Indulge in the Rich Flavor of Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies: A Decadent Treat for Any Occasion
Elevate your cookie experience with these exquisite cocoa sugar cookies, subtly infused with the distinct, smooth notes of Vanilla Crown Royal. This recipe for Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies offers a delightful twist on a classic, creating a soft, chewy drop cookie that comes together effortlessly. Prepare to captivate the taste buds of everyone who tries them; these delicious cookies are an incredible addition to any dessert platter, holiday gathering, or simply as a special treat for yourself.
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Crown Royal Cookies
In our family, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey holds a special place, a testament to its enduring popularity and smooth character. It’s a staple at family celebrations, often the go-to choice for crafting an array of refreshing cocktails. The inspiration for these unique whiskey cookies struck a few years ago when my brother-in-law shared a recipe from the iconic purple Crown Royal box. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with that original concept, refining it over time to create what we now consider our absolute favorite version of Crown Royal Cookies.
My personal adaptation of Crown Royal’s classic cookie recipe incorporates a thoughtful blend of both brown sugar and granulated sugar, which contributes to a perfectly balanced sweetness and wonderfully chewy texture. To intensify the vanilla profile that pairs so beautifully with cocoa, I specifically opted for Vanilla Crown Royal. This not only enhances the whiskey’s intrinsic flavor but also deepens the overall aroma of the cookie. As a finishing touch that truly elevates these treats, I love to roll the cookie dough balls in homemade vanilla sugar just before baking. This simple step adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delicate vanilla crust that makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
What Defines a Crown Royal Cookie?
A Crown Royal Whiskey cookie is a soft, delightfully chewy, and easy-to-make drop cookie that gets its distinctive character from the inclusion of Crown Royal whiskey. The addition of liquor to baked goods is a culinary secret that many home bakers are discovering, as it imparts a complex and often surprising dimension of flavor that ordinary cookies simply can’t achieve. If you’ve never ventured into baking with spirits before, now is the perfect time to explore! You’ll be amazed at how a splash of whiskey can transform a simple cookie into something extraordinary, adding warmth, depth, and a sophisticated edge.
These Royal Crown Cookies are wonderfully versatile, making them ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a festive family gathering, a cozy book club meeting, or simply craving a special, indulgent treat on a day that calls for something sweet, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They also boast excellent freezer-friendly qualities, so any leftovers can be conveniently stored for several months, ensuring you always have a gourmet treat on hand. Baking with ingredients from your liquor cabinet is not only fun but also opens up a world of exciting flavor possibilities. If you fall in love with these Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies, you might also enjoy exploring other spirit-infused desserts like my Kahlua Crinkle Cookies, delightful Mocha Rum Balls, or the rich Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Balls. Each recipe promises a unique flavor adventure that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crown Royal Sugar Cookies
Crafting these exceptional cookies requires a selection of quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. For detailed measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Unsalted Butter: This recipe calls for one stick (1/2 cup) of butter. I highly recommend using unsalted butter to have full control over the salt content in your baking. If salted butter is your only option, you can certainly use it, but be mindful to reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly. For optimal creaming and a smooth batter, it’s essential to let your butter come to a soft, room temperature state before you begin mixing.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To achieve that classic, rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color, always opt for unsweetened cocoa powder. It provides a pure chocolate essence without adding excessive sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The secret to the cookies’ wonderfully soft and chewy texture lies in the combination of both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges and overall sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor, and that delightful chewiness we all love.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are vital binders and leavening agents in baking. Any standard large eggs will work perfectly in this recipe, helping to bring all the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ structure.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: While imitation vanilla extract can be used, pure vanilla extract offers a far superior, more authentic, and aromatic vanilla flavor that truly shines through in these cookies. It complements the whiskey beautifully.
- Homemade Vanilla Sugar for Rolling: This is where a touch of magic happens! Rolling your cookie dough in homemade vanilla sugar before baking is a simple yet impactful step that elevates the flavor of these cookies to an entirely new level, adding a delicate crunch and intensified vanilla aroma.
- Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey: The star ingredient! I specifically use vanilla-flavored whiskey for its ability to enhance the existing vanilla notes and provide a harmonious, smooth whiskey flavor that integrates seamlessly with the cocoa. If vanilla whiskey isn’t available, you can substitute regular Crown Royal and simply increase the amount of pure vanilla extract slightly. Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies with other delicious Crown Royal flavors such as Crown Apple, Crown Royal Peach, Salted Caramel Crown, or even Crown Royal Maple Whiskey. Each variation will offer a unique and exciting flavor profile, allowing you to truly make them your own!
- All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure and body for these soft drop cookies.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the cookies a slight lift and contributes to their tender texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch of finely ground salt is all it takes to balance the sweetness and enhance all the wonderful flavors in these cookies, bringing out their true potential.
Crafting Your Perfect Crown Royal Cookie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful Crown Royal Cookies is a straightforward process, ensuring a batch of perfect treats every time. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience.
STEP ONE: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared baking sheets aside.
STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Using an electric hand mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration is key for a tender cookie.
STEP THREE: Crack the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
STEP FOUR: Next, add the pure vanilla extract and the Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, ensuring the delicious vanilla and whiskey flavors are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
STEP FIVE: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
STEP SIX: Using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough. This ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
STEP SEVEN: Gently roll each scooped cookie dough ball in your homemade vanilla sugar. This step adds a delightful sparkle and an extra burst of vanilla flavor. Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
STEP EIGHT: Bake the cookies for approximately 11 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake them, as this will prevent them from achieving their signature soft and chewy center. The edges should be set, but the centers may still appear slightly soft. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP NINE: Once fully cooled, store your delectable Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. These cookies also freeze exceptionally well, offering a convenient option for enjoying them later!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baking with Crown Royal
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to guide you in your baking journey with Crown Royal whiskey.
