Description
These Shamrock Sugar Cookies are crispy, buttery, and filled with delightful vanilla flavor. With simple ingredients and an easy process, they are the ideal treat for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion. Decorate them as you wish for a festive touch!
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
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until creamy. Add vanilla bean seeds, then egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed. If dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.
- Divide dough in half and roll out on parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. Chill for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Cut dough into shapes and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat butter and vanilla bean seeds until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Color if desired.
- Decorate cookies with frosting and optional sprinkles. Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate.
Notes
You can freeze the dough for future use. Just shape and wrap before chilling.
For best results, allow butter to reach room temperature before mixing.
Frosting can be customized with different colors for festive decorating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
