Fireball Cookies Recipe

The Ultimate Fireball Cookies Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Magic

Baking these delightful fireball cookies will transport you to a world of spicy-sweet indulgence.

Cinnamon whiskey infuses each bite with a bold, unexpected kick.

Small gatherings become memorable celebrations when these treats appear on the table.

Soft, chewy textures complement the warming alcohol-inspired flavor profile perfectly.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for novice bakers.

Surprising your guests with these cookies guarantees delighted smiles and requests for seconds.

You’ll want to mix a batch right now and experience the magic firsthand.

What’s So Great About Fireball Cookies

  • Spice Up Your Baking: Infuse excitement with Fireball whiskey, transforming classic cookies into a bold, adult-friendly treat that surprises and delights.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Learn professional tips like chilling dough, sifting dry ingredients, and creating uniform cookie balls for consistently perfect results.
  • Quick and Impressive Dessert: Prepare a sophisticated snack that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for gatherings, game nights, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with the cinnamon-sugar coating and whiskey intensity to match your personal taste preferences and create a signature cookie experience.

Fireball Cookies Ingredient Checklist

For the Baking Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the whiskey notes.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, tender base that contributes to the cookies' soft texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a chewy, caramelized exterior.
  • Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic, deep flavor that rounds out the cookie's taste.
  • Fireball Whiskey: Introduces a unique, spicy cinnamon kick that makes these cookies distinctive.
For the Coating and Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Steps To Bake Fireball Cookies At Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Beat them until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 3: Add Liquid Excitement

Pour in vanilla extract and Fireball whiskey. Stir until the liquid dances through the mixture and releases a mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Sift everything together to eliminate any pesky lumps.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 6: Chill The Dough

Slide the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps flavors mingle and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll the chilled dough into small, consistent balls about 1-inch wide.

Step 8: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place dough balls on the prepared sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges and a soft center.

Step 10: Cool Briefly

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure.

Step 11: Sugar Coating

Create a sugar mixture with:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cinnamon sugar

Gently roll warm cookies in this sweet blend.

Step 12: Final Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Watch the sugar coating set and flavors develop.

Smart Tips For Fireball Cookies That Work

  • Boost Whiskey Flavor: Add an extra splash of Fireball whiskey to the dough for a more intense cinnamon-whiskey kick.
  • Prevent Spreading: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Create Perfect Texture: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft for a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll warm cookies in cinnamon sugar while still slightly hot to help the coating stick better and create a more even layer.
  • Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and freshness for several days.

New Ways To Try Fireball Cookies

  • Whiskey-Free Version: Replace Fireball whiskey with apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic alternative that maintains the warm, spicy flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain cookie texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and choose plant-based sugar to create a completely dairy-free treat.
  • Spice Lover's Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra kick of warmth and complexity.

Great Sips Or Snacks With Fireball Cookies

  • Pair with Spicy Cinnamon Cocktail: Mix Fireball whiskey with apple cider and a dash of ginger for a complementary drink that echoes the cookie's whiskey and cinnamon notes.
  • Create Creamy Vanilla Latte: Brew a rich espresso and top with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, balancing the cookie's sweet and spicy profile with a smooth, comforting beverage.
  • Serve with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Scoop a rich, buttery caramel ice cream alongside the cookies, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy cookie texture.
  • Match with Spiced Apple Chai: Steep a robust chai tea with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick, creating a warming drink that harmonizes with the cookie's whiskey and cinnamon flavors.

How To Store Fireball Cookies With Ease

  • Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain crispness.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Helpful Fireball Cookies FAQs

  • What makes Fireball Whiskey Cookies unique?

The whiskey adds a warm, spicy kick that enhances the traditional cookie flavor, creating a more complex and adult-friendly dessert.

  • Are Fireball Whiskey Cookies very strong in alcohol taste?

No, the whiskey provides subtle warmth and depth without overwhelming the cookie’s sweetness, making it a nuanced treat.

  • Can I substitute the Fireball Whiskey with something else?

Yes, you can use bourbon or rum as alternative spirits, though the distinct cinnamon flavor of Fireball will be different.

  • Is this recipe considered difficult for beginner bakers?

These cookies are relatively simple to make, with basic baking techniques like creaming butter and sugar, making them accessible for most home bakers.

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Fireball Cookies Recipe

Fireball Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-44 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Spicy-sweet Fireball cookies ignite holiday cheer with cinnamon whiskey-infused magic. Warm, boozy bites deliver festive indulgence that delights with each spirited crumb you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 2 tbsp fireball whiskey
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Coating and Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for consistent cookie placement.
  2. Cream together softened butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate vanilla extract and Fireball whiskey into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until the liquid is fully integrated and the aroma becomes fragrant.
  4. Sift the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl, breaking up any potential lumps and creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing, which could result in tough cookies.
  6. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up for easier handling.
  7. Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even baking.
  8. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to prevent spreading and touching during baking.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden and the cookies appear set but still soft in the center.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to maintain structural integrity.
  11. Gently roll the warm cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet and spicy exterior coating.
  12. Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the sugar coating to set and the flavors to develop.

Notes

  • Adjust Fireball intensity by modifying whiskey quantity, creating milder or bolder flavor profiles according to personal preference.
  • Swap regular whiskey with non-alcoholic vanilla extract for kid-friendly or alcohol-free versions without compromising taste complexity.
  • Refrigerating dough helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances cookie texture, so don’t skip this crucial chilling step.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better ingredient integration, ensuring consistent cookie structure and softness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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