Get ready to transform your kitchen into a whimsical Irish bakery with these enchanting Pot of Gold and Leprechaun Cookies! These aren't just ordinary cookies – they're a magical journey of sweet, buttery goodness that captures the playful spirit of Irish folklore. Imagine biting into a delicate, golden-edged cookie sprinkled with emerald and gold, topped with a chocolate coin that promises delicious treasure in every bite. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, baking with kids, or simply adding a touch of leprechaun magic to your dessert table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Green and gold sprinkles
- Chocolate coins (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Beat for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently press down on each cookie ball to slightly flatten, then sprinkle green and gold sprinkles over the top of each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, place a chocolate coin on top of each cookie to create the "pot of gold" effect.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step – this prevents cookies from spreading and helps maintain their shape.
- Sprinkle Strategically: Apply green and gold sprinkles before baking for a vibrant, festive look.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are just turning golden to keep them soft and tender.
- Chocolate Coin Placement: Add the chocolate coins after cooling to prevent melting and maintain their shiny appearance.
- Storage Hack: Layer cookies between parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
