Bailey’s Irish Cream Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bailey’s Irish Cream Butter Cookies are an irresistible blend of creamy, buttery goodness with a hint of Irish cream liqueur. The dough is rich and tender, and the cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, yet taste decadent and special, making them the perfect addition to any dessert tray.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers to form a cookie shape.

4. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

5. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Optional dusting: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive appearance.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate and let it set for a delicious chocolatey finish.
• Bailey’s Irish Cream Glaze: For an extra kick of Irish cream flavor, drizzle a simple Bailey’s Irish Cream glaze over the cookies made from powdered sugar and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Before baking, roll the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a warm spiced flavor that complements the richness of the Bailey’s.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the fridge for a slightly firmer texture.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Store them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, simply microwave one for 10-15 seconds, or place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to warm.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of Bailey’s Irish Cream?

No, Bailey’s Irish Cream adds a unique flavor to the cookies. However, you can try a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the package for any additional tips for baking with gluten-free flour.

Can I make these cookies without egg yolks?

If you’d prefer not to use egg yolks, you can try using a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.

Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer is perfect for making the dough! Use the paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugar and mix in the remaining ingredients.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

For a fun holiday touch, you can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or festive sprinkles before baking or decorate them with holiday icing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls and baking.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Definitely! You can double the ingredients to make more cookies. Just be sure to have enough space on your baking sheets, as you’ll likely need two or more to bake them.

Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough in balls and bake them directly from the freezer. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?

You can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, but the texture may be slightly different. Powdered sugar provides a smoother, softer texture for the cookies.

Conclusion

Bailey’s Irish Cream Butter Cookies are an indulgent, buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their rich, smooth flavor, combined with the creamy Irish cream liqueur, makes these cookies a delightful and sophisticated choice. Whether for a holiday gathering or a special treat, these cookies will impress with their delicate texture and festive charm.

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