1
In a large frying pan or cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from pan and drain on a paper towel. Strain the bacon fat through a fine sieve and measure out a 1/3 cup. Chill the bacon fat until it sets and becomes solid.
2
Preheat the oven to 375° F.
3
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, chilled bacon fat, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar and vanilla until well combined. Alternatively, use a large mixing bowl and hand mixer to combine.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the reserved flour mixture.
5
Gently stir in about 1/3 of the cooked bacon pieces and all of the chopped chocolate bits.
6
Place a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough onto two parchment-lined baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
7
Sprinkle remaining bacon pieces on top of cookies, gently pressing them on so they stick to the cookie dough.
8
Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool pans on wire racks for 5-10 minutes before removing cookies from the pans.
