Description
These Vanilla Bean Shamrock Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with real vanilla bean, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor. Their tender texture, slight crisp edges, and creamy vanilla bean buttercream frosting make them the perfect festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Seeds from 1 whole vanilla bean
For the Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Seeds from ½ vanilla bean
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Green gel food coloring (optional)
- Green & gold sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Roll & Chill:
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the rolled-out dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Cut & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use a shamrock cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Buttercream Frosting:
Beat the Butter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and vanilla bean seeds until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar & Liquid:
- Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating on low speed.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until light and fluffy.
- If using, tint the frosting green with gel food coloring.
Decorate & Serve:
- Spread or pipe frosting onto the cooled cookies.
- Add green and gold sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
- Customization:
- For extra depth of flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of whole vanilla beans.
- For a smooth royal icing finish, swap buttercream for royal icing and pipe delicate shamrock designs.
- Sprinkle gold dust or edible glitter for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American