Can Crown Royal be used in cooking and baking? Absolutely! Crown Royal, like many other spirits, is an excellent ingredient for adding complex and unique flavors to both cooking and baking. It can enhance sauces, glazes, marinades, and, of course, desserts like these cookies.
What is Crown Royal made from? Crown Royal is primarily crafted from a meticulously balanced blend of corn, rye, and barley, which contributes to its signature smooth and rich Canadian whiskey profile.
Where is Crown Royal produced? Crown Royal is proudly produced in the Canadian province of Manitoba, known for its pristine waters and grain-rich lands, which are integral to the whiskey’s quality.
How good is Crown Royal? Crown Royal is widely regarded as an exceptionally good whiskey. It is consistently one of the most popular and best-selling brands of Canadian whiskey globally, cherished for its smoothness and versatility.
Can children consume cookies made with whiskey? While much debate exists regarding the extent to which alcohol content burns off during baking or cooking, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution. To ensure safety, it is best not to serve food containing alcohol to children. Additionally, please be aware that some alcohol may not completely evaporate, which could be a significant concern for recovering alcoholics or individuals who avoid alcohol for ethical or religious reasons. Always keep this in mind when bringing these cookies to events or serving them to guests.
Can I incorporate chocolate chips into these cookies? Indeed, you can! Far be it from me to discourage more chocolate. Both dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips would make an absolutely amazing addition to these already delicious cookies. Mini chocolate chips are an excellent choice if you’re looking to distribute a subtle hint of chocolate throughout each bite without overpowering the whiskey and cocoa flavors.
Are other flavors of Crown Royal suitable for this recipe? Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While Vanilla Crown Royal is my personal preference for this specific cookie, you can certainly experiment with other exciting varieties such as Apple Crown Royal, Peach Crown Royal, Maple Crown Royal, or Salted Caramel Crown Royal. Even the Original Crown Royal will yield a fantastic cookie with a classic whiskey flavor. Don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe to your taste!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Baking Perfect Whiskey Cookies
Achieve bakery-quality results with these helpful tips and tricks designed to make your Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies truly stand out.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the best results, ensure all your cold ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows them to cream together more easily and evenly, creating a smoother, more uniform dough and contributing to the cookies’ final texture.
- Softening Brown Sugar: If you find your brown sugar has hardened, don’t despair! A simple trick is to add a slice of apple or a specialized terracotta disc to its container. Seal it tightly, and within a few hours, your brown sugar will be soft and pliable again.
- Storage and Freshness: These cookies will remain deliciously fresh on your kitchen counter for several days when stored in an airtight container. For longer enjoyment, they freeze exceptionally well for a few months. Simply thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge.
- Double the Batch, Double the Fun: This recipe is easily scalable. Consider doubling the recipe to have an extra batch on hand in the freezer. This way, you’re always prepared for unexpected guests, impromptu cravings, or simply to ensure a steady supply of these incredible treats.
- Get Creative with Shapes: While these are delicious as drop cookies, don’t be afraid to get creative! Once the dough is mixed, you can chill it slightly and use your favorite cookie cutters to create unique and festive shapes, perfect for holiday cookie trays or themed parties. Just adjust baking time slightly for thinner or thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: As with most cookie recipes, overmixing the dough after adding flour can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Consider Chilling the Dough: If you find your dough a bit sticky or want to ensure your cookies hold their shape perfectly, particularly if using cookie cutters, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can make a big difference.
- Adjusting Whiskey Intensity: If you prefer a stronger or milder whiskey flavor, you can slightly adjust the amount of Crown Royal. However, stick close to the recipe for the best texture balance.
Explore more delightful concoctions with spirits or comforting beverages:
- Homemade Kahlua
- Homemade Irish Cream
- Bread Pudding Soufflé with Whiskey Sauce
- Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- White Russian Cocktail
- Homemade Tiramisu
- Grasshopper Cocktail
DISCOVER ALL MY IRRESISTIBLE COOKIE RECIPES HERE!
These Crown Royal Whiskey Cookies are truly a flavor sensation. They are remarkably simple and quick to prepare, making them an ideal treat to enjoy as an afternoon indulgence with a cup of coffee, or to share with loved ones. Their rich cocoa, warm vanilla, and smooth whiskey notes create an unforgettable dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
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Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies
These cocoa sugar cookies, subtly enhanced with Vanilla Crown Royal, are a simple yet elegant drop cookie recipe perfect for any occasion. Their soft, chewy texture and incredible flavor make them an outstanding addition to any cookie tray.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 11 mins
- Total Time: 21 mins
- Course: Cookies
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: baking with crown royal, cocoa, crown royal cookies, crown royal sugar cookies, crown royal whiskey, vanilla crown, vanilla sugar
- Servings: 3 1/2 Dozen Cookies (approximately 42 cookies)
- Calories: 68 kcal per cookie
- Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
- Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch
- 15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick), unsalted, room temperature
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Crown Royal Vanilla Whiskey (equivalent to 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 below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs on low speed until fully combined.
- Add in vanilla extract and Vanilla Crown Royal, mixing until just incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cocoa, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop, form cookie dough balls.
- Roll the cookie dough balls in homemade vanilla sugar and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 11 minutes. Avoid overbaking to ensure the cookies remain soft in the middle.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. These cookies also freeze exceptionally well!
Notes
You can find the recipe and instructions for How to make Vanilla Sugar here. This recipe is an adaptation of the original Crown Royal Cookie recipe.
Nutrition
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