The Spicy Magic of Fireball Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Kick

Decadent fireball cookies blend spicy cinnamon whiskey with sweet, buttery goodness that dance across your taste buds.

Warm aromas fill kitchens with irresistible charm.

Whiskey lovers and dessert enthusiasts will instantly fall in love with these bold treats.

Soft, chewy textures complement the spirited kick from the signature liquor.

Crisp edges and tender centers create perfect cookie balance.

Simple ingredients come together quickly for an impressive final result.

You can whip up these delightful morsels in less than an hour, promising a memorable culinary adventure.

Fun Variations On Fireball Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Whiskey Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and baking technique for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Non-Alcoholic Spice Cookies: Substitute Fireball whiskey with apple juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly and alcohol-free alternative that preserves the warm cinnamon flavor.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with ground flaxseed, and select plant-based powdered sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free option.
  • Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Cookies: Swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour, use erythritol as a sugar replacement, and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the signature spicy profile.

Pairing Ideas For Fireball Cookies

  • Whiskey Milk Punch: Blend smooth bourbon milk with nutmeg and vanilla, creating a creamy counterpoint to the spicy cinnamon cookies that enhances the whiskey undertones.
  • Cinnamon Espresso Companion: Brew a strong, dark espresso with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, offering a robust coffee profile that matches the cookie's warm, spirited essence.
  • Caramel Apple Cider Delight: Warm fresh apple cider with a drizzle of caramel sauce, providing a sweet and tangy liquid partner that echoes the cookie's autumnal spice notes.

Storing Fireball Cookies With Ease

  • Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicate texture.
  • Arrange cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer, ensuring they remain intact and can be stored for up to 3 months.
  • Place completely cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, maintaining their crispness for 3-4 days away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm cookies gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, restoring their original softness and bringing back the warm cinnamon aroma without compromising their delicate structure.

Questions About Fireball Cookies Answered

  • Can I substitute Fireball whiskey with another alcohol?

Yes, you can use similar spiced whiskey or rum. Non-alcoholic options include apple juice or apple cider for similar flavor profiles.

  • How strong is the whiskey flavor in these cookies?

The Fireball whiskey provides a subtle, warm cinnamon undertone without overwhelming the cookie’s sweetness. The alcohol mostly bakes out, leaving behind a complex spice note.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. A standard mixer, mixing bowl, baking sheet, and parchment paper are sufficient for creating these delicious cookies.

  • Are these cookies kid-friendly given the whiskey ingredient?

While most alcohol bakes out, it’s recommended to use an alternative like apple juice for children or those avoiding alcohol. Adults can enjoy the full Fireball whiskey version.

Why You’ll Love Fireball Cookies

  • Kick Off Cocktail-Inspired Baking: Capture the bold, spirited essence of Fireball whiskey transformed into a delectable cookie experience perfect for adventurous bakers.
  • Customize Your Spice Adventure: Control the cinnamon intensity by adjusting ground cinnamon quantities, allowing personalization for different flavor preferences and heat levels.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn professional cookie-making skills like chilling dough, rolling uniform balls, and creating perfect cinnamon-sugar coating with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Craft a crowd-pleasing dessert suitable for gatherings, game nights, holiday celebrations, or casual weekend treats that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Fireball Cookies Ingredient List

For the Cookie Base:
  • Butter: The foundation that provides rich, creamy texture and helps create a soft cookie structure.
  • White Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners offer depth of flavor and contribute to the cookie's golden-brown color and chewy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the cookies.
  • Fireball Whiskey: Introduces a spicy cinnamon kick that complements the cookie's flavor profile.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and enables the cookies to hold their shape during baking.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Salt: Cinnamon adds warm spice, while salt balances and intensifies the other flavors.
For the Coating and Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that adds visual appeal and extra flavor to the cookies.

How To Make Fireball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie placement and clean removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with white and brown sugars. Mix until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Liquid Flavor Boosters

Stir in vanilla extract and Fireball whiskey into the butter mixture. Ensure complete integration for a rich, aromatic base.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually fold in these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Mix carefully to create a cohesive dough without overmixing, which could result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Chill and Rest Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This step allows flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Remove chilled dough and roll into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 7: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar

Step 8: Coat Cookie Balls

Roll each dough ball completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage for a delightful spiced exterior.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to prevent excessive spreading.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden brown. Cookies should appear set but slightly soft in the center.

Step 11: Cool Carefully

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Final Finishing Touch

Dust cookies with additional powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet presentation.

Tips For Perfect Fireball Cookies

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add an extra splash of Fireball whiskey to the dough for a more pronounced cinnamon-whiskey kick.
  • Prevent Spreading Tricks: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 1 hour before baking to maintain their perfect round shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Texture Perfection: Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the dough.
  • Storage Wisdom: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
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Bourbon Fireball Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-44 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Fireball cookies bring festive holiday cheer with spicy whiskey-infused magic that dances on dessert plates. Cinnamon-kissed dough and warming spirits create an irresistible treat perfect for winter celebrations you’ll want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Liquor and Spice Ingredients:

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

Finishing and Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
  • 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 the softened butter with white and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate the vanilla extract and Fireball whiskey into the butter mixture, stirring until the liquid is fully integrated and the batter develops a rich, aromatic consistency.
  4. Gradually fold in the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
  5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the butter to solidify, making the cookies easier to shape.
  6. Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls, each approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring consistent baking and size.
  7. Combine the additional ground cinnamon and powdered sugar in a separate shallow dish for coating.
  8. Gently roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, completely covering the surface and creating a delicate, spiced exterior.
  9. Arrange the coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to prevent spreading during baking.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the cookies appear set but still slightly soft in the center.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Chill dough thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion and easier handling, preventing sticky texture during rolling.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture without lumps.
  • Experiment with whiskey substitutions like bourbon or rum for unique flavor variations that maintain the recipe’s spirit.
  • Adjust cinnamon intensity by increasing or decreasing ground cinnamon to suit personal spice preferences without compromising cookie structure.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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