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5.0 from 51 votes

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!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 81 squares
Calories: 39 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Irish

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

    Cup of Yum
  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.

Notes

  • See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
  • Recipe adapted from Land O Lakes.

Nutrition Information

Calories 39kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 6mg (2%) Sodium 27mg (1%) Potassium 5mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 70IU (1%) Calcium 1mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 81squares

Amount Per Serving

Calories 39

% Daily Value*

Calories 39kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 27mg 1%
Potassium 5mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 70IU 1%
Calcium 1mg 0%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.