why make this recipe
Irish Coffee Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a hint of Irish cream. Perfect for enjoying after dinner or as a special dessert during the holidays, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. They are fun to make and bring a little taste of Ireland to your kitchen. The combination of textures, from the soft cookie to the creamy frosting and luscious ganache, makes every bite a joy. Plus, they are sure to impress family and friends!
how to make Irish Coffee Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix (3.4oz, unprepared)
- 1 tablespoon malted milk powder or powdered milk (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ounces Irish Cream liqueur
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
- 2 ounces Irish Cream
- 2 ounces heavy cream
- 1/2 cup salted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 ounces Irish Cream liqueur (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or coffee extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coffee extract
- holiday sprinkles (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, pudding mix, malted milk powder, espresso powder, sea salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream the salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully mixed in.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and Irish cream, alternating between the two until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Use a cookie scoop to place dough balls on the baking sheets, flattening them slightly.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set.
- Cool the cookies for 15 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the ganache, chop the bittersweet chocolate and combine it with heated Irish cream and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
- For the frosting, cream the butter, gradually mix in the powdered sugar and Irish cream, adding the vanilla bean paste and coffee extract.
- Frost the cooled cookies, top with ganache, and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
how to serve Irish Coffee Cookies
Irish Coffee Cookies can be served as a delicious dessert at parties or special occasions. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make great gifts when you pack them in a nice box or tin.
how to store Irish Coffee Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
tips to make Irish Coffee Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined for soft cookies.
- If you love extra chocolate, add more mini chocolate chips!
- Adjust the espresso powder to your taste if you want a stronger coffee flavor.
variation
You can experiment with different flavors by swapping the Irish cream for other flavors like hazelnut or butterscotch syrup. Use white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without Irish cream?
Yes, you can use a non-alcoholic coffee creamer or coffee-flavored syrup instead. It will change the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the pan.
Irish Coffee Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, pudding mix, malted milk powder, espresso powder, sea salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream the salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully mixed in.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and Irish cream, alternating between the two until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Use a cookie scoop to place dough balls on the baking sheets, flattening them slightly.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set.
- Cool the cookies for 15 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the ganache, chop the bittersweet chocolate and combine it with heated Irish cream and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
- For the frosting, cream the butter, gradually mix in the powdered sugar and Irish cream, adding the vanilla bean paste and coffee extract.
- Frost the cooled cookies, top with ganache, and add sprinkles for a festive touch.