Easy Leprechaun Shortbread Bites
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!
Servings: 81 squares
Calories: 39kcal
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
- 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.
Notes
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
Recipe adapted from Land O Lakes.
Nutrition
Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg