Can I make Vanilla Mint St Patrick’s Day Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. For best results, assemble the sandwiches with the mint frosting the day you plan to serve them. You can also freeze the cookies (unfilled) for up to 2 months and frost them fresh.

What type of cake mix works best?

A white or vanilla cake mix gives the best results in terms of flavor and vibrant green color. While you can experiment with Funfetti or even chocolate, keep in mind that darker batters may affect the final hue of the cookies, which is a big part of their St. Patrick’s Day appeal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Vanilla Mint St Patrick’s Day Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the standard boxed cake mix with a gluten-free version. Ensure that your other ingredients, especially marshmallow cream and food coloring, are certified gluten-free.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel?

Yes! If you're avoiding artificial dyes, you can opt for matcha powder or spinach juice to achieve a green hue. Just note that the color may be more muted and may slightly influence the flavor, especially with spinach juice.

Vanilla Mint St Patrick's Day Cookies – Easy & Festive Treat

Name: Vanilla Mint St Patrick's Day Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla or white cake mix: base for soft cookie dough; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened: adds richness and tender texture; 2 eggs: bind ingredients and give structure; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: adds warm flavor; Green food coloring: provides festive color; 1/2 cup butter, softened (for filling): creamy base for the mint frosting; 8 ounces marshmallow cream: adds fluffy texture to the filling; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): complements the mint flavor; 1/2 teaspoon mint extract: gives refreshing minty taste; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the filling; 1 tablespoon milk: adjusts frosting consistency

Description

Vanilla Mint St Patrick’s Day Cookies are festive green vanilla sandwich cookies filled with a creamy mint-flavored marshmallow frosting. Perfect for holiday parties, these colorful treats are easy to make with boxed cake mix and are bursting with sweet and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box vanilla or white cake mix: base for soft cookie dough
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened: adds richness and tender texture
2 eggs: bind ingredients and give structure
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: adds warm flavor
Green food coloring: provides festive color
1/2 cup butter, softened (for filling): creamy base for the mint frosting
8 ounces marshmallow cream: adds fluffy texture to the filling
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): complements the mint flavor
1/2 teaspoon mint extract: gives refreshing minty taste
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the filling
1 tablespoon milk: adjusts frosting consistency

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. Add eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Gradually add the cake mix and mix until a soft dough forms. Add green food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the filling, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 oz marshmallow cream together until fluffy.
Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp mint extract; mix well.
Gradually beat in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Stir in 1 tablespoon milk until the filling is smooth and spreadable.
Transfer filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Pipe frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies.
Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant green color with minimal liquid.
Cookies can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months.
Assemble cookies the day of serving for best texture.
Add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness.
Natural coloring options include matcha or spinach juice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 279 kcal
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 281mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 43mg