St. Patrick’s Day sneaks up fast, and if there’s one thing that makes a holiday feel extra fun, it’s themed treats. You don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up something festive. These easy St. Patrick’s Day cookies check all the boxes. They’re soft, chewy, and covered in a light sugar coating that cracks just right when they bake. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet and simple without being too much work. The best part? No fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes of effort.
These cookies start with a cake mix, so you know they’re going to be simple. There’s no measuring out flour, baking soda, or any of that. Just a few mix-ins, a splash of green food coloring, and you’re on your way. Once they’re rolled in sugar and baked, they take on that classic crinkle look, making them as fun to eat as they are to look at. If you need a last-minute St. Patrick’s Day dessert, these will save the day.
Whether you’re baking for a class party, a family gathering, or just for fun, these cookies fit the bill. They come together fast, require zero decorating skills, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, if you’re looking for something fun to do with kids, these are perfect for little hands to help with. Rolling the dough balls in sugar is easy enough for toddlers to do, and let’s be real—kids love anything that turns green. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and how to make them.
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What You Need to Make These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
The ingredient list is short and sweet, just the way it should be. You might already have most of these in your pantry.
- White cake mix – A box of cake mix makes this recipe almost effortless. No need to measure out a bunch of dry ingredients.
- Eggs – Helps bind everything together and give the cookies structure.
- Oil – Keeps them soft and chewy.
- Kelly green gel food coloring – Gives these cookies their festive color. Gel food coloring works best because it’s more concentrated and won’t make the dough too wet.
- Granulated sugar – Used for the first layer of coating before baking.
- Powdered sugar – Adds a sweet, crackly finish on top.
That’s it! No butter, no fancy extracts, just simple ingredients that come together for a perfect batch of cookies.
How to Make These Simple St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
Making these cookies couldn’t be easier. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
- Mix the dough – Combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. Stir with a spatula until the dough forms.
- Add the color – Mix in the green food coloring until the color is even throughout the dough.
- Chill – Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to handle.
- Preheat and prepare – Set the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll in sugar – Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each one in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar.
- Bake – Arrange the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, about two inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes.
- Cool – Let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
That’s all there is to it! They’ll be soft when they come out, but they firm up as they cool.
Recipe for Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (about 3 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, and oil until a sticky dough forms.
- Add the green food coloring and stir until evenly mixed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the tops have a crackled appearance.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Let’s be honest—no one wants to spend all day baking, especially when life is already busy. That’s why these easy St. Patrick’s Day cookies are a winner. They come together fast, bake in minutes, and turn out perfect every single time. Here’s why they work so well:
- Cake mix does the heavy lifting – No measuring out flour, baking powder, or sugar. The mix already has everything balanced for a soft, chewy texture. Just add a few simple ingredients, and the dough is ready in minutes.
- Oil instead of butter – Butter is great, but it can make cookies crispier, and it requires time to soften. Oil keeps these cookies soft and moist for days, so they stay just as good on day three as they were fresh out of the oven.
- Chilling the dough makes a difference – If you’ve ever had cookies spread too much in the oven, you know how frustrating it can be. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps control the spread and makes the cookies thick and chewy instead of flat.
- Rolling in sugar isn’t just for looks – The granulated sugar helps create a light crunch on the outside, while the powdered sugar gives that signature crackled effect when the cookies bake. It’s not just pretty—it adds the perfect texture.
- Quick bake time – These cookies bake in under 12 minutes, so there’s no waiting around. As soon as they start cracking on top, they’re ready to come out. Let them cool for a few minutes, and they’re good to go.
This recipe is proof that simple can still be amazing. A few smart steps take these from basic to bakery-worthy without any extra effort. Easy, delicious, and no stress—exactly how baking should be!
Fun Ways to Change It Up
These easy St. Patrick’s Day cookies are already delicious, but sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. A little tweak here and there can take them from simple to extra special. Here are some easy ways to make them even better:
- White chocolate chips for extra sweetness – If you love a little extra richness, toss in a handful of white chocolate chips before rolling the dough into balls. They melt into the cookies, adding creamy bites of sweetness in every bite.
- A hint of mint for a shamrock shake vibe – A tiny splash of mint extract (¼ teaspoon is plenty) turns these into soft, chewy versions of a shamrock shake. If you love the classic St. Patrick’s Day milkshake, you’ll love this twist.
- Make them fit any holiday – St. Patrick’s Day calls for green, but you can use this same recipe for other occasions. Try red for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter. Gel food coloring works best for bold, vibrant cookies without messing up the dough.
