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How to Make the Best Shamrock Cupcakes for St. Patrick’s Day

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These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes bring the classic flavors of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake into a soft, fluffy cupcake topped with creamy peppermint frosting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, these festive green cupcakes are easy to make and can be customized in fun ways! Whether you prefer a chocolate-mint version, a boozy Irish cream twist, or a vegan adaptation, this recipe is versatile and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • Green food coloring

For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Green food coloring

For garnish:

  • Whipped cream
  • Green sprinkles
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Add a few drops of green food coloring until desired shade is reached.
  6. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  7. For the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, mixing until fluffy. Add green food coloring as needed.
  8. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.

Notes

  • For a stronger mint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract by adding a few drops at a time.
  • For an even fluffier texture, sift the flour before mixing.
  • If your frosting is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.
  • For a richer taste, substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract.
  • To avoid artificial food coloring, use matcha powder or spinach juice for natural green coloring.

Enjoy your Shamrock Shake Cupcakes, and have a festive St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀🎉

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/how-to-make-the-best-shamrock-cupcakes-for-st-patricks-day/