Name: Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all purpose flour; 1/2 cup (48 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant coffee); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/4 cup (60 ml) Bailey's Irish cream; 1 cup (120 g) confectioners' sugar (sifted); 2 Tablespoons Bailey's Irish cream

I am absolutely thrilled to share this Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe with you because it quickly became one of my all-time favorite treats. These cookies capture the perfect balance of rich cocoa and the smooth, distinctive flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream, creating something truly special that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whenever I bake these, the house fills with the most inviting aroma, making it impossible not to sneak a bite or two before they’ve even cooled. They’re wonderfully soft with just the right amount of chew, and that luscious icing adds a delightful touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Why You'll Love This Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe

What I really adore about this Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe is the depth of flavor it offers. The unsweetened cocoa powder lends a dark, chocolatey base that's perfectly complemented by the subtle coffee notes from the espresso powder. But the true star here is the Bailey’s Irish Cream itself — it adds a creamy, slightly boozy essence that elevates the cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. Every bite has a deliciously rich complexity that makes these cookies stand out from just another chocolate treat.

Besides the amazing taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy tools or complicated techniques — just a few mixing bowls and your favorite hand or stand mixer. I often find that the ease of making these cookies makes it the perfect recipe to whip up on a whim for special occasions or even just a cozy afternoon. They bake quickly, so you don’t have to wait long before enjoying those warm, freshly baked cookies fresh out of the oven.

These cookies are such a hit during holidays and parties, but honestly, I find any excuse is a good one to make them. They’re fantastic for a festive cookie platter and even more delightful when shared with friends over coffee or a glass of Irish whiskey. Their rich flavor and elegant icing make them feel like a true celebration, which is why I keep coming back to this Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe whenever I want to impress.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows eleven white bowls, each filled with different baking ingredients, arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl with two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks, next to it is a bowl filled with white powdered sugar. Below these, there is a bowl containing light brown sugar with a soft texture, and next to it is a small bowl of fine white salt, as well as a slightly larger bowl with white granulated sugar and a vanilla bean resting on top. Below the sugar bowls, another bowl holds two sticks of solid pale yellow butter. To the right, there is a bowl filled with light brown cocoa powder, and a smaller bowl with dark brown cinnamon powder. At the bottom left, the largest bowl is filled with fine white flour. Lastly, there is a small glass container holding a beige liquid, possibly vanilla extract or a similar ingredient. The arrangement is neat and clean, with soft natural lighting highlighting the textures and colors of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredient list for this recipe is delightfully simple yet each component plays a crucial role in bringing this cookie to life. From the cocoa powder that builds a rich base to the Bailey’s that injects personality into every bite, you’ll appreciate how each adds complexity and texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy but tender backbone of the cookie dough.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor and dark color that we all crave.
Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate notes with a subtle coffee kick for complexity.
Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise perfectly for a soft, chewy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors in the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness, making the cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The perfect blend to create a crispy edge and chewy center.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft bite.
Bailey's Irish Cream: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor and moist texture.
Confectioners' sugar: The base for the silky icing that takes these cookies to the next level.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first means they're evenly distributed in the dough later.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy — this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is key for that perfect texture.

Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until they're incorporated. Then pour in ¼ cup of Bailey's Irish Cream and mix again until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until you no longer see flour – in overmixing the dough can become tough so a gentle touch is essential here.

Step 6: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, then place it roughly 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough until your sheet is filled but not overcrowded.

Step 7: Bake in the center of the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges look set but the tops remain soft. The cookies firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look fully baked in the center.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of Bailey’s Irish Cream until you reach a smooth, dipping consistency — not too thick, so it coats nicely.

Step 10: Dip half of each cookie into the icing and, if you like, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles immediately for a festive touch. Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

This Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or for multiple indulgent snacks. Prep time is about 10 minutes, making it quick to get everything ready. Baking time is just 10 minutes, and allow for about 20 minutes total cooling and icing time. Overall, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish — a real win when you want quick but impressive homemade cookies.

