Description
These Shamrock Sugar Cookies bring together a delicious vanilla flavor with a fun, festive twist for St. Patrick’s Day. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- seeds scraped from 1 whole vanilla bean
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- salt, to taste
- optional: gel food coloring for tinting
- optional: sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla bean seeds and mix until smooth, then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. If the dough is too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and place each on a lightly floured surface. Roll each portion to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Dust one rolled-out dough with flour, place parchment over it, layer the second rolled-out dough on top, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut shapes from the dough using a cookie cutter, re-rolling as necessary until all dough is used.
- Arrange the cookies 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets and bake for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by beating the butter and vanilla bean seeds until creamy, then adding confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream. Mix and add salt to taste, adjusting sweetness.
- Decorate cookies with frosting using a knife or piping bag, and add sprinkles if desired. Store cookies at room temperature or refrigerated as specified.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Chilling the dough helps in rolling and shaping cookies without sticking.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting shades.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg