Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal preparation, these cookies are a breeze to make.
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant green color and crackled sugar coating make them visually appealing for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Kid-Friendly: Simple steps and fun rolling in sugar make this an enjoyable activity for children.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, classroom treats, or a festive snack at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (about 3 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a sticky dough forms.
- Add Color: Stir in the green food coloring until the dough is evenly colored.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Sugar Coatings: Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the tops are crackled.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes.
- Baking Time: 9-12 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes.
Variations
- Add-ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips or a hint of mint extract for added flavor.
- Color Options: Use different gel food colors to match various holidays or themes.
- Frosting: Sandwich two cookies with a layer of frosting for a delightful treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Dough Freezing: Scoop and roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake as directed, adding an extra minute if baking from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with other flavors like lemon or vanilla for a different taste.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and enhances the texture of the cookies.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant color without adding extra moisture to the dough.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled before baking and space the dough balls appropriately on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Conclusion
These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies are a delightful and simple way to add a festive touch to your celebrations. Their soft, chewy texture and crackled sugar coating make them a treat everyone will enjoy. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a batch of these cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies are a perfect choice for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Easy Cookies for a Lucky Treat
These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies are a festive, fun, and simple treat to celebrate the holiday! Soft, chewy, and adorned with a crackled powdered sugar coating, these vibrant green cookies come together quickly using a cake mix shortcut. Perfect for last-minute celebrations, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys them!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (about 3 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a sticky dough forms.
-
Add Color
- Stir in the green food coloring until the dough is evenly colored.
-
Chill
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.
-
Preheat Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare Sugar Coatings
- Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
-
Form Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
-
Bake
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the tops are crackled.
-
Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add-ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips or a hint of mint extract for extra flavor.
- Color Options: Use different gel food colors to match other holidays or themes.
- Frosting: For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with frosting for a delicious treat!
