Irresistible Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies: Your Ultimate Boozy Dessert Indulgence
Who doesn’t cherish a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie? Now, prepare to fall even more in love with these extraordinary Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. This delightful and slightly boozy reimagining of the timeless classic transforms your ordinary cookie experience into something truly special. Each bite offers a rich, chocolatey chewiness, enhanced by a hint of aromatic cocoa powder and the unmistakable, creamy allure of Bailey’s Irish Cream blended throughout.
This Bailey’s Irish Cream Cookie Recipe masterfully blends premium ingredients to produce a moist, chewy, and intensely chocolaty cookie, infused with just the right touch of Irish cream flavor. It’s a perfect treat for elevating your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round. The harmonious combination of both white granulated and rich brown sugar, fresh, high-quality butter, pure vanilla extract, and that generous splash of luxurious Bailey’s Irish Cream culminates in a truly unforgettable dessert that will leave everyone craving more.
If you’re a devoted admirer of chocolate chip cookies, like myself, then these utterly delicious Bailey’s Irish Cream cookies are an absolute must-add to your baking repertoire. They offer a sophisticated twist that elevates them beyond the everyday, making them ideal for special occasions or simply a delightful indulgence on any given day.
Celebrating with Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
For those who have followed my culinary adventures for a while, you know that as soon as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, my kitchen bursts with all sorts of festive Irish-inspired recipes! I love to revisit tried and true favorites that have delighted friends and family for years, but I always make sure to sprinkle in a little something new and exciting, too. It’s a tradition that keeps our celebrations fresh and flavorful.
This year, I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the countdown to St. Paddy’s Day than with these enchanting Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! As a firm believer in the philosophy of “eating dessert first,” these cookies truly embody the celebratory spirit, offering a rich, comforting, and wonderfully boozy start to any festive gathering. They are not just cookies; they are an experience.
Understanding the Flavor Profile of Bailey’s Irish Cream
Bailey’s Irish Cream is renowned for its distinctive sweet, milky, and chocolatey flavor profile. This iconic liqueur is crafted from a delightful blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa. It’s wonderfully versatile, making it a perfect after-dinner sipper served simply over ice, a luxurious topping for vanilla ice cream, or an indulgent addition to your morning coffee for a special treat. The original Bailey’s, which I used in this cookie recipe, typically has a 17% alcohol content and contains approximately 140 calories per standard shot (1.5 fl oz).
Have you ever considered the delightful experience of crafting your own Homemade Irish Cream? It’s surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. I actually have a fantastic and easy-to-follow recipe for it right here on my website, perfect for those who enjoy a DIY approach to their favorite liqueurs.
Can Children Enjoy These Boozy Cookies?
The question of whether to allow children to consume foods prepared with liquor or liqueur is a topic of much discussion. While a significant portion of the alcohol content in baked goods does evaporate during the cooking process due to heat, it’s important to understand that the cookies may still retain traces of alcohol. More importantly, the distinctive flavor of Bailey’s is quite discernibly present in these cookies, which might not be suitable for all children or parents’ preferences.
If you have any reservations or concerns about your children consuming these Bailey’s-infused cookies, I strongly recommend preparing a separate batch of kid-friendly cookies. My website offers a plethora of delicious alternatives, such as these incredibly popular Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies, which offer a delightful malty flavor, or these rich and satisfying Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies, known for their deep, nutty notes. As I’ve often confessed, I am an absolute cookie fiend, which means I have an extensive collection of cookie recipes to share! Beyond those, you might also enjoy my chewy Gingerdoodle Cookies, the wonderfully crunchy Cornflake Crispy Cookies, and the nostalgic Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies, just to name a few. Feel free to explore loads more delightful options here if you’re looking for further inspiration.
Key Ingredients for Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crafting these exceptional cookies requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, all carefully measured for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. You will find the precise measurements and detailed instructions conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational structure of our cookies. I always use good quality all-purpose flour for a consistent, tender crumb.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for giving our cookies their desirable soft and slightly chewy texture, helping them rise just right.
- Cocoa Powder: A touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, like the Hershey brand I prefer, adds depth and a sophisticated chocolate undertone that complements the Bailey’s beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie dough. Don’t skip it!
- Butter: I opt for salted butter, softened perfectly at room temperature, to add richness and aid in the creaming process. If you only have unsalted butter, that works too; just be sure to adjust the added salt slightly if you feel it’s needed.
