Shamrock Sugar Cookies

why make this recipe

Shamrock Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive treat, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any spring gathering. They are easy to make and decorate, making them a great activity to do with kids or friends. The buttery flavor combined with a sweet frosting makes these cookies irresistible. Plus, the charming shamrock shape will surely bring a smile to everyone who enjoys them!

how to make Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
• Green food coloring (for frosting)
• Green sanding sugar (for decoration)

Directions:

1. Combine all cookie ingredients in a stand mixer or a large bowl until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough in half, roll it out between wax paper, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 6-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
5. For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla, adding milk as needed for desired consistency.
6. Tint the frosting green, frost the cookies, and dip them in sanding sugar for decoration.

how to serve Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Serve Shamrock Sugar Cookies at room temperature on a festive plate. They can be enjoyed as a delightful snack with tea or coffee. Perfect for parties, they add a cheerful touch to any table. You can also add them to gift bags for guests to take home.

how to store Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Frost them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

tips to make Shamrock Sugar Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Chill the dough well to prevent spreading while baking.
• Use a cookie cutter to make different shapes, not just shamrocks – hearts and stars can be festive too!
• Experiment with different colors for the frosting if you like!

variation

You can easily switch up the flavors or colors of the frosting to match different occasions. For a chocolate variation, add cocoa powder to the frosting or even mix chocolate chips into the cookie dough!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
You can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of baking powder, but the texture might be a bit different.

Can the dough be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before rolling it out and baking.

Ellie

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Shamrock Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, featuring a buttery flavor and sweet frosting, making them ideal for festive gatherings and children’s activities.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Irish

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 2.5 cups all purpose flour
• 1.25 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons milk Add as needed for desired consistency.
• Green food coloring For tinting the frosting.
• Green sanding sugar For decoration.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine all cookie ingredients in a stand mixer or a large bowl until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough in half, roll it out between wax paper, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 6-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.

Frosting

1. For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla, adding milk as needed for desired consistency.
2. Tint the frosting green, frost the cookies, and dip them in sanding sugar for decoration.

Notes

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Chill the dough well to prevent spreading while baking. Use a cookie cutter to make different shapes, not just shamrocks – hearts and stars can be festive too! Experiment with different colors for the frosting if you like!