Description
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with Leprechaun Bites, festive green mini shortbread cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are topped with colorful sprinkles and easy to make, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. Vibrant and delicious, Leprechaun Bites are the ideal festive treat for your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (plus more to butter the pan)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 to 6 drops green gel food coloring
- 4 teaspoons Saint Patrick’s Day color nonpareil sprinkles (green, yellow, and orange)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter an 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and extract until creamy (1-2 minutes).
- Add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until crumbly.
- Add the food coloring and mix until a dough forms.
- Stir in the nonpareils until evenly distributed.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, then transfer it to a cutting board.
- Cut the dough into ½-inch square pieces and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to brown.
Notes
- For different occasions, swap the green food coloring for other colors like red or blue.
- Choose different sprinkles to match the holiday or your personal taste.
- Ensure you use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- For a pan-free method, roll the dough into a log, chill it, and slice it into rounds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies, Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
