Soft Shamrock Cookies
Soft Shamrock Cookies are chewy, buttery cookies with a subtle mint flavor, perfect for festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day. They feature a tender texture thanks to cornstarch and a hint of mint extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- A few drops green food coloring (optional)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, and ½ cup (110g) light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon mint extract. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired and mix until evenly colored.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds, mixing on low speed after each addition. Stop mixing as soon as combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls about 1 ½ inches (4 cm) apart onto prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each cookie to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick and chewy. Pull cookies out when edges are set but centers are still soft for best texture. Use cornstarch for softness and chewiness. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: soft cookies, shamrock cookies, chewy cookies, mint cookies, St. Patrick's Day cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies