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Vanilla Mint St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

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Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with these fun Vanilla Mint Cookies! Picture two bright green vanilla cookies sandwiched together with a creamy white mint frosting. The combo of sweet and minty is totally delicious, and the festive colors make them a perfect treat for your celebration. They’re super tasty and look amazing too—sure to be a hit at any St. Paddy’s party!

A letter board with the words "Shamrock Shake Whoopie Pies" with green whoopie pies and a bowl of cherries.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Mint St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich Cookies

You’re going to love making these Vanilla Mint St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich Cookies! Not only are they super cute with their bright green color, but they also bring the perfect mix of sweet vanilla and refreshing mint.

The creamy mint frosting sandwiched between soft, chewy cookies makes every bite a delight. Plus, they’re a fun and festive treat to whip up for your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations—whether you’re sharing them with friends or just enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to add a little extra magic to the day!

A hand holding a Shamrock Shake Whoopie Pie with white cream filling.

St Patrick’s Day Cookies Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Boxed Cake Mix: The base of your cookies, it keeps things simple yet versatile. For best results, use white or vanilla cake mix. 
  • Softened Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb. Coconut oil is a great alternative for a slightly different flavor profile. 
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, giving the cookies structure. Flax eggs make a good substitute for a vegan variation. 
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies with warm, aromatic depth. Almond extract can be used for a nuttier note. 
  • Green Food Coloring: Brings in the iconic green hue, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Spinach juice gives a natural color, albeit with a subtle taste. 
  • Marshmallow Cream: Create a creamy, fluffy filling that contrasts beautifully with the cookies. Mascarpone can be swapped in for a richer texture. 
  • Mint Extract: These essence oils introduce a classic minty freshness, elevating the filling. Peppermint essential oil is an alternative, but use sparingly due to its potency. 
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness to the filling, making it irresistibly spreadable. For a less refined option, try blending granulated sugar until fine. 
  • Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the filling. Any plant-based milk will be just as effective for a dairy-free version. 

How to Make Vanilla Mint Sandwich Cookies

[Step 1] Vanilla Cookies: Beat the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Add the cake mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Add enough green gel food coloring to achieve your desired color.

Green food coloring being poured into cookie dough.

[Step 2] Use a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop to place cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

[Step 3] Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

[Step 4] Mint Filling: Beat the butter and marshmallow cream together in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla and mint extracts. Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time Stir in the milk until smooth and add to a large piping bag or ziplock bag.

[Step 5] Cookie Assembly: Cut off the tip of the filling bag and pipe the frosting on the underside of half of the cookies. Place a second cookie on top of the frosting to make a sandwich. Enjoy!

White cream filling being piped onto one side of a Shamrock Shake Whoopie Pie

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Baking Tips & Tricks

  • Check the oven temperature before you start. An oven thermometer can confirm your oven’s accuracy. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly. 
  • Use a wire rack for cooling. Transferring your cookies to a wire rack stops the baking process and prevents soggy bottoms. It lets air circulate around the cookies, cooling them faster and more evenly. 
  • Add white chocolate chips for a creamy texture and sweet flavor. Fold them into the batter last. This extra twist doesn’t just add flavor – it brings a delightful texture contrast to your minty treats. 

How to Store Leftover Cookies

To keep your Vanilla Mint Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’ve made a big batch or want to save some for later, you can also pop them in the fridge for about a week—just let them sit out a bit before enjoying so the frosting softens up again.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without frosting) in a sealed container for up to 2 months and frost them when you’re ready to serve!

Shamrock Shake Whoopie Pies on a wooden background with tiny green shamrocks.

Recipe Variations

  • Experiment with Chocolate: Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, green M&Ms, or green sprinkles to the cookie dough for a delightful twist. The combination of mint and chocolate captures a classic flavor pairing that everyone loves. 
  • Colorful Sprinkles: Mix in rainbow sprinkles into the batter before baking. This adds a burst of color and fun, perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. 
  • Lemon Zest Addition: For a fresh twist, add lemon zest to the frosting. The citrus flavor will complement the mint beautifully, offering a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. 
  • Crushed Candy Canes: Top the cookies with crushed candy canes for a minty crunch. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also elevates the mint flavor in every bite. 
  • Use Dark Chocolate Frosting: Replace the white mint frosting with a rich dark chocolate frosting. It creates an elegant contrast with the green cookies and adds a deep chocolatey taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, while white or Funfetti cake mix works best for that vibrant green color, you can experiment with other flavors. Just remember, the color might vary. Incorporating green food coloring into your batter will still bring out that festive touch. 
  • Is green food coloring safe? Absolutely. Green food coloring, especially when used in moderation, is safe for adding a playful hue to your cookies. For those looking for natural alternatives, matcha or spinach powder could offer a subtle green tint and a unique flavor twist. 
  • Can these cookies be made gluten-free? Indeed, replacing the standard cake mix with a gluten-free variety is an easy swap. Ensure all other ingredients, including the marshmallow cream, are labeled gluten-free. This simple modification won’t compromise the delicious taste or texture of your cookies. 

More St. Patrick’s Day Treats:

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A hand holding a shamrock shake cookie

Vanilla Mint St. Patrick's Day Cookies

Yield: 20 Sandwich Cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

A Softy and chewy vanilla cookie filled with creamy mint filling! The sandwich cookie version of the classic McDonald's Shamrock Shake. A fun St. Patrick's Day treat!

Ingredients

Vanilla Cookies

  • 1 Cake Mix (White or Funfetti)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • Green Food Coloring

Mint Filling

  • 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
  • 8 Ounces Marshmallow Cream
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Mint Extract
  • 2 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Milk

Instructions

  1. Vanilla Cookies: Beat the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Add the cake mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Add enough green gel food coloring to achieve your desired color.
  2. Use a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop to place cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
  4. Mint Filling: Beat the butter and marshmallow cream together in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla and mint extracts. Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time Stir in the milk until smooth and add to a large piping bag or ziplock bag.
  5. Cookie Assembly: Cut off the tip of the filling bag and pipe the frosting on the underside of half of the cookies. Place a second cookie on top of the frosting to make a sandwich. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 279Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 281mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 0gSugar: 32gProtein: 2g

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