These Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the rich, creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream, these cookies are infused with just the right amount of boozy goodness to elevate your dessert game. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday parties, or simply craving something decadent, these cookies are sure to impress. With their buttery texture, optional chocolate chips, and a drizzle of Bailey’s glaze, they’re as versatile as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly tender with crisp edges and soft centers.
- Boozy & Fun: The Bailey’s Irish Cream adds a sophisticated twist that makes them stand out.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, gifting, or even a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a glaze to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey twist)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Bailey’s Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- White or dark chocolate drizzle
- Sea salt sprinkle
- Chopped nuts
Directions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Next, add an egg, vanilla extract, and Bailey’s Irish Cream to the bowl. Mix until fully combined. The Bailey’s not only adds flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ softness.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them into the dough at this stage. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips pair beautifully with the Bailey’s flavor, but white chocolate chips are also a great option for a sweeter twist.
Step 2: Shape & Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into small balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Overbaking can result in crunchy cookies, so keep an eye on them. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Bailey’s Glaze (Optional)
For an extra touch of decadence, prepare a simple Bailey’s glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more Bailey’s for a thinner glaze.
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. You can also sprinkle sea salt, chopped nuts, or a chocolate drizzle for added flair.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18-24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Double Chocolate Bailey’s Cookies: Add extra cocoa powder or fold in additional chocolate chips for an intense chocolate experience.
- Espresso Bailey’s Cookies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the dough for a mocha-inspired twist.
- Salted Caramel Bailey’s Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Extra Boozy Version: Brush warm cookies with a little extra Bailey’s Irish Cream for an intensified flavor.
- Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a greased 8Ă—8-inch pan and bake for 18-20 minutes for easy-to-cut bars.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave.
- Reheating: For a warm, gooey treat, microwave a cookie for 10 seconds.
To serve, pair these cookies with coffee, hot chocolate, or a Bailey’s-spiked latte for a truly indulgent experience. They’re also a delightful addition to dessert platters or gift baskets.
FAQs
Can I use another Irish cream liqueur?
Absolutely! While Bailey’s is the classic choice, any brand of Irish cream will work well.
How do I make these cookies softer?
Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and avoid overbaking. Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
Can I make these cookies without alcohol?
Yes! Replace Bailey’s with heavy cream and a dash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I add nuts?
Of course! Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add a delightful crunch and complement the rich flavors.
Do I have to use cocoa powder?
No, it’s optional. Cocoa powder enhances the chocolatey notes, but the cookies are equally delicious without it.
Can I make these as cookie bars?**
Definitely! Press the dough into a greased 8Ă—8-inch pan and bake for 18-20 minutes for bar-style cookies.
What type of chocolate works best?
Both dark and white chocolate chips pair beautifully with Bailey’s. Dark chocolate offers a rich contrast, while white chocolate adds sweetness.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I use Bailey’s Irish Cream Coffee Creamer instead?
Yes, but keep in mind that coffee creamer won’t provide the same boozy flavor.
What pairs well with these cookies?
Serve with coffee, hot chocolate, or a Bailey’s-spiked latte for a cozy and indulgent pairing.
Conclusion
These Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a touch of sophistication. Infused with the rich, creamy flavor of Bailey’s and customizable with chocolate chips, glazes, or toppings, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a holiday party, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Try this recipe today and bring a little Irish magic to your dessert table. With their irresistible flavor and versatility, these cookies are guaranteed to delight family, friends, and guests alike. Cheers to sweet success!
Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and Bailey’s Irish Cream until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Prepare a Bailey’s glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Serve and enjoy!