St Patricks Shamrock Cookies (Printable)

Buttery shamrock-shaped cookies decorated with vibrant green icing, perfect for festive celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Sugar Cookies

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

→ Green Royal Icing

09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3 tablespoons water, room temperature
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Green gel food coloring

# How to Make:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
05 - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
08 - Cut out shamrock shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Add water and vanilla, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
11 - Add green gel food coloring and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
12 - Transfer icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Outline and flood the cooled cookies with icing. Allow icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations and gatherings
  • Classic sugar cookie flavor with a festive shamrock shape
  • Beautiful, smooth royal icing that sets perfectly
  • Fun decorating activity for the whole family
  • Stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container
02 -
  • Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to ensure cookies hold their shape perfectly
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant, consistent green color
  • Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting
  • For cleaner edges, wipe your cookie cutter between each cut
  • Store decorated cookies in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper to protect the icing
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