Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these easy-to-make, festive cookies. Soft, chewy, and coated with a crackled sugar finish, they bring a touch of green to your dessert table without requiring complex baking skills. Starting with a white cake mix, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for any last-minute celebration.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Kelly green gel food coloring
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Add Color: Incorporate the kelly green gel food coloring into the dough, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Form Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. First, roll each ball in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring an even coating.
6. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Total Fat: 4.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin D: 0mcg
• Calcium: 25mg
• Iron: 0.5mg
• Potassium: 10mg

Why You’ll Love These St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

These St. Patrick’s Day cookies are not just festive but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a treat for your kids, or simply want to indulge in a little holiday fun, these cookies are the perfect choice. The recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, but still delivering a soft, chewy, and delicious cookie that everyone will enjoy. One of the best things about this recipe is that it starts with a cake mix, eliminating the need to measure out flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a quick dessert without the hassle of traditional baking. The green food coloring gives the cookies a bright and festive appearance, making them a standout treat for any St. Patrick’s Day gathering.

Tips for Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and coat with sugar. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, allowing you to achieve a vibrant green color without altering the consistency of the dough.
• Roll in Two Types of Sugar: Rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar first helps the powdered sugar stick better, giving the cookies a beautiful crinkle effect when they bake.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out for a perfectly chewy texture.

Variations and Add-Ins

If you want to put your own twist on these cookies, here are a few ideas:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet cookie base and adds an extra level of indulgence.
• Mix in Mint Extract: For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of mint extract to the dough. This will give the cookies a Shamrock Shake-inspired flavor.
• Use Different Colors: While green is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, you can easily swap in other colors for different occasions, making this a versatile recipe for other holidays.
• Sprinkle with Gold Edible Glitter: To add a magical touch, top the cookies with edible gold glitter for a festive St. Patrick’s Day sparkle.

How to Store and Keep These Cookies Fresh

If you want to freeze the cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, roll them in sugar and bake as directed, no need to thaw! These cookies taste best when fresh, but you can store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: For long-term storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Pairing These Cookies with Other St. Patrick’s Day Treats

These cookies make a great addition to a St. Patrick’s Day dessert spread. Here are some ideas to serve alongside them:

• Shamrock Shakes: A classic green vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
• Irish Cream Hot Chocolate: A warm, comforting drink with a touch of Bailey’s Irish Cream for the adults.
• Lucky Charms Treats: Similar to Rice Krispies treats, but made with Lucky Charms cereal for a festive twist.
• Mint Chocolate Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies with a layer of mint-flavored frosting.

A Fun Baking Activity for Kids

This recipe is simple enough that kids can help out in the kitchen. They’ll love mixing the dough, rolling the cookies in sugar, and watching them transform in the oven. If you want to make it even more fun, let them decorate the cookies with green sprinkles or edible gold stars after they cool.

Conclusion

These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a delicious, homemade treat. With their vibrant green color, crinkle sugar coating, and soft, chewy texture, they’re a fun and festive addition to any dessert table. The simple cake mix base makes them incredibly easy to prepare, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a quick and foolproof recipe. Whether you’re making them for a party, sharing them with friends, or just enjoying them as a personal treat, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra luck and sweetness to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!