These No-Bake Baileys Cookie Dough Bites are my go-to when I want something sweet, a little boozy, and crazy easy to make. They’re soft, rich, full of chocolate chips, and have that warm Baileys Irish Cream flavor running through every bite. Best part? No oven needed. Just mix, chill, and roll.
This recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to impress—whether it’s for a holiday platter, dessert night, or just something to keep in the fridge for those treat-yourself moments.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these for a girls’ night when I needed a quick treat and didn’t want to turn on the oven. I threw them together in 15 minutes, and they were gone even faster. Since then, they’ve been a repeat recipe for me every holiday season. Here’s why:
- No oven needed – no fuss, no heat
- Soft and rich – tastes just like cookie dough should
- A grown-up twist – the Baileys adds a cozy warmth that’s perfect in winter
- Freezer-friendly – make now, enjoy later
- Crowd favorite – always gets compliments
Makes: 20 bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Pro Tips
- Heat-treat your flour in the microwave or oven before using to kill any bacteria. Let it cool completely.
- Use softened butter, not melted. It helps the dough hold its shape.
- Chill the dough before rolling into balls—it makes it way easier to handle.
- Don’t skip the salt. It balances out the sweetness.
- Use mini chips. They distribute better and make every bite chocolatey.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet or plate (for chilling)
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Variations
- Baileys substitute: Try Kahlua or a flavored coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic version
- Butter substitute: Use vegan butter to make this dairy-free
- Chocolate chips: Swap for chopped chocolate, white chocolate, or crushed Oreos
- Add-ins: Crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or a touch of espresso powder
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it chilled in an airtight container.
- Bites freeze beautifully—store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Heat-treat the flour
Microwave 1 cup of all-purpose flour in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until it reaches 165°F. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup packed brown sugar and 2 tbsp granulated sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add vanilla and Baileys
Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Add flour and salt
Slowly mix in the cooled, heat-treated flour and ¼ tsp salt until the dough forms.
Step 5: Fold in mini chocolate chips
Gently fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips with a rubber spatula until evenly mixed.
Step 6: Chill the dough
Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on the sheet. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Once chilled, serve the cookie dough bites on a round plate.
Leftovers and Storage
- Keep extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before eating.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Creaming the butter and sugar adds air to the mix, which gives the bites a light, soft texture.
- Heat-treated flour makes this dough safe to eat raw by killing off any bacteria.
- Alcohol lowers the freezing point just enough to keep the dough soft and scoopable, even when chilled.
Common Mistakes
- Not heat-treating the flour – this is key for safe snacking!
- Using melted butter – it makes the dough greasy and hard to shape.
- Skipping the chill – the dough will be too sticky to roll if not chilled.
What to Serve With
- Coffee or espresso
- Irish coffee
- A dessert platter with truffles, berries, and dark chocolate
- A cold glass of milk
FAQ
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Just sub the Baileys with your favorite coffee creamer or milk.
Do I have to use mini chocolate chips?
Nope, you can use chopped chocolate or any size chips, but minis mix in better.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
I don’t recommend it. The bites won’t hold their shape well and will be sticky.
Are these safe to eat raw?
Yes, as long as you heat-treat the flour first!
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Baileys Cookie Dough Bites are one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. They come together fast, taste like pure comfort, and always get a “wow” when served. Try them out, and don’t forget to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how yours turned out or help if you have any questions!