- Sugars (Granulated & Brown): This recipe calls for a blend of both granulated white sugar and moist brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges, while brown sugar ensures a soft, chewy interior and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
- Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the cookie’s structure. Using large eggs provides the right amount of liquid and fat.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A vital flavor enhancer, pure vanilla extract elevates the overall taste profile, bringing warmth and depth to the chocolate and Irish cream notes.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: The star ingredient! I used three standard shots, which equates to nine tablespoons, to infuse these cookies with their signature boozy flavor. If purchasing a large bottle isn’t ideal, small shooter bottles are a convenient alternative.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I typically use one 12-ounce package, reserving a small handful to press into the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking. This trick creates a beautifully appealing “bakery-style” finish with visible melted chocolate pools.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Begin by gathering your dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, meticulously whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and flavor throughout the dough. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.
Next, in a larger mixing bowl, using either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine your softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is vital for a tender cookie texture.
Now, incorporate the vanilla extract and large eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies. Once these are integrated, gently pour in the Bailey’s Irish Cream and mix again until fully incorporated, but still being careful not to overbeat the mixture.
Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Do this in two to three additions, mixing on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet mixture. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain to prevent gluten development, which can result in a less tender cookie.
Finally, with a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid crushing the chocolate chips during this step.
This next step is crucial for flavor development and preventing excess spreading: chill the cookie dough in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Ideally, you can chill it for up to 24 hours for even richer flavor and better texture. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sturdy cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Using a cookie scoop (I prefer a 1.5 to 2-tablespoon scoop for uniformly sized cookies), place the chilled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced about 1 ½ to 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading without merging. For that extra “bakery” appeal, gently press a few reserved chocolate chips onto the tops of each dough ball.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. The key is to remove them as soon as their edges begin to turn a light golden brown, even if the centers still look slightly underdone. DO NOT overbake them, as this will result in dry, crumbly cookies rather than the desired chewy texture.
Once baked, allow your decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. This allows them to set up properly and prevents them from breaking when handled. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures air circulation, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
For those moments when a cookie craving strikes unexpectedly, or for convenient meal prep, consider freezing some of the unbaked cookie dough balls! Simply scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready for a fresh cookie, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
These delightful Bailey’s cookies will maintain their freshness and incredible flavor when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap on your counter for up to 5 days. However, if your kitchen tends to be on the warmer or more humid side, I highly recommend refrigerating them to preserve their quality. For longer storage, you can freeze these delectable cookies with Bailey’s Irish Cream for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as enamored with this Bailey’s chocolate chip cookie recipe as I am, you’ll definitely want to ensure you don’t misplace it! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. This way, it will always be just a click away when that next craving for a boozy, chocolatey treat hits!
A Special Shoutout to Freaky Friday!
I must confess, I can’t take all the glory for sharing this absolutely delightful recipe with you, my wonderful friends. This particular recipe is being shared as part of a fantastic and incredibly fun event that I am proud to host five times throughout the year, affectionately known as Freaky Friday! It’s a wonderful tradition where a group of my talented food blogger friends and I come together for a good old-fashioned blog hop. The premise is simple yet exciting: we secretly cook or bake a recipe from one another’s websites, and then, in a coordinated effort, we all reveal our chosen recipes at the exact same time. It’s always a thrill to discover which recipe another blogger chose from my site, and for you, our readers, it’s an incredible opportunity to be introduced to an array of fantastic new recipes and discover incredible food blogs you might not have known otherwise!
Spotlight on Home Cooked Harvest
For this particular round of Freaky Friday, I had the distinct pleasure of choosing a recipe from the wonderful Tristin at Home Cooked Harvest. Tristin and I share a remarkable number of common interests and passions, with a profound love for family and a dedication to making weeknight meal preparation as simple and stress-free as possible topping that list. We both understand the craziness of busy schedules and the need to get wholesome, delicious food on the table quickly. Beyond her culinary prowess, Tristin is also a dedicated animal lover and, most importantly, believes that naps are an absolute necessity (and I couldn’t agree more – yes, please!). You can delve deeper into her inspiring journey and learn more about her culinary philosophy in her engaging About Me section. Be sure to also check out the incredible array of foods she’s cooking up in her kitchen!
