Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green food coloring (optional, for the dough)

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For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp milk (or water)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green food coloring

• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for decoration)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

   • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored.

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3. Chill the Dough:

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

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4. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

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5. Roll and Cut the Cookies:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.

   • Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

   • Re-roll the dough scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.

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6. Bake the Cookies:

   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.

   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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7. Make the Icing:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add green food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

   • If the icing is too thick, add more milk/water, 1 tsp at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

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8. Decorate the Cookies:

   • Dip the top of each cookie into the icing, or use a spoon to spread the icing evenly over the cookies.

   • Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet.

   • Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

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Tips:

• For a more vibrant green, add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough and the icing.

• If you don’t have a shamrock cookie cutter, you can use a heart-shaped cutter and arrange three hearts together to form a shamrock.

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.