Okay, friends, gather ’round ’cause I’m about to spill the beans on a recipe that’s pure magic: **Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies**! Seriously, these cookies are a dream come true – they take the cozy, boozy flavor of Baileys and sandwich it between two perfect, soft cookies. I first got the idea for this recipe a few years ago at a Christmas party. Everyone loved the Baileys Irish Cream I brought, so I thought, “Hmm, how can I capture this deliciousness in a cookie?”
I’ve been baking since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, helping my grandma in her kitchen. Through trial and error (and a whole lot of taste-testing!), I perfected this recipe. The result? These delectable cookies! They’re easy to make (I promise!), perfect for impressing your friends and family. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Listen, if you love Baileys (and who doesn’t?), these cookies are a MUST-MAKE. Seriously!
- They’re ridiculously easy to whip up. No fancy techniques, promise!
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because you deserve a treat.
- That Baileys flavor? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s like a party in your mouth.
- The combination of the soft cookie and creamy filling is pure bliss.
Trust me, these Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies will be gone in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Here’s what you’re gonna need to make these amazing cookies. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list, and most of it you probably already have in your pantry.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Gotta be soft, friends!
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweet and simple!
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar – This gives them that chewy goodness.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature, if possible!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Always a must!
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The baking base!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – For that perfect rise!
- ½ teaspoon salt – Just a pinch, but it makes a difference!
- 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream – The star of the show!
- 2 cups powdered sugar – For the sweet, creamy filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – For the filling – again, softened!
See? Nothing too scary, right? Now, let’s get these cookies started!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and bake these amazing Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies! Don’t you worry, it’s easier than you think, and the results are SO worth it. I’ve broken it all down into simple steps, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be a cookie pro in no time! Let’s do this!
Preparing the Cookie Dough
First up, let’s get that cookie dough going. In a big ol’ bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, AND brown sugar. Now, cream them together until it’s light and fluffy! Next step! Beat in those eggs, one at a time. Then, stir in that vanilla – it really brings out the flavor! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Now, slowly add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing until they just come together. Be careful not to overmix, you want to keep them soft!
Baking the Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Okay, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), while you drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet. Make sure you leave a little space between each cookie – about an inch is good. Bake those cookies for only 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before you move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to prevent them from breaking into fragile pieces. Don’t worry, the waiting is always the hardest part!
Making the Baileys Filling
Alright, time for the best part: the filling! In a bowl, you’re going to whisk together your Baileys Irish Cream, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Whisk it until it’s smooth and creamy – like a dream! It should be spreadable, like frosting, but if it’s too thick, add a little more Baileys. If it’s too thin (oops!), add a bit more powdered sugar. Taste it – it’s crucial! You might need to add just a *smidge* more Baileys or powdered sugar depending on your tastes. Be careful, it’s addictive!
Assembling the Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Now, for the grand finale: the assembly! Grab a cookie, and with a spoon, spread a generous amount of that creamy Baileys filling on the flat side. Gently top it with another cookie, making a perfect sandwich. Repeat until all your cookies are fabulous sandwich cookies. You did it! Dust them with a little powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Now, time to enjoy!
Tips for Success: Achieving Perfect Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Listen, I’ve made these Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies a *few* times (ahem, dozens!), so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make your cookie journey a success!
- Don’t skimp on the butter! Real, unsalted butter is key. It makes a difference in both the flavor and texture of the cookies. That softened butter is your best friend right now!
- Chill the dough, if you can! If you have time, pop the cookie dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping. This helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too thin.
- Don’t overbake! Underbake them slightly. You want soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, not hockey pucks. That perfect, golden edge is the sweet spot.
- Taste as you go! I always do! Make sure your filling is *exactly* how you want it. A little extra Baileys never hurts!
Happy baking, friends!
Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk about some of the stars of this show and what you can do if you run into a snag or two. For the flour, I just use regular ol’ all-purpose. Don’t get fancy, unless you *want* to! But it works perfectly fine. Now, for the Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies, the Baileys is key. That’s what gives them that signature flavor!
If you’re not a fan of Baileys, or can’t find it, you *could* try another Irish cream liqueur, but the flavor will be slightly different. For a non-alcoholic option, check out the coffee or vanilla flavored syrups. It won’t be EXACTLY the same, but it’s a good way to get that boozy vibe without the booze. You could also experiment with adding a bit of Irish cream extract to the filling, it helps boost the taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Your Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
So, you’re planning ahead? Smart! Listen, these cookies are perfect for making in advance, which is a total lifesaver. You can totally make the cookie dough and the filling a day or two before. Just store the dough, tightly wrapped, in the fridge, or the filling in an airtight container. The cookie dough is absolutely fine for a couple of days and the filling will be ready to go in the fridge.
Once you’ve assembled your Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies , store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and oh-so-delicious for about 3-4 days (if they last that long!). You can also freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll be good for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before enjoying. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
You probably have a few questions, and that’s totally cool! I get it. Here are some of the most common ones I hear about these Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies – hopefully, this helps!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies (assembled or unassembled) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper if they’re already put together, to prevent sticking. They’ll be good for up to a month. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Then, boom, cookies!
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Nobody wants a messy cookie, right? To avoid a filling mess, make sure your filling is thick enough. It should be easy to spread, but not runny. If it seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Also, don’t overfill the cookies. A generous dollop is great, but don’t go crazy! Make sure your assembled cookies are going into the fridge, because that creamy delicious filling will set nicely.
What if I don’t have Baileys?
No Baileys? No problem! You can totally substitute another Irish cream liqueur, like Carolans. The flavor will be *slightly* different, but still delicious. Or, if you need a non-alcoholic option, you could try using a combination of vanilla extract and a bit of coffee extract (or a splash of strong brewed coffee). It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still give you a delicious flavor!
How long do these cookies last?
If you can avoid eating them all in one sitting (which, let’s be honest, is a challenge!), the Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. After that, well they might be a little stale, but totally still edible!
Happy baking. You got this!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
Okay, so listen, I’m not a nutritionist, and I can’t give you exact numbers here. Just a heads up that this is just an estimate, and it can totally change depending on what brands of ingredients you use or if you make any swaps (like I do sometimes!). But hey, enjoy these treats in moderation!
Enjoy Your Delicious Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies!
There you have it, friends! You’ve made ’em! These Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies are a total crowd-pleaser and the perfect treat for any occasion. I’d love to hear what *you* think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe and let me know how it goes! Tag me on social media too!
Baileys Irish Cream Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies combine the flavors of Baileys Irish Cream with a classic sandwich cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling, whisk together the Baileys Irish Cream, powdered sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Notes
- For a stronger Baileys flavor, add a teaspoon of Baileys extract to the filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
