Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies: An Irresistible Whiskey-Infused Dessert Recipe
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary treat! These Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies are far more than just your average sugar cookie. Infused with the subtle, warm notes of Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey and a touch of cocoa, these soft, chewy drop cookies offer a sophisticated twist that will delight any adult palate. They’re simple to whip up, come together in no time, and make a truly incredible addition to any dessert platter or a delightful indulgence for yourself.
The Inspiration: A Family Affair with Crown Royal Whiskey
In our family, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey holds a special place, often gracing our gatherings and serving as the foundation for countless cocktails. The iconic purple bag is practically a symbol of celebration! A few years back, a cherished recipe for Crown Royal Cookies, originally found on the side of that famous purple box, made its way to me via my brother-in-law. It sparked a creative culinary journey, and after much experimentation and tweaking, I’ve perfected what we now consider our ultimate rendition of these beloved whiskey cookies.
My unique spin on Crown Royal’s classic recipe incorporates a harmonious blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar, enhancing both texture and flavor. To amplify the vanilla essence, I specifically use Vanilla Crown Royal. Additionally, a key step that truly elevates these cookies is rolling them in homemade vanilla sugar just before baking, adding a delicate, aromatic crunch and an extra layer of sweetness.
What Defines a Crown Royal Cookie?
A Crown Royal Whiskey Cookie is a soft, delightfully chewy drop cookie distinguished by the innovative inclusion of Crown Royal whiskey. Adding spirits to baked goods unlocks a whole new dimension of flavor, imparting a depth and warmth that traditional cookies simply can’t achieve. If you’ve yet to explore the exciting world of baking with liquor, these whiskey-infused cookies are the perfect starting point to discover the rich, nuanced notes that alcohol can bring to your desserts.
The whiskey doesn’t just add flavor; it can also contribute to a wonderfully tender crumb, making these cookies exceptionally moist and enjoyable. This specific recipe for Royal Crown Cookies is incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a relaxed book club meeting, or simply craving a special sweet treat on a quiet afternoon, these cookies fit the bill. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can easily store any leftovers for a few months, ensuring you always have a delightful indulgence on hand.
Embracing the contents of your liquor cabinet for baking can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience! If you fall in love with these Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies, I highly recommend exploring other spirited treats like my Kahlua Crinkle Cookies, delightful Mocha Rum Balls, and rich Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Balls.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crown Royal Sugar Cookies
Crafting these delectable Crown Royal Sugar Cookies requires a careful selection of pantry staples and, of course, the star ingredient. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card further down this page. Here’s a detailed look at the components:
- Butter: You’ll need one stick (half a cup) of butter for this recipe. I always recommend using unsalted butter when baking, as it gives you greater control over the overall saltiness of the cookies. However, if salted butter is all you have, it can certainly be substituted; just be mindful of the added salt elsewhere in the recipe. It is crucial for the butter to be at room temperature, as this allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating a light, airy base for your cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor and color, unsweetened cocoa powder is your best choice. This ensures the sweetness comes from the added sugars, balancing the profile beautifully.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: This recipe cleverly employs a combination of white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to a slightly crisper edge, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a lovely molasses undertone that complements the whiskey beautifully.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding richness, moisture, and helping the cookies achieve their soft texture. I typically use large eggs, which are standard for most baking recipes.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always preferred for its superior flavor, but imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch. This ingredient enhances the vanilla notes of the whiskey and provides a foundational warmth to the cookies.
- Homemade Vanilla Sugar for Rolling: This special ingredient is a true game-changer for these cookies. Rolling the cookie dough balls in aromatic vanilla sugar before baking creates a delicate, sugary crust that significantly elevates the taste and texture. You can learn how to make your own homemade flavored sugars using extracts.
- Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey: The heart of this recipe! The vanilla-flavored whiskey imparts a distinct warmth and sweetness that makes these cookies truly unique. If you don’t have Vanilla Crown Royal on hand, you can substitute regular Crown Royal whiskey and increase the amount of pure vanilla extract slightly to compensate. For an adventurous twist, consider other delightful Crown Royal flavors like Crown Apple, Crown Royal Peach, Salted Caramel Crown, or even Crown Royal Maple Whiskey. Each variation will lend a unique character to your cookies!
- All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental baking ingredient, all-purpose flour provides the structure for these cookies. Ensure you measure it correctly, preferably by weight or by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, to avoid dense cookies.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their tender crumb.
- Salt: A small pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie dough. Fine-ground salt works best for even distribution.
Crafting Your Perfect Crown Royal Cookie Recipe: Step-by-Step
Creating these delightful Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies is a straightforward process, resulting in a batch of irresistible treats. Follow these easy steps to achieve soft, flavorful cookies every time:
Preparation is Key: Before you even start mixing, ensure all your ingredients are measured and at the correct temperature (especially the butter and eggs). This practice, known as “mise en place,” makes the baking process smooth and stress-free. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- First: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Second: In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Third: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, on low speed until they are just combined into the mixture. Avoid overmixing.
- Fourth: Add the pure vanilla extract and the Vanilla Crown Royal whiskey to the wet ingredients, mixing until thoroughly incorporated. The aroma alone will be intoxicating!
- Fifth: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting helps to remove lumps and ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Once combined:
- Sixth: Using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop (this ensures uniform cookies and even baking), scoop out portions of dough and gently form them into balls.
