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Shamrock Sugar Cookies Recipe: Easy Festive Green Icing Treats

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These Shamrock Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a festive green icing—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any spring celebration. The dough is easy to work with and the cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them a fun and delicious treat for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon milk, room temperature (whole or 2% preferred)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (for icing, adjust for consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Green food coloring (gel-based preferred)
  • Green sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
  • Edible gold glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until fully incorporated.
  4. Mix in milk.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If dry, add 1 more teaspoon milk.
  6. Form dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). For a quick chill, freeze for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shamrock shapes and transfer to baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies. Reroll scraps as needed.
  9. Bake for 9-11 minutes, rotating trays halfway, until edges are just golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the icing: In a medium bowl, sift powdered sugar. Add 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, adding more milk as needed for a thick, spreadable consistency.
  11. Tint icing with green food coloring to desired shade.
  12. Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies. Decorate with green sprinkles or edible glitter if desired.
  13. Let icing set for at least 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chill the dough well to prevent spreading. For gluten-free or dairy-free cookies, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter/milk. Skip almond extract for nut allergies. Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing without aftertaste. Let icing set before stacking cookies. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: shamrock sugar cookies, St. Patrick's Day cookies, green icing cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies, cut-out cookies

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/shamrock-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-festive-green-icing-treats/