Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

Name: Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (Use a quality mix for the best texture.); 2 large eggs (Fresh eggs work best.); 1/3 cup vegetable oil (This keeps the cookies moist.); 1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring (Gel gives a richer color than liquid.); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (This adds extra sweetness.); 6 tablespoons powdered sugar (For a delightful finish.)

Looking for a festive treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks. They require simple ingredients and minimal effort. With just a few easy steps, you can have colorful, delicious cookies ready for your celebration. They’re fun to make and even better to share. Your friends and family will love these green beauties!

The Emma Hale Story

As a busy mom and passionate baker, I understand the need for quick and easy recipes. St. Patrick’s Day is a special time in our family. We love to gather together and celebrate with food. That’s why I created this easy cookie recipe. It’s a fun way to bring the holiday spirit into our kitchen. Plus, kids love helping out in the process!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies are not just simple; they’re delightful too! The vibrant green color adds a festive touch to your celebrations. They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a sugary coating. Each bite is a burst of fun and flavor. Plus, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes of active time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can whip these up for a school event, a party, or simply to enjoy at home. With minimal clean-up and no complicated techniques, they’re sure to earn a spot on your Pinterest board!

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (about 3 cups) – Use a quality mix for the best texture.
2 large eggs – Fresh eggs work best.
1/3 cup vegetable oil – This keeps the cookies moist.
1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring – Gel gives a richer color than liquid.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar – This adds extra sweetness.
6 tablespoons powdered sugar – For a delightful finish.

How to Make Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Add the Kelly green gel food coloring and mix until combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place granulated sugar in one bowl and powdered sugar in another.
Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop for the dough.
Roll each scoop of dough into a ball between your hands.
Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
Next, roll each sugar-coated dough ball in the powdered sugar until covered.
Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-12 minutes, until the cookies spread slightly and tops are crackled.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving game. Consider pairing them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a St. Patrick’s Day dessert platter. Include some chocolate coins, green candies, or Irish-themed decorations for extra festive flair. You can even wrap them in clear bags tied with green ribbons for party favors. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and fun!

How to Perfect This Recipe

To get the best cookies, follow these practical tips. First, make sure your dough is chilled properly; this helps them keep their shape while baking. Don’t over-bake—remove them when they are just slightly crackled on top for a soft texture. If you prefer an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a dash of mint extract to the dough. Finally, let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack for the best texture. Enjoy experimenting!

Common Mistakes

Overmixing the dough – This can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Not chilling the dough – If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much while baking.
Baking too long – Keep an eye on them. They should be soft in the center when you pull them out.

Storage and Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. They maintain their flavor and texture after freezing beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cake mix?
You can make a homemade dough using flour, sugar, baking powder, and other ingredients, but it might change the taste and texture.

Can I use a different color for the food coloring?
Absolutely! Any food coloring can work. Just adjust the quantity to achieve your desired shade.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for a fun twist.

How can I make these gluten-free?
Look for a gluten-free cake mix or use a gluten-free flour blend to create your dough.

Conclusion

Try making these Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies for a simple yet fun treat. They’re perfect for any celebration and easy enough for kids to help with. Enjoy the festive spirit and share these delightful cookies with your loved ones. Happy baking!