If you’re craving a bakery-style cookie that feels a little extra but is still simple to make, these Irish cream chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, this recipe uses a family-safe Irish cream–style creamer to create a smooth, cozy taste that pairs beautifully with coffee or milk.
Why You’ll Love These Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ultra soft and chewy thanks to cornstarch and an extra egg yolk
- Rich, creamy flavor without using alcohol
- Coffeehouse-style depth from a hint of espresso powder
- Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight baking to holiday cookie trays
- Easy to customize with different chips or add-ins
These cookies feel gourmet but come together with pantry staples you likely already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup Irish cream–style coffee creamer (non-alcoholic)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- 1½–2 cups chocolate chips
For Finishing
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft, tender texture.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and Irish cream–style creamer until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt, and espresso powder if using.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover and chill the dough for 30–45 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 7: Finish and Cool
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt right out of the oven. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tips & Variations
- Extra chewy: Slightly underbake and let cookies finish setting on the pan
- No espresso: Skip it for a more classic chocolate chip flavor
- Chocolate swap: Use dark, milk, or mini chocolate chips
- Festive twist: Add white chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks
- Thicker cookies: Chill dough up to 24 hours for even better texture
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these cookies warm with milk, hot cocoa, or decaf coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters or gift boxes.
Storage:
- Room temperature: up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months
Easy Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a rich “Irish cream” flavor—made family-safe by using non-alcoholic Irish cream-style coffee creamer. A touch of espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor, and flaky sea salt on top makes them taste bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup (60ml) non-alcoholic Irish cream-style coffee creamer (see notes)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
1 1/2 to 2 cups (255–340g) chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the egg and egg yolk and mix until combined. Mix in the creamer and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, fine sea salt, and espresso powder (if using).
5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until no dry streaks remain (don’t overmix).
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Cover and chill the dough for 30–45 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Scoop 1.5–2 Tbsp portions of dough (about 35–45g each) onto the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
10. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges look set but centers are still soft.
11. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie.
12. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Family-safe Irish cream flavor: Use non-alcoholic Irish cream coffee creamer. If unavailable, substitute 1/4 cup heavy cream + 1/2 tsp extra vanilla, or 1/4 cup milk + 1 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk.
Espresso powder is optional: It won’t make the cookies taste like coffee—just boosts chocolate. Skip for caffeine-sensitive eaters.
For extra thick cookies: Chill up to 24 hours. Bake from cold dough.
Storage: Keep airtight at room temp up to 4 days. Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.
Freezer dough option: Scoop dough balls, freeze solid, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Final Thoughts
These Irish cream chocolate chip cookies deliver soft, chewy perfection with a smooth, cozy flavor that feels bakery-worthy without being complicated. Using a non-alcoholic creamer keeps them completely family-friendly while still giving that signature richness everyone loves. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a repeat favorite.