- Seventh: Roll these cookie dough balls generously in your homemade vanilla sugar. This step adds a beautiful sparkle and an extra burst of vanilla flavor. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Eighth: Bake for approximately 11 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are best when they remain soft and slightly chewy in the center. The edges should be set, but the centers may still look a little soft.
- Ninth: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them set properly.
- Tenth: Once cooled, store your delicious Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. These cookies also freeze exceptionally well for longer storage!
These Crown Royal Whiskey Cookies are truly a joy to bake and even more so to eat. They come together quickly and easily, offering a unique flavor profile that makes them perfect for an afternoon treat alongside a cup of coffee or as a standout offering at your next gathering.
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If you adore this Crown Royal Cookie recipe as much as we do, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it later or share it with friends!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Royal Cookies
Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies:
Can Crown Royal be used in cooking and baking? Absolutely! Crown Royal, like many other spirits, is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into both cooking and baking. It adds complex flavors, moisture, and can even tenderize certain dishes. Its versatility means it can enhance savory glazes, marinades, and, as you see here, sweet desserts.
What is Crown Royal made from? Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is crafted from a unique blend of corn, rye, and barley. This combination contributes to its smooth, distinctive flavor profile, which varies slightly depending on the specific expression (e.g., vanilla, apple, peach).
Where is Crown Royal made? Crown Royal is proudly produced in Gimli, located in the Canadian province of Manitoba. The distillery is known for its meticulous process and dedication to crafting high-quality Canadian whisky.
How good is Crown Royal? Crown Royal is widely regarded as an excellent Canadian whisky. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular and best-selling whiskey brands globally, praised for its smoothness and approachable flavor, making it a favorite for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.
Can children eat cookies made with whiskey? This is a subject with ongoing debate regarding how much, if any, alcohol burns off during the baking process. While high temperatures can reduce alcohol content, it’s generally understood that not all of it completely evaporates. To err on the side of caution and for safety, I would advise against serving foods containing alcohol, including these whiskey-infused cookies, to children. Please also be mindful that any residual alcohol could be a significant concern for individuals who are recovering from alcoholism or those who avoid alcohol for ethical or religious reasons. Always consider your audience if you plan to bring this cookie recipe to an event.
Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies? By all means, yes! I would never say no to more chocolate. Dark chocolate chips would lend a wonderful intensity, while white chocolate chips would add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa and vanilla whiskey. Mini chocolate chips are also a great option, providing small bursts of chocolate flavor throughout each bite without overwhelming the cookie.
Can I substitute other flavors of Crown Royal? Absolutely! This is one of the joys of this recipe. While Vanilla Crown Royal is specified, you can get creative. Apple Crown Royal, Peach Crown Royal, Maple Crown Royal, and Salted Caramel Crown Royal would all make fantastic variations, each offering a distinct flavor profile. Even the Original Crown Royal will work beautifully, providing a classic whiskey note.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies
Achieve cookie perfection with these handy tips and tricks:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This allows them to emulsify better with the sugars, creating a smoother, more uniform dough that bakes evenly and results in a superior texture.
- Softening Brown Sugar: If your brown sugar has hardened, don’t despair! Place a slice of apple or a specialized terra cotta brown sugar saver disc into its airtight container overnight. The moisture will transfer, softening the sugar beautifully.
- Storage and Shelf Life: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper, to prevent them from sticking. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to a month. Just scoop and roll them, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is easily doubled, making it perfect for holiday baking, entertaining, or simply ensuring you have a stash of these delightful cookies ready for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
- Creative Cookie Shapes: While these are delicious as drop cookies, don’t hesitate to get creative with cookie cutters, especially for festive occasions. Just be mindful that rolling out the dough might require a bit of chilling to make it more manageable.
- Consider a Glaze: For an extra touch of decadence, a simple whiskey glaze (powdered sugar, a splash of Crown Royal, and a tiny bit of milk) drizzled over the cooled cookies would be magnificent.
- Pairing Suggestions: These cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with coffee, a glass of milk, or even a small digestif after dinner.
Looking for more boozy treats or delightful baking ideas? Explore some of these related recipes:
- Homemade Kahlua
- Homemade Irish Cream
- Bread Pudding Soufflé with Whiskey Sauce
- Homemade Hot Cocoa
- White Russian Cocktail
- Homemade Tiramisu
- Grasshopper Cocktail
SEE ALL OF MY COOKIE RECIPES
These Crown Royal Whiskey Cookies are truly a standout. Their ease of preparation combined with their uniquely delicious flavor makes them a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Perfect as an afternoon indulgence or a charming addition to any festive occasion, they’re sure to impress.
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Print Recipe
Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies
Equipment
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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
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick) unsalted, room temperature
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey 2 mini bottles
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Homemade Vanilla Sugar for rolling see notes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a your baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Using an electric mixer, Cream together softened butter and sugars.
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Mix in eggs on low speed until combined.
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Mix in vanilla extract and Vanilla Crown Royal.
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Sift together flour, baking soda, cocoa and salt, and add to the wet ingredients mixing until combined.
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Using a 1 Tablespoon sized cookie scoop, form cookie dough balls, and roll them in vanilla sugar.
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Place cookie dough balls 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
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Bake for approximately 11 minutes. Don’t over bake or the cookies won’t be soft in the middle.
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Cool on rack.
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Store in an airtight container. These cookies freeze really well, too!
Notes
This recipe is adapted from the original Crown Royal Cookie recipe.
Nutrition
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