Description
These Shamrock Sugar Cookies are delightful and perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Crafted with simple ingredients, including creamy butter and fragrant vanilla bean, they deliver an irresistibly delicious flavor. Easy to decorate and share, they’re ideal for any gathering or festive occasion!
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
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- seeds 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 or whole milk
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- salt, to taste
- gel food coloring for tinting (optional)
- sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high for about 3 minutes until creamy. Add the seeds from the vanilla bean and mix for another 1-2 minutes. Then, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed. If the dough is too soft, add an additional tablespoon of flour.
- Split the dough into two equal parts, placing each on lightly floured parchment or silicone mats. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness, using more flour as needed.
- Dust one rolled dough with flour, cover with parchment, and stack the second dough on top. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Remove the top dough from the fridge, cut out shapes with a cookie cutter, and re-roll scraps if necessary.
- Place cookies on the lined sheets with space between them and bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- To make frosting, beat together butter and vanilla seeds until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream, mixing on low followed by medium-high for 2 minutes. Adjust sweetness with salt if needed, and color if desired.
- Decorate cookies with frosting using a knife or piping bag. Optional: add sprinkles on top. Allow decorated cookies to set and store as suggested.
Notes
Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth mix.
Cookies should be spaced adequately on baking sheets to allow for even baking.
Experiment with gel food colors to make your decorations vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg