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Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies – Rich, Chewy & Baileys-Inspired

Craving the rich, creamy flavors of Baileys Irish Cream in a cookie—but without the alcohol? These Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect indulgence! Soft, chewy, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies capture the essence of Irish cream using a simple alcohol-free alternative. With buttery richness, a hint of espresso and cocoa, and sweet chocolate chunks in every bite, this is the ultimate cookie recipe for coffee lovers, chocoholics, and anyone looking for a bakery-style treat with a cozy twist.
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Chill Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

🧈 Dairy
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
🍯 Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Substitute
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetened condensed milk for richness
🥣 Dry Ingredients
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
🍫 Add-Ins
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Mixture
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs & Irish Cream Mixture
  1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides.
  2. Slowly add the Irish Cream mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
  1. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
  1. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30–60 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and place on the sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
  5. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough Balls:
Freeze raw cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for a warm, gooey bite.
🥄 Variations
White Chocolate Chip Version: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate.
Mocha Lovers: Add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder for a stronger coffee kick.
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Oatmeal Version: Add ½ cup quick oats for a chewy texture.
Fudge-Stuffed: Add a square of fudge in the center before baking.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top after baking.
Extra Gooey: Add chocolate chunks along with chips for melty pockets.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought Irish cream (non-alcoholic)?
Yes, if you find an alcohol-free version, it works well.
Can I skip the instant coffee?
You can, but it enhances the “Irish cream” flavor.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best for balance.
Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is there a substitute for molasses-like richness in the flavor?
The combination of maple syrup and cocoa powder helps mimic that deep flavor.
Can I make these egg-free?
Yes, use flax eggs or an egg replacer for a vegan version.
Will these cookies taste like Baileys?
They have the essence of Irish cream flavors (chocolate, coffee, vanilla) without the alcohol.
How can I make them extra soft?
Slightly underbake (9–10 minutes) and cool on the baking sheet.
What’s a good topping idea?
Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust lightly with cocoa powder for presentation.
🏁 Conclusion
These Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are rich, soft, and brimming with chocolatey, coffee-kissed goodness — without a drop of alcohol! Whether for a cozy night in, a coffee lover’s treat, or just because, these cookies deliver bakery-style indulgence in every bite.