Peanut Butter- Chocolate Chip- Bacon Cookies

I found this recipe on foodnetwork.com. The Food Network is one of my favorite places to find new recipes to try. The only problem is that there are so many recipes that it takes forever to decide what to make! My favorite thing to do is to read the reviews. I have found that usually recipes require some tweaking depending on your taste and reviews can be incredibly helpful.

First let me tell you that my husband LOVES bacon! This recipe is specifically for my husband for Father's Day. He loves bacon and he loves peanuts so what could be a better combo? This is a special treat for him since he will be the future Father to my children and I love him for that! I can't imagine that this is very healthy so it will have to be saved for special occasions only. I will be making this on Sunday. Make sure to check back to see my review of the recipe. You should try it out too and give me your feedback!

(I have changed the recipe slightly as some of the reviews have suggested. You can find the recipe in its original form here)

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip-Bacon Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Magazine

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of chipotle or ancho chile powder (Don't leave this out! It makes the taste more interesting)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 strips of bacon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped honey- roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, chile powder and salt in a large bowl.

Chop the bacon into small even sized squares about the size of a chocolate chip (This will ensure every bit is crispy). Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings and set aside to cool. Crumble the bacon, discarding any chewy bits.

Beat the butter and reserved bacon drippings in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in the peanut butter until combined, about 1 minute. Beat in the granulated and light brown sugar until creamy, about 4 minutes, then add the egg and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.

Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture in 2 additions, scraping down the bowl as needed, until just combined. Stir in the peanuts and all but 2 tablespoons each of the chocolate chips and bacon.

Form the dough into 12 balls and arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten with your fingers (the cookies will not spread in the oven); press the reserved bacon and chocolate chips on top. Bake until golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Let the cookies cool 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Photo and Recipe Inspiration from foodnetwork.com

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