Description

These Shamrock Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for St. Patrick’s Day. With a buttery vanilla flavor and easy decorating options, they are perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Simple to prepare, they bring joy and sweetness to your festivities!

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, at room temperature
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
salt to taste
optional: gel food coloring
optional: sprinkles for decorating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes. Add vanilla bean seeds and mix until creamy. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mix, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Divide the dough in half and roll each portion to about 1/4-inch thickness on parchment or a silicone mat, using flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Stack the rolled doughs with parchment in between and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or up to 2 days.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut shapes from chilled dough using cookie cutters and place on sheets with space in between.
Bake for 11-12 minutes or until edges turn lightly brown. Allow cooling on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For frosting, beat butter and vanilla bean seeds until creamy. Add confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract and mix well. Adjust sweetness with a pinch of salt if necessary.
Color frosting if desired and decorate cookies with a knife or piping bag, adding sprinkles if using.
Store decorated cookies at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature before starting.
Chilled dough is easier to handle and results in better shapes for your cookies.
Feel free to customize the frosting colors for a festive look.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg