Go Back

Homemade Irish Shamrock Cookies Recipe

Easy and festive Irish Shamrock Cookies made with buttery cut-out cookie dough and topped with vibrant green icing. These St. Patrick’s Day cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday baking fun.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring
  • Sprinkles optional

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  5. Wrap dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shamrock shapes.
  8. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
  10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and tint with green food coloring.
  11. Spread icing over cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  12. Allow icing to set before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps cookies hold their shape. Always ice cookies once fully cooled to prevent the icing from melting.