, saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bourbon, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Honestly, these cookies will win you friends and admirers. No joke.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Level: Intermediate

Makes 3 dozen cookies

RECIPE:

• 3 tablespoons Maker’s Mark® Bourbon  ***
• 3/4 pound bacon, 1/4-inch dice (We used Jones Heritage)   ***
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt   ***
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup reserved bacon fat, chilled 
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract   ***    
• 2 large eggs     ***
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces   ***

We drizzled Sweet Sophie Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup on top right after they came out of the oven!!!!!

***  In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

In a large sauté pan, cook out the diced bacon until the bacon pieces are golden and crisp. Remove the bacon pieces from the fat and drain on a paper towel. Strain the fat through a fine sieve and measure out a ½ cup of bacon fat and chill the bacon fat until it congeals and is set.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat the butter, chilled bacon fat, granulated sugar, light and dark brown sugars, vanilla and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon in large mixer bowl until it is well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces and chopped chocolate bits. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment-lined baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
Bake in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Keep in a dry, airtight container for up to 5 days.

* A fattier sliced bacon is preferred, as lean bacon and turkey bacon will not work for this recipe.
** Use a dark chocolate with 65% cocoa or higher. Anything from a 65%-85% chocolate will work well.

Recipe adapted from by Lee Anne Wong, Chef and Maker’s Mark® Cookbook Editor