There’s something magical about combining classic chocolate chip cookies with the rich, velvety essence of Baileys Irish Cream. These Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, buttery, and speckled with gooey chocolate chips—but what makes them unforgettable is the creamy liqueur twist that elevates them from ordinary to indulgent.

I remember baking these for a girls’ night in one chilly December evening. A splash of Baileys went into the batter… and maybe another into our mugs of hot cocoa. The result? Cookies that tasted like the coziest moment wrapped in chocolate and Irish charm. They’ve since become a go-to whenever I want to bake something a little extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Lush flavor – Buttery cookies with the unmistakable smooth taste of Baileys.
Perfect texture – Crispy edges, chewy centers, and melty chocolate chips.
Crowd-pleaser – Great for parties, holidays, or as a grown-up sweet treat.
Simple ingredients – No fancy tools or complicated steps required.
Boozy bonus – Just enough Baileys for flavor without overwhelming.

Ingredients (Yields 30–36 cookies)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

A pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor

Kitchen Equipment

Large and medium mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire cooling racks
Spatula or cookie scoop

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the paddle attachment) to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy—about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Baileys

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the Baileys Irish Cream, mixing just until combined. Your dough will smell amazing already!

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

5. Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and optional nuts or espresso powder if using). Stir until evenly distributed.

6. Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk, Baileys on the rocks, or your favorite coffee drink.

Pro Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and fluffier cookies.
Chill the dough if you prefer thicker cookies—30 minutes in the fridge helps prevent spreading.
Don’t overbake! The centers should look slightly underdone when you remove them.
Double the recipe—they disappear fast, especially at parties.

Serving Ideas

Cookie platter for holidays, showers, or birthdays
Gift box for friends or coworkers (tie with ribbon and a mini bottle of Baileys!)
Crushed over ice cream for a decadent dessert
With Baileys coffee for the ultimate cozy night in

How to Store & Freeze

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer (unbaked): Scoop dough onto a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Freezer (baked): Let cookies cool completely, then freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kids eat these cookies?

They contain Baileys, which includes alcohol. Although some cooks consider the alcohol content negligible after baking, it’s best to keep them for adults only.

Can I substitute Baileys?

Yes! Use any Irish cream liqueur (like Carolans or homemade) or try flavored creamers for a non-alcoholic twist.

Do they taste strongly of alcohol?

No—the Baileys adds a creamy, chocolatey flavor with subtle warmth. It’s not overpowering, just luxurious.

Can I use white chocolate chips?

Definitely! Baileys pairs beautifully with white, milk, or dark chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

These Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of dessert that turns ordinary moments into something worth celebrating. The familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie meets the indulgent touch of Baileys, making each bite rich, festive, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies always deliver. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and just fancy enough to feel a little indulgent.

Make them once, and you’ll be hooked. Trust me.

The Goods

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, buttery, and full of chocolatey goodness with a splash of Baileys! Easy and irresistible.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Irish

Recipes

1 cup unsalted butter softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
A pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the paddle attachment) to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy—about 2–3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Baileys

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the Baileys Irish Cream, mixing just until combined. Your dough will smell amazing already!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and optional nuts or espresso powder if using). Stir until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk, Baileys on the rocks, or your favorite coffee drink.