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St. Patrick’s Day Cookies with Natural Green Food Dye (Kid-Safe Recipe)
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Natural Green Food Color - Water Soluble
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
24
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun and kid-safe way with these vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies! These soft, buttery cookies are beautifully tinted with Natural Green Food Color – Water Soluble Extract, making them a festive treat without artificial dyes. The dough comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and the color blends smoothly for a bright, natural green hue. Perfect for classroom parties, family gatherings, or a fun baking day with kids, these cookies are both delicious and safe for all ages.
Ingredients
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract (optional for flavor depth)
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1 ½ teaspoons Natural Green Food Color – Water Soluble Extract
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Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional, for decoration)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Then, add Natural Green Food Color – Water Soluble Extract, adjusting the amount for your desired shade of green.
Combine the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the cookie shape.
Shape and decorate: Roll dough into 1-inch balls or use St. Patrick’s Day-themed cookie cutters (like shamrocks). Place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with green sugar if desired.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned.
Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes this recipe kid-safe?
This recipe uses Natural Green Food Color – Water Soluble Extract, which is made from plant-based ingredients and free from artificial additives.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just reduce the added salt by half if you use salted butter.
3. How do I make the green color more vibrant?
Add an extra ½ teaspoon of Natural Green Food Color for a deeper shade. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coloring.
4. Can I use cookie cutters for themed shapes?
Absolutely! Shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and rainbows are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
5. Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
7. Are these cookies dairy-free?
You can make them dairy-free by substituting the butter with vegan butter or margarine.
8. Can I decorate them with icing?
Definitely! Use a simple powdered sugar glaze or kid-safe royal icing tinted with Natural Green Food Color.
9. How can I make them softer?
Don’t overbake—remove from the oven when the edges are just set for a soft, chewy texture.
10. Are these cookies good for school events?
Yes! They’re kid-friendly, nut-free (if almond extract is omitted), and naturally colored—perfect for classroom treats.