Description
These Shamrock Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, featuring a rich vanilla flavor that’s both comforting and festive. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just enjoying with family and friends. These cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- seeds scraped from 1 whole vanilla bean
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream, 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 mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on high speed until creamy, around 3 minutes. Incorporate the vanilla bean seeds, then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed. If the dough is too soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Divide the dough into two portions, placing each on floured parchment or silicone mats. Roll each portion out to 1/4-inch thickness, using more flour as needed.
- Dust one dough with flour and place parchment on top, then stack the second rolled dough above it. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut out shapes from the chilled dough and place them on baking sheets, spaced 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by beating together softened butter and vanilla bean seeds, then adding confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and adjust sweetness with salt if necessary.
- Decorate the cookies with frosting, using sprinkles if desired. Store cookies covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened for better mixing.
Chill the dough well to prevent sticking during cutting.
Decorated cookies can be stored at room temperature for a day. If refrigerated, they last a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
