Step 1

Cook bacon, in a skillet, air fryer, or oven until golden brown and crisp

Step 2

Place bacon on a paper towel-lined plate

Step 3

If possible, reserve ½ cup of bacon fat and refrigerate until solid

Step 4

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

Step 5

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder

Step 6

In a separate, larger bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, bacon fat, sugars, bourbon, and vanilla

Step 7

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined

Step 8

Beat in the flour mixture

Step 9

Stir in the bacon and chocolate

Step 10

For cookies, drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. For bars, evenly smooth batter into a parchment paper-lined baking pan

Step 11

Bake until golden brown

Step 12

Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 6 weeks