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These melt-in-your-mouth Leprechaun Shortbread Bites, inspired by the magical Emerald Isle, are delicious, easy and so fun to gift to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. with an adorable, free printable label!
The minute the calendar flips from February to March, my mind always starts roaming to the land of leprechauns. In a culinary sense, that is. The calendar turnover reminds me that the Irish celebration of St. Patrick's Day is on the near horizon. Am I Irish? Nope, but I guess you could call me a wanna-be Irish gal. Because I love the idea of celebrating the Emerald Isle's patron saint and really enjoy coming up with new recipes to make March 17th fun and festive. These delicious Leprechaun Shortbread Bites are my ode to St. Patrick's 2021!
This is not an original Café recipe but rather one I found on one of my favorite recipe websites, Land O Lakes. Their recipe for their Christmas Shortbread Tidbits had such great reviews I decided to wave it with an Irish magic wand and transform it into these whimsical, can't-eat-just-one Leprechaun Shortbread Bites.
The recipe couldn't be easier; just combine softened butter with sugar and blend well. Add a splash of almond and vanilla extracts and enough green food coloring to yield your desired hue. Then add flour and stir until the mixture is crumbly and the flour is well incorporated. Pour it into a foil-lined pan and press the dough firmly into the pan. Refrigerate to firm up the butter for 10 minutes then remove the dough from the pan and cut it into squares. Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes. Bake, then try to hold off snitching one or two until they're cooled. So delicious, so fun!
A wonderful gift from the kitchen!
Because these Leprechaun Shortbread Bites make such a great gift to surprise a neighbor, friend, family member, co-worker, service person... whoever... I made a fun little Irishy label to attach to a gift box, bag or plate.
If you'd like a free printable PDF for these labels and instructions on how to use them, just leave us a little note in the comment section below. We'll email you the PDF. All you have to do is double click on the PDF icon which will bring up the PDF reader on your computer. You will then have an option to print the labels. If you don't have a home printer, you can take the PDF to any office or printing store and have them printed there.
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner! Put on some Irish music, make a batch of these super easy Leprechaun Shortbread Bites and start celebrating!
Cafe Tips for these Leprechaun Shortbread Bites
- Because this recipe doesn't call for a mixer, you want the butter to be nice and soft. You can leave butter sit out at room temperature to soften but if the air is chilly it won't get soft enough. Here are a few easy tricks for softening butter.
- You can soften the butter in the microwave at a 10% power level. It works like magic. You’ll need to experiment a bit with your microwave though, as they’re all different. Start with 1 minute. Add 20 to 30-second increments until you learn how long your microwave will take to get the butter nice and soft, but not melted.
- Another technique I often use to soften butter is to put it in the microwave for 30 minutes to an hour with the light on. To keep the light on in the microwave I put a folded paper towel in the door. Don't leave it in there too long though. I forgot about it a few days ago and was amazed when I opened the door and found a plate of melted butter!
- Boil a cup of water in the microwave for 3-4 minutes and get things nice and steamy. Leave the water cup in the microwave, add the butter and close the door. The warmth from the steamy water will help to quickly soften the butter within 20-30 minutes.
- Cutting the butter into small pieces helps it soften quicker.
- Put the butter in the oven with the light turned on. This will take 1-2 hours.
- The fastest way to soften butter is to put cold butter in the microwave for 10 seconds. Turn it to the opposite side and microwave for another 10 seconds. It might be ready at this point, but if it’s not completely soft, add one or two more 5-second stints, turning the butter each time. Don't walk away when using this option or you'll have the prettiest melted butter you ever saw.
- If you prefer to use a mixer, go for it! You won't need the butter to be as soft.
- There are several pan options for making these Leprechaun Shortbread Bites and your choice will determine how thick the final shortbread squares are. I usually use a 9x9-inch baking pan which results in a nice thick shortbread as pictured above. You can also use a 9x13-inch baking pan which will yield thinner (and more) squares. We love it both ways.
- These Leprechaun Shortbread Bites make a delicious and easy dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of this Best Ever Hot Fudge Sauce or this Mint Basil Syrup (in keeping with the green theme).
