Name: St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100g) sugar; ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (or white sugar); 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; Green food coloring; ½ cup white chocolate chips or green M&M’s; Green sprinkles (optional)

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I love making these St. Patrick’s Day Cookies because they are festive, colorful, and bring instant cheer to any celebration. The bright green hue paired with sweet white chocolate chips or green candies makes them perfect for a fun holiday treat. I find them soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and full of buttery vanilla flavor.

St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (100g) sugar

¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (or white sugar)

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

Green food coloring

½ cup white chocolate chips or green M&M’s

Green sprinkles (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

I cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

I mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. I adjust the coloring until I reach my desired shade of green.

I add the flour and baking soda, mixing just until everything is combined. I make sure not to overmix.

I fold in the white chocolate chips or green M&M’s evenly throughout the dough.

I scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If I want extra decoration, I add green sprinkles while they are still slightly warm.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 18 cookies from this recipe, depending on the size of each scoop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: About 22 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor. I also like adding a hint of almond extract for a subtle twist. When I want extra texture, I mix in chopped nuts. For an extra festive touch, I drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them for up to 2 months. When I am ready to enjoy them again, I let them thaw at room temperature. If I prefer them slightly warm, I heat them in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

I often prepare the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. I let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

I freeze pre-scooped dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I make sure not to overbake them. I remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

I can use liquid food coloring, but I prefer gel coloring because it gives a more vibrant green without thinning the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and I check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

I enjoy baking these St. Patrick’s Day Cookies every year because they are easy, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser. The soft texture, sweet flavor, and bright green color make them a standout treat for celebrating the holiday. I find that they bring a little extra fun and sweetness to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

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St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Festive and colorful St. Patrick’s Day Cookies with a bright green hue and sweet bursts of white chocolate or candy. Soft in the center and lightly crisp on the edges, they are a cheerful holiday treat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Adjust until the desired shade of green is reached.
Add the flour and baking soda, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the white chocolate chips or green M&M’s evenly throughout the dough.
Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Add green sprinkles while slightly warm if desired.