12 Days of Christmas Cookies: Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies

Well, holiday fun is certainly in full swing! Last weekend Nick and I attended his squadron’s Christmas party, which just happened to be an ugly Christmas sweater party. I don’t know where the idea of ugly sweater parties originated, but they are pretty awesome. Instead of a sweater, I opted for an awesome snowman turtleneck. I am still curious who buys these things for purposes other than making fun of them.

Nick is growing a mustache (ugh) thanks to the Navy and weird traditions I will never quite understand. The ‘stache went well with his tacky reindeer sweater, enhancing his creepiness. I believe someone hit the nail on the head when they noted that he should not be allowed anywhere near an elementary school. Creeper.

He also had some twins. That’s what happens when you go super last minute (literally 2 hours before) to Walmart to buy an ugly sweater.

Did anyone else notice that there are photobombers in both of these pictures? Must just have been a night of creepers all around.

Well, since it’s officially Christmas season, what do you say we get back to cookies, huh?

Years ago, when I had my very first real-life job, someone brought the most magical dessert to a holiday potluck. They were called Bailey’s Bars and they were basically a box of cake mix, an entire can of frosting, an entire bag of chocolate chips, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. They were the most amazing thing I’ve ever tasted. I got the recipe and made them for myself. It didn’t go well. They were so good. I ate so many. I got so sick. I vowed that I would never make Bailey’s Bars again since I apparently cannot control myself around them (though, it might be time to give them another chance…).

Anyways, when I saw these cookies they reminded me of the Bailey’s Bars, but toned way down (i.e. not containing an entire can of frosting). I figured they would be delicious, but safe enough to keep in my house whilst home alone.

Day 3: Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies

(adapted from gimme some oven)

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Special Dark)
• 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 tbsp Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and continue beating until combined. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until combined. While mixing, add the Bailey’s, one tablespoon at a time until it’s all incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate the dough 2 hours (or if you’re impatient like me, stick it in the freezer for 30-45 minutes).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets a minute, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling.

If you’re like me, the Bailey’s aroma wafting around the kitchen will tempt you just a little too strongly and you’ll stuff one into your mouth straight from the oven, hence burning off all your taste buds with molten chocolate chips. I’m unsure of whether or not I recommend this. It might be worth it.

Time to share your cookie recipes! Thanks to those who have already linked up! Link up your blog posts with your favorite Christmas cookies below! Please only post cookie recipes, other entries will be deleted. You may enter up to 3 posts. A link back is appreciated but not necessary. Most importantly, please visit some of the links below and get in the kitchen and BAKE!