- As mentioned above these delicious shortbread cookies make a really fun gift. I like to put them in a little cellophane treat bag then tuck the bag into one of these pretty gift boxes. Add a label (see above) and you've got a delightful gift that anyone would love, Irish or not!
- I use a bit of green gel food color for the Leprechaun Shortbread Bites as well as green, white and a few pink nonpareils. Pink is not a traditional St. Patrick's day color but I think they add a touch of magic. And, in combination with the green shortbread and green and white nonpareils, there is a reminisce of Irish hillsides dotted with wildflowers in springtime.
- A 1-inch wide plastic ruler makes it a breeze to score and cut these Leprechaun Shortbread Bites.
- Normally, I love to line my sheet pans with parchment paper for easy clean up, however, it seems that skipping the parchment with this recipe helps the dough to spread less in the oven.
Thought for the day:
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
- 1 cup very soft butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- green food color gel or liquid
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 9 teaspoons multi-colored nonpareils I use green, white and a few pink
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Heat oven to 325°F. Line 9-inch square baking pan with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on 2 sides. Spray the foil and sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Combine butter, sugar and extracts in a large bowl. Stir until creamy and well combined. Add the green food color, a little at a time until the desired color is achieved.
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Beat until well mixed. Add the flour and salt and stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until all of the flour is incorporated. The mixture will be crumbly. Stir in the nonpareils. leaving 1-2 teaspoons for the top.
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Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and pat it to an even layer. I like to use a flat bottom glass or a metal hamburger spatula to help pat and even out the dough. Sprinkle reserved nonpareils evenly over the top and press gently to help them stay in place.
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Refrigerate for 10 minutes then use the foil to lift the dough from the pan onto a cutting surface. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Place squares 1-inch apart onto 2 ungreased cookie sheets; discard foil.
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Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
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Bake 13-15 minutes or until bottoms just begin to brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
Recipe adapted from Land O Lakes.
Delia A says
Would love the Leprechaun labels. thank you so much for the recipe & labels. Eye appeal & also great recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Delia!
Patti Grant says
Would love to get the PDF for the labels. What a wonderful gift these would make for special occasions!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Patti!
Glynis says
Hi Chris,
Am going to make an adjustment in the colour to pink and serve these at a "Mothers Day Luncheon - I will send you a picture (if they look
okay).
Please send PDF for labels and then each MUM will have a little bit of yum to take home
Love your ideas - so ooooo creative
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Glynis! The labels should be in your email 😊
Julie Doyle says
I just discovered these and am looking forward to making them for family and friends! Please send me the PDF so I can suprise them!! I’m enjoying your other recipes as well
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Julie! Enjoy!
Nora says
Just seeing this. What fun to receive such a cute gift!! Too late for this year, but will save it for next year. Please send pdf. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Nora!
Amy Helgren says
I made these for my husband for St. Patrick’s Day, so good and festive! I just read your reply about using salted butter, I’ll have to give it a try with my next batch.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Amy!
Alice says
Chris I took these to our Bible study last night. Big hit! The flavor is perfect and was great with coffee. I used Irish butter and some cute sprinkles. I would love the label pdf. Thanks for another lovely recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad to hear that, Alice! Thanks for sharing your results. We will send the labels now.
Jo says
Hello.
I tried this recipe today.
The bites didn't hold their shape and flattened out, running together on cooking into adjoined "pancakes".
It was hard to get the sheet out of the pan, and most crumbled.
We actually made a trip to the park and feed the cookies to birds, because they were like breadcrumbs.
Looking for feedback on what might have been missed.
The cookies look magical in the pictures.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Jo, hmmm.. did you use 2 sticks of butter? It's hard to say without having been there in the kitchen with you. I've made numerous batches of these with great results. I'm sorry you had trouble with the recipe. Others have written to report good success so I'm just not sure.
Beth Scott Braithwaite says
Chris,
I am late seeing what I anticipate being a wonderful St. Patrick's/birthday treat for our grandson and his siblings.
If it's not too late, I'd love the PDF for the labels. Don't rush though, it will be fabulous next year if I don't get to use
it today:)
In Joy!
Beth
Chris Scheuer says
I hope they enjoy it! Sending the labels now, Beth!
