Introduction
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies are the kind of dessert that instantly feels special. They have that signature cracked exterior dusted in powdered sugar, a soft and fudgy center, and a deep chocolate flavor that lingers long after the last bite. What sets these cookies apart is the subtle addition of bourbon, which adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the chocolate. The result is a cookie that feels indulgent, balanced, and unmistakably homemade.
When I first tested this recipe, I was surprised by how well bourbon pairs with dark chocolate. It enhances the cocoa notes and adds a gentle richness that makes these cookies perfect for holidays, gifting, or simply treating yourself. These cookies look impressive but are surprisingly straightforward to make. If you enjoy desserts that are bold, elegant, and just a little unexpected, these Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies deserve a spot in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are rich without being heavy, visually striking, and full of deep chocolate flavor. They are perfect for special occasions, store well, and offer a unique twist on classic crack cookies thanks to the bourbon.
Print
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies: Rich, Fudgy Cookies With a Grown-Up Twist
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies are rich, chewy cookies with deep cocoa flavor, melty chocolate chunks, and a hint of bourbon that adds warmth and complexity. They are irresistibly addictive with crisp edges and soft centers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, bourbon, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in dark chocolate chunks.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Bourbon flavor mellows as cookies bake.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies chewy.
- Dough can be chilled for thicker cookies.
- Use high-quality dark cocoa for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dark chocolate is the foundation of these cookies. Using high-quality dark chocolate ensures a deep, intense flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.
Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb. It also carries the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps achieve the glossy surface that leads to the crackled finish.
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, keeping the cookies soft even after baking.
Eggs provide structure and richness. They also help create the chewy, brownie-like interior.
Bourbon introduces warmth and depth. It enhances the chocolate flavor rather than standing out on its own.
All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender and soft.
Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor and deepens the color of the dough.
Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, creating that signature cracked surface.
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate notes.
Powdered sugar is used for rolling the dough, creating the classic crack cookie appearance once baked.
Directions
Begin by melting the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until thick and glossy. Add the bourbon and mix until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth batter.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least two hours, or until firm enough to handle.
Preheat the oven and line baking trays with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into small balls, then roll each one generously in powdered sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared trays, leaving space between them.
Bake until the cookies have cracked on top and are just set around the edges. The centers should remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 18 to 20 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. Baking takes 10 to 12 minutes per batch.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. These cookies do not require reheating, but they are excellent slightly warmed if desired.
Variations and Customizations
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies are easy to adapt while keeping their signature character. For a stronger bourbon presence, you can slightly increase the amount, but be careful not to add too much liquid. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce it slightly or replace it with vanilla extract.
You can also experiment with the chocolate. Using extra-dark chocolate creates a more intense result, while slightly lighter dark chocolate makes the cookies more approachable. Adding chocolate chunks to the dough creates pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
For texture contrast, consider mixing in finely chopped toasted nuts. If you enjoy spice, a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can deepen the flavor profile without overpowering the chocolate.
These cookies can also be made smaller for bite-sized treats or larger for an extra indulgent dessert-style cookie.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These cookies are rich and indulgent, making them best enjoyed in moderation. They provide energy from carbohydrates and fats, along with small amounts of protein. Ingredient substitutions can be made to accommodate certain dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Chill the dough thoroughly
Cold dough is essential for achieving clean cracks and preventing spreading.
Use quality chocolate
The flavor of the cookies depends heavily on the chocolate you choose.
Do not overbake
The centers should remain soft for a fudgy texture.
Roll generously in sugar
A thick coating of powdered sugar ensures a dramatic cracked finish.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without bourbon?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract or simply omit it.
Do these cookies taste strongly of alcohol?
No, the bourbon adds warmth and depth rather than a strong alcohol flavor.
Why does the dough need chilling?
Chilling firms the dough and helps create the cracked surface during baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen and baked straight from frozen with slight timing adjustments.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set while the centers remain soft.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Milk chocolate can be used, but the cookies will be much sweeter.
Why didn’t my cookies crack?
The dough may not have been cold enough or rolled in enough powdered sugar.
Are these cookies chewy or crisp?
They are soft and fudgy with a lightly crisp exterior.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales very well.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely, they travel well and look beautiful when packaged.
Conclusion
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Crack Cookies are a refined take on a classic favorite, combining rich chocolate flavor with a subtle bourbon twist. They are visually stunning, deeply satisfying, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Once you bake them, they are sure to become a standout recipe you return to again and again.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!