Irish Cream Cookies with Bailey’s Chocolate Glaze

Irish Cream Cookies always make my kitchen smell like chocolate and celebration. I usually bake these soft, chocolatey Irish Cream Cookies right before St. Patrick’s Day, yet they feel just as special in December. Because they come together so quickly, you can mix, bake, and glaze them in under 20 minutes.

Why These Irish Cream Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Irish Cream Cookies combine rich cocoa with smooth Bailey’s flavor in the simplest way. Since the dough uses pantry staples, you likely have everything ready.

They bake in just 8 to 10 minutes. As a result, you can make them for last minute gatherings without stress.

The centers stay chewy and tender. Meanwhile, the Irish cream icing adds a glossy, sweet finish that feels festive and grown up.

Although they look impressive, these Irish Cream Cookies require very little effort. So even beginner bakers can feel confident making them.

Ingredient Breakdown and What Each One Does

Dry Ingredients and Flavor Boosters

All purpose flour forms the base of your Irish Cream Cookies. It gives the dough structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.

Unsweetened cocoa powder builds that deep chocolate flavor. Because Irish cream pairs naturally with chocolate, this step sets the tone.

Espresso powder remains optional. However, if you add it, the chocolate flavor tastes richer and fuller. It does not overpower the cookies.

Baking soda gives the cookies a gentle lift. Meanwhile, salt balances sweetness and sharpens every flavor.

Wet Ingredients and How They Create the Perfect Texture

Unsalted butter adds richness and softness. When you beat it with sugar, you trap air in the mixture. As a result, your Irish Cream Cookies bake up tender.

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough. Meanwhile, light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.

Eggs bind the dough together and support structure. Because you use room temperature eggs, they blend smoothly into the batter.

Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur gives these Irish Cream Cookies their signature flavor. It blends right into the dough and leaves a creamy hint behind.

Irish Cream Icing Overview

The icing uses sifted confectioners’ sugar and Bailey’s Irish cream. When you whisk them together, you create a smooth glaze.

Then you dip half of each cooled cookie into the icing. As it firms up, it creates a sweet, glossy shell that contrasts with the soft center.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irish Cream Cookies

Mix the Dry Ingredients

First, heat your oven to 350°F. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Next, whisk together 2 ½ cups all purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon espresso powder if using, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup room temperature butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup light brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

This step matters. Because you build air into the butter, your Irish Cream Cookies stay soft instead of dense.

Add Eggs and Bailey’s

Next, add 2 large room temperature eggs. Mix until smooth.

Then pour in ¼ cup Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur. Stir until fully blended. At this point, the dough smells rich and chocolatey.

Form the Dough and Scoop

Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix just until a dough forms. Do not overmix.

Then scoop tablespoon size portions onto the lined baking sheet. Leave space between each scoop.

Bake to Soft-Centered Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, while the centers remain slightly soft.

Let the Irish Cream Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make and Apply the Bailey’s Icing

Whisk 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish cream. Stir until smooth and pourable.

Dip half of each cooled cookie into the icing. Then place them back on the rack and let the glaze firm up before serving.

Tips for Perfect Irish Cream Cookies Every Time

Measuring and Mixing Tips

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. If you scoop directly, you may add too much flour.

Also, use room temperature butter and eggs. They blend more evenly, which improves texture.

Texture Goals and Doneness Cues

Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

If you bake them too long, the chewy texture disappears. So watch them closely during the last minute.

Icing and Cooling Tips

Always cool the cookies completely before dipping. Otherwise, the icing will slide off.

After dipping, allow the glaze to firm before stacking. Then layer parchment between cookies for storage.

Variations and Customization Ideas

Add-Ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts

You can fold in dark chocolate chips for extra richness. In fact, chocolate chunks make these Irish Cream Cookies even more indulgent.

Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. However, keep add ins moderate so the dough stays balanced.

Non-Alcoholic Ingredient Swaps

If you prefer a non alcoholic option, use Bailey’s coffee creamer instead of the liqueur. You still get the creamy flavor without alcohol.

Everything else in the recipe stays the same.

Adjusting Batch Size or Shape

This recipe makes about 24 Irish Cream Cookies. However, you can double the recipe for larger gatherings.

You can also shape slightly larger cookies. Just increase baking time by a minute or two.

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Storage Guide

Chilling or Freezing the Dough

You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours. In fact, chilling can deepen the chocolate flavor slightly.

You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at a slightly lower temperature and add a few extra minutes.

Storing Baked Cookies and Protecting the Icing

Store Irish Cream Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment between them to protect the icing.

Each cookie contains about 206 calories, 30 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fat, 2 grams protein, 18 grams sugar, 34 milligrams cholesterol, and 102 milligrams sodium.

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FAQ: Irish Cream Cookies

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Conclusion

Irish Cream Cookies bring together soft chocolate centers and a sweet Bailey’s glaze in the simplest way. Because they bake quickly and use everyday ingredients, you can make them anytime the craving hits. So whether you bake for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy weekend treat, these Irish Cream Cookies always feel festive and full of chocolate comfort.

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