More Culinary Delights from Home Cooked Harvest
I must admit, I was utterly spoiled for choice, seriously drooling over Tristin’s recipes when trying to pick just one. For a bit of spontaneous fun, we whipped up her amazing Polar Bear Shots, purely because I am an ardent supporter of all things peppermint schnapps! And guess what? I’m planning to make her tantalizing Chocolate Raspberry Brownies this very weekend – I can hardly wait! If you’re a fan of your air fryer, Tristin’s website is an absolute treasure trove, generously loaded with all kinds of ingenious recipes and practical cooking tips designed to help you make the most out of that wonderfully versatile little appliance that I have personally grown to adore. For this specific round of Freaky Friday, Tristin showcased her delightful Roasted Cabbage Steaks, which look absolutely delicious. I highly recommend you take a moment to explore all of her fantastic and inspiring recipes – you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- What is the history of Bailey’s Irish Cream? A quick dive into history reveals that Bailey’s was indeed the pioneering Irish cream liqueur on the market, first introduced in 1974. The origin of the name ‘Bailey’s’ comes from a restaurant owner who granted the liquor manufacturer permission to use his restaurant’s name for their innovative new product. This blend of Irish whiskey and cream quickly captured the world’s palate.
- How do you make chocolate chip cookies taste even better? The secret to crafting truly exceptional, delicious cookies lies fundamentally in using fresh, premium-quality ingredients. Beyond that, a few professional tricks can significantly enhance their flavor: consider browning your butter before adding it to the batter for a nutty, complex flavor; opt for hand-chopped chunks of high-quality chocolate instead of standard chips for varied texture and intense chocolate bursts; and try mixing in a subtle touch of instant coffee or instant espresso powder to deepen and amplify the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- Why are my chocolate chip cookies not crispy? If your cookies aren’t achieving that desirable crispiness, several factors could be at play. It’s often due to insufficient baking time, meaning they weren’t in the oven long enough for the moisture to evaporate and the sugars to caramelize adequately. Alternatively, if your cookie dough portions are too thick, they may bake up softer. Some suggestions to encourage crispiness include using only white granulated sugar (as brown sugar adds moisture) and baking the dough immediately after mixing, rather than chilling it. The theory is that unchilled dough spreads thinner in the oven, leading to a crisper cookie.
- Why do chocolate chip cookies get hard after baking? The hardening of cookies after baking is a natural process related to moisture loss and starch retrogradation. As your cookies cool, the moisture within them begins to evaporate due to residual heat, and the starch molecules in the flour reorganize, causing the cookies to firm up and dry out. Storing them correctly can help maintain their softness longer.
- Does Bailey’s Irish Cream contain chocolate? Yes, Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur famously contains cocoa, which contributes to its signature smooth, sweet, and chocolatey flavor profile, making it a perfect match for our chocolate chip cookies.
- Can I use different types of chocolate in these cookies? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various chocolates. A mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips can add wonderful complexity. You could also use chopped chocolate bars for larger, more decadent pools of melted chocolate throughout the cookie.
- What if my cookies spread too much while baking? Excessive spreading can be caused by butter that is too soft or melted, insufficient chilling time for the dough, or an oven that isn’t at the correct temperature. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, chill the dough for the recommended time (or even longer), and always use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy.
Creative Substitutions for Bailey’s Chocolate Cookies
While the classic recipe is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! You can easily change up the chocolate chips by using an all-white chocolate chip variety for a sweeter profile, milk chocolate chips for a creamier taste, or a delightful mixture of several types of chocolate chips for added complexity and visual appeal.
If you find yourself short on one type of sugar, you can certainly use all white granulated sugar or all brown sugar. However, please note that this will alter the final texture and taste significantly. All granulated sugar will yield a crispier cookie, while all brown sugar will result in a chewier, more intensely moist cookie with a pronounced molasses flavor.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bailey’s Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are absolutely stellar:
- Boost the Irish Cream Flavor: For an even more pronounced Irish cream essence, consider seeking out and adding specific Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate chips if you can find them. These unique chips are infused with the liqueur’s flavor and can take your cookies to the next level.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always make sure your butter and eggs are at true room temperature before you begin preparing these Bailey’s cookies. This ensures they cream together smoothly and incorporate evenly into the dough, leading to a much better texture and consistency in your final baked goods.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Chill Time is Your Friend: While the recipe calls for a minimum of 2 hours, chilling the dough for 24 hours can significantly enhance the flavors and create a more complex, satisfying cookie. It also helps prevent spreading.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform size and even baking, a cookie scoop is indispensable. Consistent portions mean all your cookies will be perfectly baked at the same time.
