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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!
Course Dessert/Cookies
Cuisine Irish
Keyword Irish Shortbread, Leprechaun Shortbread Bites
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 81 squares
Calories 39 kcal
Author Chris Scheuer

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. Refrigerate again for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
  7. 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.

Recipe Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.

Recipe adapted from Land O Lakes.

Nutrition Facts
Easy Leprechaun Shortbread Bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 39 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 27mg1%
Potassium 5mg0%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 70IU1%
Calcium 1mg0%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.