Description
A delightful and festive cookie recipe perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! These leprechaun-shaped treats bring a touch of magic to any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 cups Royal Icing
- Assorted paste food coloring
- Shamrock and gold sprinkles (optional)
- Edible marker (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually mix into the creamed butter mixture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll & Cut: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into leprechaun shapes using a 5-inch gingerbread boy cutter.
- Create Hats: Cut small squares and brims from dough scraps and attach them to the leprechaun heads.
- Bake & Cool: Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake for 10-14 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Let cool before decorating.
- Decorate: Tint Royal Icing in pink, skin tone, black, white, Kelly green, leaf green, and orange. Add shamrock sprinkles, gold buttons, and edible freckles for extra charm.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough ensures easy handling and precise cookie shapes.
- For a thinner leprechaun design, trim cookie edges slightly before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Bring the magic of leprechauns to life with these charming and delicious cookies!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American