- Parchment Paper is a Must: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, ensures easy cleanup, and helps the bottoms of the cookies bake evenly without over-browning.
- Do Not Overbake: This is perhaps the most important tip for chewy cookies! Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, even if the centers look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
- Stock Up on Bailey’s: The next time you’re visiting your local liquor store, be sure to pick up a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur. Having it on hand means you can bake up a fresh batch of Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies whenever the mood strikes, offering a fun, decadent, and delightfully different twist on an old favorite.
Discover More Boozy Cookie Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the spirited twist these Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies offer, you’ll be thrilled to know I have several other fantastic cookie recipes that incorporate a touch of booze for extra flavor and festive fun. My indulgent Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies are always a huge hit, offering a smooth, vanilla-infused delight. For those who enjoy a richer, coffee-chocolate combination, my Mocha Rum Balls are consistently praised. And don’t forget the beloved Kahlua Crinkle Cookies, which have been a long-standing favorite, bringing a delightful coffee liqueur flavor to a classic crinkle cookie. These recipes prove that a little bit of liqueur can transform a simple cookie into an extraordinary treat!
The versatility of these boozy cookies makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, adult parties, or simply as a special dessert to enjoy after a long week.
A Collection of Freaky Friday Winter Recipes
This particular round of Freaky Friday has truly brought forth an incredible array of fantastic recipes, perfect for any occasion! Planning to entertain this weekend? Feast + West has you covered with their crispy, savory Fried Pickles. The Speckled Palate is bringing a crowd-pleasing Easy Cheese Ball that’s perfect for appetizers, while Take Two Tapas is supplying the ultimate comfort food with their hearty Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip. To wash it all down, we can enjoy this wonderfully refreshing and easy Elderflower French 75 Cocktail with St Germain from The Fresh Cooky, making for a sophisticated and delicious start to any gathering.
Stuck in a dinner rut? How about exploring exotic flavors with Chicken Tikka Masala from The Carefree Kitchen, a wonderfully aromatic and satisfying dish? Or for a delicious vegetarian option, delve into the comforting Creamy Spaghetti Squash Casserole from The Wimpy Vegetarian. Both of these main courses would pair absolutely perfectly with the irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Life, Love and Good Food. And, of course, homemade pizza night always brings smiles all around! Soulfully Made offers a brilliant No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe that promises to make your pizza night even tastier and easier!
And remember my philosophy: feel free to join me and have dessert first! The chewy, buttery goodness of Scotcharoos from The Culinary Compass, or the warm, comforting indulgence of Bread Pudding from House of Nash Eats are both sure to hit the sweet spot, wouldn’t you agree? These desserts offer the perfect capstone to any meal, or a delightful treat all on their own.
Explore All My Freaky Friday Recipes Here
I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones enjoy these incredible Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies as much as my family and I did! They truly offer a unique and memorable spin on a classic comfort food.
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Print Recipe
Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
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Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3 piece set
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
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Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch
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15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks (½ lb) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 shots of Baileys Irish Cream (approximately 9 Tablespoons)
- 1 12-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups, plus a handful reserved for topping)
Instructions
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Set aside for later use.
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Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and both types of sugars (brown and granulated) on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once the eggs are mixed, add the Bailey’s Irish Cream and beat again just until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Do this in 2-3 additions, mixing on low speed until the flour is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
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With a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Cover the cookie dough bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Chilling is essential for flavor development and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Using a 1.5-2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are about 1 ½ to 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie dough ball for an aesthetically pleasing, glossy look after they bake.
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Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. It is crucial to take them out as soon as the edges begin to turn a light golden brown, even if the centers still look slightly soft. DO NOT overbake them, as this will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
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Let the baked Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
Notes
To have fresh cookies ready at a moment’s notice, prepare and freeze individual cookie dough balls! Simply scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Remember to reserve a handful of chocolate chips if you wish to press them onto the tops of your cookies before baking for a professional, bakery-style finish.
I used a 1 Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop for consistent cookie size and even baking.