Brigitte says
Hi Chris,,
I would love the PDF label for these Irish Shortbread Bites, they are so cute. I have tried all your shortbread recipes and they are all fantastic. I get rave reviews whenever I gift it to someone and I point them all to your blog. Have a wonderful St. Patrick Day tomorrow.
Brigitte
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Brigitte! Sending them now!
Brigitte says
Hi Chris,
I just saw your cute little leprechauns Bites, Id like to make some tomorrow for my little leprechauns coming for dinner for our traditional Irish feast. Can I please have the PDF label. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day tomorrow.
Regards,
Brigitte
Brigitte says
Hi Chris,
I just saw these cute Leprechauns Bites, Id like to make some , can you please send me the PDF label.
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes.
Regards
Brigitte
MHaly says
Hello Chris,
Thank you for the delicious and uncomplicated recipes. I am a total fan of your “Ridiculously Easy” recipes. They are fail-proof & made learning to bake such a rewarding and delicious process, during this pandemic times 🙂
I look forward to making these Leprechaun shortbread cookies
Could you kindly email me the lovely labels’ PDF?
Many thanks!
-Mhaly
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad to hear that, Mhaly! We will send the labels now!
Peggy says
These turned out as a perfect gift for my Irish friend. Thanks. Your recipes have helped me through the pandemic.
Chris Scheuer says
I love that, Peggy!
Kathy Mont says
I would love your PDF . Thank you for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kathy!
Bridget says
These are so cute and I would love the label. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Bridget!
Patricia Boylan says
Hi:
I mistakenly deleted the label for the shortbread bites. Could you please resend it? Thanks so much! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Chris Scheuer says
No problem!
Maureen E McCroskey says
Love this idea! Please send labels. Many thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Just send them, Maureen!
Susan Littig says
Love this recipe and am using it for the big Green Day. Was wondering if you could change it over to Easter with yellow and pink sprinkles and maybe color the dough pink? I think it would be great if you could design us an Easter Tidbits labels for us to use. Just thinking. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Susan, so happy you have enjoyed this recipe! I'm actually planning to share something similar for Easter and will makes some labels to go with it. Be on the lookout! 🥰
Wendy Dembeck says
Just finished some London Fog Vanilla Bean Shortbread. One problem: I come out with far fewer than the 24--about half. And I am measuring 1/2" . Not using a big cookie cutter. Can you think of why that's happening? They taste delicious anyway.
I would also like the PDF file. I hope they will travel with us to an actual outdoor, 4 person, fully vaccinated, St. Patrick's Day dinner.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Wendy, the yield will all depend on the size cookie cutter. Are you rerolling the scraps, that makes a difference too.
We don't have a PDF for the London Fog Cookies but we'll be happy to send you the shortbread bites.
Hope says
I would love the sticker pdf
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Hope!
Patti Good says
Hi Chris, I have to tell you how much I love your blogs and your style. You have inspired a cook in me that I didn't know existed! I await each of your new posts and then invite guests to come try the new recipes - always with GREAET reviews. I thank you and my friends and family thank you! I have shared your site with SO many people!
I do have a question for you. When you call for butter in your recipes?
Thank you again!
Patti
Patti Good says
Sorry, when you use butter in your recipes, do you generally use salted or unsalted?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Patti, thanks so much for your kind and encouraging comment! I'm so happy you've enjoyed and have had success with our recipes!
I always use salted butter. I know it's contrary to what many chefs recommend but I think it has more flavor and the salt keeps it fresher. It's funny because I've always used salted butter but a few years ago, I discovered the Christopher Kimbal, the founder of Cook's Illustrated has the same opinion: https://www.facebook.com/cpkmilkstreet/posts/milk-street-qa-salted-vs-unsalted-butterour-fan-dorothy-goldie-asks-us-is-unsalt/1881169672116091/
Tricia Ann Rieger says
Can't wait to make these this weekend- may I please get a copy of the label PDF- thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Enjoy, Tricia! We will send the labels now.
Lynn says
Would love the pdf
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Lynn!
Millie Law says
Chris these look delish, and so fun! Would love to receive your label pdf. Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Millie!