Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are a decadent, no-bake dessert featuring layers of fluffy whipped cream, silky Baileys-spiked chocolate mousse, and crunchy Oreo crumbles. It’s a grown-up twist on a classic cookies-and-cream dessert, thanks to the rich, creamy notes of Baileys Irish Cream. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or when you want to impress without turning on the oven, these parfaits are equal parts elegant and indulgent. And the best part? You can prepare them ahead of time and layer them just before serving for optimal texture and presentation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
15 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
½ cup milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
⅓ cup Baileys Irish Cream, chilled
¼ cup powdered sugar
Directions
Crush Oreo cookies using a food processor or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. Set aside.
Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat milk until steaming and pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the heavy cream, Baileys, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form (about 5–7 minutes).
Divide the whipped cream in half. Leave one half as-is. Slowly fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the other half until fully combined.
To assemble, layer chocolate cream, plain Baileys whipped cream, and crushed Oreos in serving glasses. Repeat as desired, ending with cookie crumbles on top.
Serve immediately, or chill for 2–3 hours for a firmer texture.
Nutrients (per parfait)
Calories: 1197 kcal
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 90g
Saturated Fat: 52g
Cholesterol: 224mg
Sodium: 358mg
Sugar: 56g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 186mg
Iron: 8mg
Potassium: 516mg
Vitamin A: 2418 IU
The Ultimate Cookies-and-Cream Upgrade
Cookies and cream is a beloved flavor combo that’s been enjoyed in countless desserts, but this parfait version takes it to the next level. The addition of Baileys Irish Cream introduces a rich, slightly boozy depth that transforms a childhood favorite into a sophisticated adult treat. The balance of the smooth Baileys chocolate mousse with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy cookies creates a dessert that’s indulgent without being heavy, nostalgic yet elevated. It’s everything you love about cookies and cream—just grown up, and even better.
Baileys: The Secret Ingredient That Elevates It All
The inclusion of Baileys Irish Cream is what makes this dessert truly unforgettable. Baileys brings a creamy, slightly sweet liqueur flavor with subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and whiskey that meld beautifully into the chocolate mousse and whipped cream. It enhances the richness without overwhelming the other elements, adding warmth and complexity to the dessert. For those who enjoy a boozy twist in their sweets, it’s the perfect way to add depth and dimension to a simple parfait. It also pairs wonderfully with the chocolatey crunch of Oreos, making each bite feel luxurious and well-balanced.
No Oven, No Problem
One of the biggest perks of this recipe is that it’s completely no-bake. That means no heating up the kitchen, no worrying about timers or baking temps, and no stress about getting the texture just right. The mousse sets beautifully thanks to the whipped cream, and the crushed cookies offer all the texture you need without any extra prep. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the holidays when oven space is tight, this dessert can be whipped up with ease and requires minimal equipment—just a mixer, a bowl, and a little bit of layering creativity.
A Textural Symphony in Every Spoonful
What makes these parfaits so addictive is the combination of textures in every bite. The silky chocolate mousse melts on the tongue, while the fluffy Baileys whipped cream offers a cool, airy contrast. Then you get the slight crunch and crumbly bite from the crushed Oreos, which tie it all together with a nostalgic nod to cookies and cream. Layering these elements ensures that each spoonful delivers something different, from soft and creamy to crisp and crunchy. It’s this contrast that keeps you coming back for just one more bite—until the glass is empty.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Desserts
These parfaits are not only easy to prepare, but they’re also ideal for making ahead of time. You can whip up the mousse and cream, crush the cookies, and store everything separately until you’re ready to assemble. Or, build the parfaits in advance and chill them for a few hours to let the layers firm up. This flexibility makes them perfect for entertaining. When guests arrive, you can simply pull them out of the fridge, garnish with extra cookie crumbles or a drizzle of chocolate, and serve. It’s an effortless way to look like you spent hours on dessert.
Ideal for Parties and Special Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just want to impress someone with a decadent dessert, these parfaits deliver on presentation and taste. Serve them in individual glasses, small mason jars, or clear dessert cups for a layered look that highlights each component. Their elegance makes them feel fancy, even though they’re incredibly easy to prepare. You can even add festive toppings like chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for a seasonal touch. They’re a surefire way to end a meal on a high note.
Customizable for Any Flavor Profile
While the classic version of this parfait features Baileys, chocolate, and Oreos, the recipe is endlessly customizable. You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark or white chocolate, use flavored Oreos for a twist, or even incorporate caramel or espresso into the whipped cream. Try adding crushed peppermint candies around the holidays or switching out the cookies for chocolate graham crackers or brownie chunks. The base structure of mousse, cream, and crunch lends itself to all kinds of flavor variations, allowing you to make it your own while keeping the essence of the dessert intact.
Rich, Decadent, and Surprisingly Light
Despite its indulgent ingredients, this dessert is surprisingly light on the palate. The whipped cream helps maintain an airy texture, and the mousse isn’t overly dense or heavy. The balance of cream and Baileys gives a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that feels rich without being overwhelming. It’s decadent enough to satisfy any chocolate lover, yet refined enough to serve as the finale to a multi-course meal. This balance makes it an appealing dessert option across seasons and occasions—from summer soirées to winter gatherings.
A Show-Stopping Dessert with Minimal Effort
Perhaps the greatest appeal of Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits is how impressive they look and taste for such little effort. There’s no cooking beyond warming milk, and the layering process takes minutes. The hardest part is resisting the urge to dive into the bowl of whipped Baileys mousse before assembly. Each layer adds visual appeal and flavor complexity, creating a dessert that looks gourmet and delivers on taste every single time. If you’re short on time but still want to create a memorable dessert, this is the perfect solution.
Conclusion
Baileys Cookies and Cream Parfaits are the ultimate indulgence—rich, elegant, and delightfully easy to make. With velvety Baileys chocolate mousse, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy Oreo layers, each spoonful offers a symphony of flavor and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests, treating yourself, or looking for an easy make-ahead dessert, this parfait checks all the boxes. No baking, no stress—just layers of deliciousness that feel like a celebration in every bite. Once you’ve had one, you’ll be dreaming of the next. Simple to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to forget, this dessert is bound to become a go-to favorite for every occasion.
