The Decadent Indulgence of Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits
Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are a luxurious dessert, bringing together layers of indulgence in every bite. Rich chocolate cream, airy Baileys-infused whipped cream, and crunchy Oreo crumbles combine to create a textural and flavorful masterpiece. This dessert is a perfect choice for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. With no baking required and simple techniques, even beginner cooks can create this showstopping dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 parfaits (12-ounce)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Whisking, Folding, Layering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Oreo Cookies (15 pieces): These classic cookies serve as the crunchy base of the parfait. Their dark chocolate flavor and creamy filling add both taste and texture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate (4 ounces): This chocolate’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the whipped cream and cookies, adding depth to the dessert.
- Milk (½ cup): Used to melt the chocolate, milk ensures a smooth consistency. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but lower-fat milk works in a pinch.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (2 cups, chilled): The foundation of the whipped layers, heavy cream’s rich, velvety texture creates an airy yet decadent topping.
- Baileys Irish Cream (⅓ cup, chilled): This iconic liqueur infuses the whipped cream with a smooth, boozy flavor that complements the chocolate and cookies.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream subtly without altering its creamy texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oreo Crumbles
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies. You can use a food processor for fine, even crumbs or place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a more rustic texture. Set the crumbs aside, reserving a small portion for garnish.
Pro Tip: Want an even crunchier layer? Mix the crumbled Oreos with a tablespoon of melted butter to create a firmer base.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Chop the semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the milk until it’s steaming but not boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for 2–3 minutes before stirring until smooth. If any chunks remain, microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Pro Tip: To ensure the chocolate mixture incorporates smoothly into the whipped cream later, don’t skip the cooling step.
3. Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, Baileys Irish Cream, and powdered sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted.
Divide the whipped cream into two equal portions. Leave one half plain, and set it aside for layering. To the other half, gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Parfaits
The fun begins with layering! Use clear glasses or jars to showcase the layers. Here’s a guide to achieve a stunning presentation:
- Start with a layer of chocolate cream.
- Add a layer of plain Baileys whipped cream.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of crushed Oreos.
- Repeat the layers as desired, finishing with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs on top.
5. Chill and Serve
For immediate indulgence, serve the parfaits as soon as they’re assembled. However, chilling them for 2–3 hours allows the chocolate cream to firm up, creating a denser texture and making the layers more distinct.
Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Chilled heavy cream and Baileys whip more effectively, so keep them in the fridge until just before use.
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding the chocolate into the whipped cream, be gentle to preserve the airy texture.
- Use Fresh Oreos: For maximum crunch, make sure the cookies are fresh, not stale.