Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts with a little extra kick, **Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe** is your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how rich and fudgy these brownies turn out, with just the right hint of Baileys’ signature creaminess that makes each bite feel like a mini celebration. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night at home or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe hits the sweet spot every time. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever made brownies without Baileys.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These Baileys Irish Cream Brownies come together with familiar pantry staples, plus that star ingredient: Baileys Irish Cream. I always recommend using good quality cocoa and the best Baileys you can get your hands on because it really makes a difference in flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create that fudgy texture—cut it into tablespoons for even melting.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the chocolate bitterness and adds just the right sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
• Baileys Irish Cream: The star ingredient giving those brownies their signature creamy, boozy undertone.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Eggs: They bind the batter together and add moisture; always use large eggs for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate and Baileys combo.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These create gooey pockets of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough flour to hold everything together without weighing the brownies down.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting – it brings a tangy creaminess that cuts through the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. You can play around with different add-ins or frosting twists to make it truly yours.

• Nutty Twist: I like tossing in chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy surprise; my family goes crazy for that extra bite.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular eggs, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting—it’s surprisingly delicious!
• Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting for a festive touch that pairs beautifully with the Baileys.
• Extra Boozy: For grown-up parties, drizzle a little extra Baileys over the brownies just before serving for an added hit of flavor.

How to Make Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper—spray it lightly with nonstick spray so the brownies come out cleanly. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat; once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, cocoa powder, Baileys, and salt until smooth. This warm mixture smells incredible—I always find this step the most satisfying because that rich chocolate aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Chocolate Chips & Flour

Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined—don’t overmix here, or your brownies might get cakey instead of fudgy. Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and then fold in the flour gently until incorporated. The batter should be thick and glossy, studded with chocolate chips ready to melt into pockets of gooey goodness.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. I’ve learned the hard way that this timing is crucial—oven temperatures vary, so start checking a bit early so you don’t overbake. After baking, let them cool completely in the pan, about an hour, before frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Baileys Frosting

While the brownies cool, beat together room temperature cream cheese, butter, and a pinch of salt in your stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy—about 3 minutes. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on low, scraping down the sides as needed, until fully blended. Add the Baileys Irish Cream and increase the speed to medium, whipping until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. This frosting is what really elevates the brownies—creamy, tangy, with just enough boozy goodness to tie everything together.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Turn the cooled brownies out onto a cutting board and spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares for perfect little bites. If you’re like me, you’ll want to hide a few for later, so pop the extras in the fridge—they keep well for up to 3 days. Plus, the frosting firms up nicely when chilled, making the brownies easier to handle.

How to Serve Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top of the frosting for a pretty finish. Sometimes I even drizzle a little melted chocolate or extra Baileys over each piece if I’m serving guests—it adds an elegant touch and an extra burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

These brownies are so rich that they don’t need much on the side, but I like pairing them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries to cut through the sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or a creamy latte makes the perfect companion, especially if you’re enjoying these as an afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these brownies on a wooden board lined with decorative parchment, surrounded by mini Irish flags to highlight the Baileys theme—it’s a crowd-pleaser at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! You can also cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters or layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Baileys Irish Cream Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. They stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, although they rarely last that long in my house! Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to get that perfect fudgy texture back.

Freezing

Freezing these brownies works great if you want to make them ahead. I cut them into squares, freeze them on a tray for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your brownies warm, pop a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate without melting the frosting entirely. This trick revives the fudgy texture and gives you that fresh-baked feel every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baileys Irish Cream Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s brought so many smiles to my kitchen table. The blend of rich chocolate and creamy Baileys is just magical, and it always feels like a little treat that’s extra special. I encourage you to dive in and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients combine into something so luxurious. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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