Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe was inspired by the luxurious and creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream. I wanted to create a cookie that captured that essence.

Nostalgic Appeal

These cookies offer a grown-up twist on classic chocolate cookies. They’re a sophisticated and indulgent treat.

There’s something so comforting about the combination of chocolate and a hint of liqueur. It’s a familiar yet elevated flavor profile.

These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Bailey’s Irish Cream or simply enjoys a rich and flavorful cookie.

They’re a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or to simply treat yourself to something delicious.

Homemade Focus

I’m a strong believer in the satisfaction of homemade baking. There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly baked cookies.

This recipe is all about embracing that homemade goodness. It’s relatively straightforward to make, and the results are well worth the effort.

Baking your own cookies allows you to control the ingredients and to ensure that you’re using high-quality components. You know exactly what is in it.

Plus, it’s a fun and creative activity that you can share with your loved ones. Baking can be a great stress reliever.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal here is to create a harmonious blend of rich chocolate, creamy Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a hint of coffee.

The cocoa powder and espresso powder provide a deep, dark chocolate base, while the Bailey’s adds a creamy, boozy note.

The icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and reinforces the Bailey’s flavor. It is a perfect addition.

We’re aiming for a cookie that’s both decadent and sophisticated, a treat that’s perfect for adults.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient. First, we have the all-purpose flour, which provides the structure for the cookies.

Make sure to measure the flour correctly, using the spoon-and-level method. This ensures that you don’t add too much flour.

The unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cookies their rich, dark chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.

The espresso powder (or instant coffee) enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee note. It is optional, but recommended.

The baking soda helps the cookies to rise and become light and airy. Make sure your baking soda is fresh.

The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt! It’s a crucial ingredient in baking.

The unsalted butter, at room temperature, provides richness and tenderness to the cookies. Room temperature is very important.

The granulated sugar and light brown sugar provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie’s texture. The brown sugar adds moisture.

The large eggs, also at room temperature, add richness, moisture, and structure to the cookies. Room temperature eggs blend better.

The Bailey’s Irish Cream is the star ingredient, adding a creamy, boozy flavor to both the cookies and the icing.

For the icing, we’ll use confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar), which provides sweetness and a smooth texture.

And finally, more Bailey’s Irish Cream is used in the icing to create a creamy, flavorful glaze.

Essential Equipment

This recipe requires some basic baking equipment. You’ll need a baking sheet to bake the cookies.

I recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Parchment is very helpful.

You’ll also need a medium bowl to whisk together the dry ingredients and a large bowl for the wet ingredients.

A stand mixer or a hand mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugars and incorporating the other ingredients.

Measuring cups and spoons are crucial for accurate ingredient proportions. Accurate measurements are key.

A cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) is helpful for portioning out the cookie dough evenly. This ensures even baking.

And finally, a cooling rack is necessary for cooling the cookies completely after baking. Air circulation is important.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients, along with their precise measurements:

Cookies:

2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (48 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant coffee)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup (60 ml) Bailey’s Irish Cream

Icing:

1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps of making these decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated after each addition. This should take about 30 seconds per egg.

Add the Bailey’s Irish Cream and mix until combined, about another 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops of the cookies are soft. The centers may still look slightly underbaked.

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

To make the icing, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and Bailey’s Irish Cream in a small bowl until you reach your desired consistency.

Dip half of each cooled cookie into the icing, and immediately garnish with sprinkles, if desired. Let the icing set before serving.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

The cookies are too dry: This can happen if you overbake them or if you use too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and watch the cookies carefully while they bake.

The cookies spread too much: This can happen if the butter is too warm or if you don’t use enough flour. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and measure the flour accurately.

The cookies are too flat: Be sure to check the date on your baking soda. Make sure it is fresh.

The icing is too thick: Add a teaspoon of Bailey’s or milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

The icing is too thin: Add more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe:

For a stronger coffee flavor: Increase the amount of espresso powder to 1 ½ or 2 teaspoons.

For a different flavor: Try using a different liqueur, such as Kahlua or Frangelico, in place of the Bailey’s.

For added texture: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough.

For a different look: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate instead of using the icing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and other treats.

I love serving them with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or, of course, a glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream.

They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

For a festive dessert platter, arrange the cookies alongside other cookies, brownies, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box and tie with a ribbon.

Nutritional Information

While these cookies are certainly a treat, it’s helpful to be aware of their nutritional content. Enjoy in moderation.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. It is best to read your labels.

These cookies contain butter, sugar, chocolate, and liqueur, so they are relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar.

However, they also provide some protein from the eggs and a small amount of fiber from the cocoa powder.

It’s all about balance and enjoying treats in moderation as part of a healthy overall diet. Everything in moderation!

Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies

Author: Jessica

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe was inspired by the luxurious and creamy flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream. I wanted to create a cookie that captured that essence

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (48 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant coffee)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup (60 ml) Bailey’s Irish Cream

Icing:

1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions