Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits

Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about a parfait, especially when it involves layers of cookies, cream, and a little bit of Baileys. These Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are the perfect dessert to indulge in when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With creamy layers of Baileys-spiked mousse, crunchy chocolate cookie crumbles, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, this dessert feels like an elevated treat without the fuss.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just enjoying it after a cozy meal at home. The best part is, you don’t need to be a pro baker to make these. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is quick. Plus, who can resist the rich, creamy flavor of Baileys paired with chocolate?

I love making these parfaits because they remind me of some of my favorite childhood desserts, but with a grown-up twist. The addition of Baileys Irish Cream adds a smooth, velvety depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy chocolate cookies. It’s a dessert that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, it’s a no-bake dessert, which means no heating up the oven or dealing with complicated baking techniques. It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick but impressive.

Second, it’s versatile. You can serve this dessert in individual cups or a large trifle dish, depending on the occasion. Plus, you can easily adjust the amount of Baileys to your taste—just a hint for a subtle flavor, or more if you really want that Baileys kick.

Third, the layers of rich mousse, crunchy cookie crumbles, and chocolate sauce create the perfect balance of textures. Each bite is creamy, crunchy, and a little boozy, making it irresistible.

Lastly, this dessert is great for making ahead. You can prepare the components in advance, then assemble the parfaits just before serving, making it an ideal choice for entertaining.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 4 parfaits
• Calories per serving: 420 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the mousse:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream

For the cookie crumble:

• 15 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed into fine crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For assembly:

• ¼ cup chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, for drizzling
• Extra whipped cream, for topping
• Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Baileys Mousse

Start by making the whipped mousse, which will serve as the creamy base of your parfaits. In a large bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken and soft peaks start to form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to be light and fluffy.

Once the cream is thickened, slowly pour in the Baileys Irish Cream while continuing to beat the mixture. The Baileys will add a rich, boozy flavor to the cream. Beat until the cream forms stiff peaks, which means it holds its shape when you lift the whisk. The mousse should be smooth, fluffy, and infused with the perfect amount of Baileys flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Crumble

Next, let’s get the cookie crumble ready. Place your chocolate sandwich cookies into a plastic zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet until they’re broken down into fine crumbs. If you prefer, you can also pulse the cookies in a food processor. The key is to get a mix of fine crumbs and slightly chunkier pieces for that perfect balance of texture.

Once the cookies are crushed, pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. The butter helps the crumbs stick together slightly, giving them a richer, more indulgent texture when layered in the parfaits.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

Now it’s time to put everything together. Grab your serving glasses or bowls (small mason jars, stemless wine glasses, or even dessert bowls work great for this). Start by spooning a layer of the cookie crumble into the bottom of each glass. Use about 2 tablespoons of crumbs for each serving, pressing them down lightly to create a firm base.

Next, add a generous layer of the Baileys mousse. Use a piping bag or simply spoon the mousse into the glasses for a more rustic look. Repeat the layering process, alternating between the cookie crumbs and mousse, until you reach the top of the glass.

Drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate over the final layer of mousse for an extra touch of indulgence. This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the Baileys and cookies.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Once your parfaits are assembled, it’s important to chill them for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the mousse to set slightly and the flavors to meld together. While chilling is optional, it does make the parfaits even more delicious and helps the texture firm up just a bit.

Before serving, top each parfait with a dollop of extra whipped cream. For a bit of flair, garnish with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for a decorative (and tasty) finishing touch.

How to Serve

These Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are perfect as a standalone dessert, but you can elevate them even more with a few serving ideas:

• Serve alongside a shot of Baileys on the rocks for an extra indulgent dessert and drink combo.
• For a festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter if you’re serving these parfaits during the holidays.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful contrast between the cold, creamy parfait and warm coffee.
• If you want to balance out the richness of the parfaits, serve with fresh berries on the side. The tartness of raspberries or strawberries pairs nicely with the sweet layers.

Additional Tips

1. Chill your equipment: For the best whipped cream results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you start. Cold equipment helps the cream whip up faster and stay fluffy.
2. Don’t overwhip the cream: Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can cause the cream to separate and become grainy, which isn’t ideal for mousse.
3. Use high-quality chocolate syrup: If you can, opt for a good-quality chocolate syrup or melt your favorite chocolate for drizzling. It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
4. Make it ahead: These parfaits can be assembled a few hours in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
5. Baileys substitutes: If you’re not a fan of Baileys, you can substitute with another creamy liqueur like Kahlua or even a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored syrup.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize these Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Non-alcoholic version: If you want to make these parfaits kid-friendly or non-alcoholic, simply omit the Baileys and replace it with an Irish cream-flavored coffee syrup or vanilla extract.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the cookie crumble to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Mint chocolate version: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the mousse for a minty twist, and use mint-flavored cookies for a refreshing take on this recipe.
• Peanut butter twist: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter into the Baileys mousse for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate cookies.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mousse may lose a bit of its fluffiness, but the flavors will still be amazing.
• Freezing: You can freeze the mousse separately if you like. Just place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then rewhip slightly to restore its texture.

Special Equipment

• Electric mixer or whisk: To whip the cream to perfection. An electric mixer makes this process much quicker, but you can use a hand whisk if you don’t mind a bit of an arm workout!
• Piping bag (optional): For neat, even layers of mousse in your parfaits. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well.
• Serving glasses: Small mason jars, dessert glasses, or even wine glasses work well for this recipe. Clear glasses are ideal to show off the beautiful layers of cookie crumbles and mousse.

FAQ

1. Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare them a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. **Can I use store

-bought whipped cream?**
While homemade whipped cream is best for this recipe, you can use store-bought if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s stabilized, so it holds its shape in the parfaits.

3. What if I don’t have Baileys?
   You can substitute any other creamy liqueur or use a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored syrup for a similar flavor profile.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just swap the regular chocolate cookies for gluten-free ones.

Conclusion

These Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are the ultimate indulgence, with creamy layers of Baileys-spiked mousse and crunchy chocolate cookie crumbles. Perfect for any occasion, this no-bake dessert is quick, easy, and sure to impress. So grab your spoon and dig into this decadent treat! Don’t forget to share your creations—tag me on social media, I’d love to see how yours turned out!

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