How to Serve This Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe

The image shows a round chocolate cookie partly dipped in white chocolate, held by a woman's hand dipping it into a clear glass bowl filled with creamy white chocolate. On the white marbled surface below, there are more dark brown cookies scattered around and a white bowl filled with green, white, and yellow sprinkles. A white wire cooling rack is placed at the top with several cookies that are half coated with white chocolate and decorated with green, white, and yellow sprinkles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies alongside a rich cup of coffee or a smooth latte, which really highlights the coffee and chocolate notes. They’re also fantastic when paired with a glass of milk for a classic treat or a small pour of Irish whiskey for an adult indulgence. When hosting gatherings, I like to arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder for a little extra flair.

If you want to elevate their charm, try warming the cookies slightly before serving — just 10 seconds in the microwave brings out that gooey softness again and makes the Bailey’s frosting even more luscious. For holiday parties or special family dinners, these cookies shine as a dessert option that feels both elegant and inviting. Room temperature also works well if you want to prep ahead and let guests enjoy them alongside tea or a cocktail.

For portioning, I recommend letting each person have two cookies — the wonderfully indulgent flavor means you don’t need many to satisfy a sweet tooth. These cookies also make stylish gifts when packaged in a decorative box or tied with a rustic ribbon, and I always find their rich, velvety taste gets rave reviews wherever I bring them.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few variations on this Bailey's Irish Cream Cookies Recipe that add fun twists while keeping the spirit of the original. For example, you can swap the espresso powder for instant coffee granules if that’s what you have on hand, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor. If you’re a fan of nuts, adding finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the dough adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth.

For those who need gluten-free options, I’ve had wonderful success substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the chewy texture. Similarly, to make these cookies vegan, you can replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax eggs or chia eggs as your egg substitute. The Bailey’s Irish Cream can be swapped for a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored syrup or extract to keep the signature taste without the alcohol.

If you want to experiment with flavor, try adding a half teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the dry ingredients for a warming spicy twist. You could also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the iced cookies instead of dipping them for a layered presentation. For an alternative cooking method, these cookies can be frozen and baked off later, which is great if you want to prepare dough in advance and enjoy fresh-baked treats anytime.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days this way. If you want to keep the icing intact, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well, as they maintain an ideal humidity level to keep the cookies chewy rather than dry.

Freezing

Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies if you want to extend their life. After cooling completely, place them on a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper layers in between. They can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing before icing, then thawing and decorating fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To bring these cookies back to their fresh-baked glory, I like to warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This softens them and revives the chewy texture without melting the icing too much. Avoid reheating in a conventional oven unless wrapped in foil, as this can dry them out. Adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or an extra drizzle of Bailey’s icing after warming is a personal favorite finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of Bailey’s Irish Cream?

Absolutely! While Bailey’s gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with other cream liqueurs such as Amarula or Kahlua, or even opt for non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup if you prefer to avoid alcohol. Just keep the liquid measure the same for proper dough consistency.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is necessary for this recipe, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. The dough is ready to bake immediately after mixing, saving you precious time when you want a quick batch of delicious cookies.

What if I don’t have espresso powder — can I skip it?

You can skip the espresso powder, but I highly recommend including it if possible because it really enhances the chocolate flavor to a richer level. If you don’t have espresso powder, a tiny pinch of instant coffee granules works, or you can omit altogether for a milder chocolate cookie.

Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size by shaping the dough balls differently. Just keep in mind that larger cookies will require slightly longer baking time, around 12 to 14 minutes, while smaller cookies may only need 8 minutes. Always watch the edges to know when they’re done.

Is the icing necessary, or can I skip it?

The icing adds a delightful sweetness and boozy twist that sets these cookies apart, but you can enjoy them plain if you prefer a simpler treat. For extra fun, you can try dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with chocolate instead.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s truly special and bursting with cozy, indulgent flavor, I encourage you to try this Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels luxurious yet approachable, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Every batch I make brings smiles and happy sighs around my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy with your own cookies.