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Lucky Leprechaun Cookies

Let these little guys be the stars of your St. Patrick's Day party. They're so fun to make and create an unforgettable impression! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

20-40 ServingsPrep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
3 to 4 cups Royal Icing
Assorted paste food coloring
Green shimmer dust or edible glitter, optional
Green shamrock sprinkles, optional
Miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add
eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in
vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt;
gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30
minutes or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness.
For leprechauns, cut out dough with lightly floured 5-in.
gingerbread boy cookie cutter. If desired, trim leprechaun's body
for a thinner shape.

2 of 2

Lucky Leprechaun Cookies (continued)

Directions (continued)

For each hat, cut a 1-1/2-in. square and a 1-3/4-in. x 1/4-in. brim
from dough scraps. Place leprechauns 2 in. apart on ungreased baking
sheets. Place hat squares and brims above heads, shaping gently to
touch the heads.
Bake at 350° for 10-14 minutes or until edges are lightly
browned. Cool for 1 minute before carefully removing to wire racks
to cool completely.
Tint small amounts of Royal Icing red, yellow and black. Leave a
small amount plain. Tint remaining icing green and orange. Frost
leprechauns; decorate with shimmer dust and shamrock sprinkles if
desired. For eyes, attach miniature chocolate chips with plain
frosting. Yield: about 3 dozen.

Editor's Note: This recipe may also be used to make shamrock cookies, using 2-1/2-in. or 4-in. cookie cutters. Or, using 3-in. alphabet cookie cutters, cut out the letters for IRISH or any phrase or name. Reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes for both cookies. (Refer to cover photos and at right for decorating ideas.) Yield for shamrocks or letters is about 6 dozen. Edible glitter is available from Wilton Industries. Call 1-800/794-5866 or visit www.wilton.com.