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Shamrock Sugar Cookies Recipe – Easy Green Icing for St. Patrick’s Day

Shamrock sugar cookies - featured image
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Soft, buttery sugar cookies shaped like shamrocks and topped with festive green icing. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, gifting, or any occasion that needs a touch of luck and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Pinch of salt
  • Green sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shamrock shapes.
  8. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden and tops are still pale.
  10. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  11. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  12. Add green gel food coloring a drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Stir well.
  13. Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe green icing. Add sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.
  14. Let icing set for at least 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for tender cookies and prevents spreading. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and milk. Roll dough between parchment for easy cleanup. Let icing set completely before storing. Test bake one cookie first to check oven timing.

Nutrition

Keywords: shamrock cookies, sugar cookies, St. Patrick's Day, green icing, holiday baking, festive cookies, easy sugar cookies, kid-friendly, party treats

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/shamrock-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-green-icing-for-st-patricks-day/