Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s something truly special about baking treats that transport you back to cherished memories. The first time I made Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, I was hosting a cozy gathering with friends on a chilly evening. The aroma of melting chocolate and warm, buttery goodness filled the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that wrapped around us like a hug. As we sat together, laughter echoed, and the anticipation of tasting these delightful bars grew stronger. When they finally cooled and we took our first bites, it was as if time stood still. Each bite was a perfect blend of sweet and rich, with a hint of something unique that made these bars irresistible. It became a staple in my baking repertoire, a recipe that brings people together and creates unforgettable moments.

What’s In This Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients matters. In Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The star players include unsalted butter for richness, light brown sugar for moisture and depth, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for that irresistible sweetness. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227 grams) melted. The base of all great cookies, it adds richness and creates a chewy texture that we all love.
• Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (213 grams), firmly packed. It not only sweetens the bars but also enhances moisture and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (99 grams). This adds sweetness and helps achieve that nice, crunchy top.
• Eggs: 2 large plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature. Eggs bind everything together while providing structure and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 and 1/4 cups (269 grams). The backbone of the recipe, it helps create the desired chewy texture.
• Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon. A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly, creating a soft center.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon. This adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the sweetness of chocolate and balances the flavors.
• Espresso Powder: 1 teaspoon. This elevates the chocolate flavor, adding depth without making the bars taste like coffee.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 and 1/2 cups (255 grams), plus more for the top, if desired. Chocolate chips make up the bulk of the flavor and create gooey pockets throughout the bars.
• Flaky Sea Salt: For sprinkling, optional. A finishing touch that takes these bars to the next level with a delightful contrast.

Directions for Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Making these delicious Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Let’s dive into each step together, and you’ll find that baking can be a fun and rewarding experience!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celcius). This ensures that the bars cook evenly. It’s important to give your oven enough time to reach the right temperature.
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bars from sticking, making it much easier to remove them once they’re baked. For an extra precaution, lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown too much. This melted butter will be the base of your cookie batter.
4. When the butter is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cooler, scrape the butter into a large heat-proof mixing bowl.
5. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Whisk them together until they are well combined. The mixture should look smooth and velvety.
6. Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Make sure these are fully incorporated into the sugar mixture. This is where the bars get their unique flavor!
7. Add in the whole eggs and the additional egg yolk. Beat until everything comes together nicely. The batter will begin to thicken.
8. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and espresso powder. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to combine the ingredients just until you see no more dry flour.
9. Next, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is the moment when you can really get excited, as those chocolate chips will create delightful pockets of chocolate in the bars.
10. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. The batter might be thick, so take your time to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
11. Bake in the oven for 30 to 34 minutes. Look for the edges to be firm and golden while the center should still be slightly wobbly. This will create that soft, chewy texture.
12. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting. If you sprinkle with flaky sea salt, do it while the bars are still warm.

Recipe Tips about Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I’ve learned a few handy tips over the years that can make your baking experience even better. Here are some to keep in mind!

• Storage: Store the leftover Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy these bars later, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container; they’ll last about 2 to 3 months.
• Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Cutting Tips: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. This prevents the chocolate from smearing everywhere.
• Variations: Feel free to swap in different types of chocolate chips, or add nuts for extra crunch!

Side Dish Ideas for Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

When serving Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, consider pairing them with various treats and beverages to enhance the experience. Here are some wonderful ideas:

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully. The bitterness of coffee balances the dessert perfectly.
• Milk: For a classic pairing, serve these bars with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s a nostalgic combination that everyone loves.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream can elevate these bars to a whole new level of decadence.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.
• Cheese Plate: For a unique twist, pair these cookie bars with a selection of cheeses; the savory notes can complement the sweet chocolate.
• Seasonal Occasions: These bars are perfect for any gathering, whether it be a cozy winter evening or a summer picnic. They bring warmth and sweetness to any table!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, the Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and easy preparation. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, guaranteed to impress your guests or make your evenings a little sweeter. So why not give this recipe a try? You won’t regret it!

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are rich, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor. Perfect for gatherings or indulgent nights in, these bars combine buttery goodness with a hint of something special. Make them tonight for an unforgettable treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter melted
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 large Eggs plus one egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 and 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips plus more for the top, if desired
• Flaky Sea Salt for sprinkling, optional

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celcius). This ensures that the bars cook evenly. It’s important to give your oven enough time to reach the right temperature.
2. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bars from sticking, making it much easier to remove them once they’re baked. For an extra precaution, lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown too much. This melted butter will be the base of your cookie batter.
4. When the butter is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cooler, scrape the butter into a large heat-proof mixing bowl.
5. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Whisk them together until they are well combined. The mixture should look smooth and velvety.
6. Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Make sure these are fully incorporated into the sugar mixture. This is where the bars get their unique flavor!
7. Add in the whole eggs and the additional egg yolk. Beat until everything comes together nicely. The batter will begin to thicken.
8. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and espresso powder. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to combine the ingredients just until you see no more dry flour.
9. Next, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is the moment when you can really get excited, as those chocolate chips will create delightful pockets of chocolate in the bars.
10. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. The batter might be thick, so take your time to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
11. Bake in the oven for 30 to 34 minutes. Look for the edges to be firm and golden while the center should still be slightly wobbly. This will create that soft, chewy texture.
12. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting. If you sprinkle with flaky sea salt, do it while the bars are still warm.

Notes

• Storage: Store the leftover Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy these bars later, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container; they’ll last about 2 to 3 months.
• Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Cutting Tips: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. This prevents the chocolate from smearing everywhere.
• Variations: Feel free to swap in different types of chocolate chips, or add nuts for extra crunch!

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.