- Sandwich them with frosting – Take two cookies, spread a layer of frosting in between, and make the easiest (and cutest) cookie sandwiches ever. Vanilla, cream cheese, or even a green-tinted buttercream would all be perfect choices.
- Give them a crunchy twist – For an extra texture boost, roll the cookie dough balls in crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts before baking. It adds a little crunch that balances out the soft, chewy center.
No matter how you change them up, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. It’s the same easy recipe, just with a fun new spin each time.
How to Store Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies So They Stay Fresh
No one likes a stale cookie. The good news is these easy St. Patrick’s Day cookies stay soft for days if stored the right way. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
- Airtight Container – The best way to store these cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them from drying out too fast.
- Layer with Parchment Paper – If stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
- Avoid the Fridge – Refrigerating cookies can dry them out. Unless it’s super hot where you live, keep them on the counter.
- Freeze for Later – If you want to make these ahead of time, freezing works great. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months.
If freezing the dough instead, scoop and roll the dough into balls, then freeze. When ready to bake, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before rolling in sugar and baking. No need to thaw completely.
Stored properly, these cookies stay soft for up to five days. If they start to dry out, toss a slice of bread in the container. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft longer.
How to Make These Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies with Kids
If you have kids at home, this recipe is perfect for getting them involved. There are plenty of fun, mess-free steps they can help with.
- Mixing the Dough – Let them stir the ingredients together (just expect a little flour dust in the air).
- Adding the Color – Watching the dough turn green is pretty exciting for little ones. Let them squeeze in the food coloring and mix it up.
- Rolling the Dough – Kids love rolling dough into little balls. Give them a scoop and let them shape the cookies.
- Coating in Sugar – This is the best part! Have one bowl with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar. Kids can roll each cookie ball in both before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Watching Them Bake – The crinkle effect happens in the oven, so they can peek through the oven window and see the magic happen.
Baking with kids might take a little longer, but it’s a great way to make holiday memories. Plus, these cookies are so easy that little helpers can handle most of the steps with just a little guidance.
Pairing Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies with Fun Holiday Treats
These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with other festive treats can make your celebration even more fun. Here are some easy ideas:
- Green Milk – Add a drop of green food coloring to a glass of milk for a simple, fun drink to go with these cookies.
- Shamrock Hot Chocolate – Stir some green-colored whipped cream into a mug of hot chocolate for a St. Paddy’s twist.
- Leprechaun Snack Mix – Mix pretzels, mini marshmallows, green M&Ms, and white chocolate chips for a simple party snack.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Take two cookies and sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
- Cookie Decorating Station – Set out melted white chocolate and green sprinkles so everyone can drizzle and decorate their cookies before eating.
Little touches like this make the holiday extra festive. Whether you’re hosting a party or just making a fun night for the family, these treats keep the St. Patrick’s Day theme going strong.
Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz white cake mix (about 3 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
- Stir together until a sticky dough forms.
- Add the Kelly green gel food coloring and mix until evenly combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the granulated sugar in one small bowl and the powdered sugar in another small bowl.
- Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Roll each scoop of dough into a ball between your hands.
- Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Next, roll each sugar-coated dough ball in the powdered sugar until completely covered.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, until the cookies have spread slightly and the tops are crackled.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
These easy St. Patrick’s Day cookies check every box—quick, simple, and packed with festive fun. They’re soft, chewy, and rolled in sugar for that classic crinkle effect. With just a handful of ingredients and a cake mix shortcut, there’s no complicated baking involved.
Here’s what we covered:
- Simple ingredients – A box of white cake mix, eggs, oil, green food coloring, and two kinds of sugar. That’s all you need!
- Easy steps – Mix, chill, roll in sugar, and bake. No fancy techniques, just a foolproof method that works every time.
- Why they turn out so good – Chilling the dough helps control spreading, and the sugar coating adds the perfect crackled finish.
- Ways to switch it up – Add white chocolate chips, a hint of mint, or even turn them into sandwich cookies with frosting.
- Storing them right – Keep them in an airtight container, or freeze them for later so you always have a festive treat on hand.
Whether you’re baking for a party, making treats for the kids, or just want a little something sweet, these cookies make St. Patrick’s Day even more fun. They’re easy enough to whip up last minute and stay soft for days, so you can make them ahead of time.
And let’s be real—these cookies are Pinterest-worthy. Their bright green color and crinkly sugar top make them just as pretty as they are delicious. So save this recipe and give them a try. They might just become your new favorite St. Paddy’s Day tradition!
