Vegan St Patricks Day Cookies Everyone Will Love

Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Souhail

Living in New York City means the St Patrick’s Day parade is basically a second holiday. The streets are packed with green hats and marching bands. I always crave something sweet after watching the festivities. That is why I developed these amazing vegan st patricks day cookies. They fit perfectly into a busy weeknight or a festive gathering. The flavor profile is buttery and sweet with a hint of vanilla. What makes them special is the texture. They are soft yet sturdy enough for decorating.

I remember one year when I was rushing to get to a party in Brooklyn. I wanted to bring something homemade but did not have much time. These cookies saved the day. They come together quickly and use pantry staples. You do not need fancy equipment to make them shine. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want a treat for yourself, this recipe delivers. The green frosting adds that classic holiday pop without artificial aftertastes. It is all about celebrating with food that feels good and tastes even better.

Why These Vegan St Patricks Day Cookies Are Your New Favorite Treat

Let me tell you why these cookies are absolute winners. First, they are completely plant-based, so everyone at your table can enjoy them. Second, the texture is perfectly chewy in the center with crisp edges. Third, the frosting holds its shape beautifully for piping shamrocks or simple swirls.

You can easily customize this recipe to fit your needs. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make them celiac-friendly. Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a lower glycemic option. Want to make them soy-free? Just choose a plant-based butter without soy lecithin. The base recipe is flexible and forgiving, which I love when I am baking after a long day in the city.

My Best Secrets for Perfect Vegan St Patricks Day Cookies Every Time

I have baked these cookies dozens of times, and these tips will set you up for success. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and keeps your shapes sharp. If you are in a hurry, pop the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes instead. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.

Too much flour leads to dry cookies. For the green frosting, start with a small amount of natural food coloring and build up the shade. You can use spirulina powder for a natural green hue, though it adds a subtle earthy note. Let your cookies cool completely before frosting. Warm cookies will melt that beautiful buttercream.

And finally, have fun with it. Baking should feel joyful, not stressful.

Variants of the Recipe

One of the best things about this base cookie is how adaptable it is. You can change up the flavors, textures, or dietary profile with simple swaps. Here are my favorite variations to try.

Chocolate Mint Version: Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in vegan mint chips. This creates a rich, festive cookie reminiscent of after-dinner mints. The mint flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla base. If you want extra minty freshness, add a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough. This version is perfect for chocolate lovers who still want that St Patrick’s Day spirit.

Citrus Zest Twist: Stir in one tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor profile. The citrus cuts through the sweetness and adds a sophisticated note. This variation works wonderfully if you are serving these cookies alongside afternoon tea or coffee. You can also add a teaspoon of citrus juice to the frosting for a tangy complement.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace the all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add a quarter teaspoon per cup of flour. The texture will be slightly more crumbly but still delicious. This swap ensures everyone at your gathering can enjoy a treat without worry.

Sprinkle Celebration: Fold three tablespoons of vegan green and white sprinkles into the dough before chilling. This adds fun pops of color and a slight crunch. Be sure to use sprinkles labeled vegan, as many contain confectioner’s glaze derived from insects. This version is especially popular with kids and makes for adorable party favors.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves scattered around. For a festive touch, arrange them on a green platter with gold-rimmed plates. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea or a creamy oat milk latte. If you are hosting a larger gathering, stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a green ribbon for a charming centerpiece.

You can also crumble leftover cookies over vegan vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert parfait. For an elegant presentation, dust the frosted cookies with edible gold glitter just before serving. The contrast of green frosting and gold sparkle feels magical and celebratory.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Frosted cookies should be refrigerated in a single layer for up to three days to keep the frosting firm.

If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging. To bring back that fresh-baked softness, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for three to five minutes. Do not microwave frosted cookies, as the frosting will melt.

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted dough balls for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding one to two minutes to the bake time.

Creative Uses for the Recipe

These cookies are not just for eating plain. Crumble them into a vegan trifle layered with coconut whipped cream and berries. Use them as a base for cookie pops by inserting lollipop sticks before baking.

Press warm cookies into a pie dish to create a no-bake crust for cheesecake. You can also sandwich two cookies with vegan raspberry jam for a festive whoopie pie. Get creative and let these cookies inspire your next dessert adventure.

How Do You Make it

Vegan ST Patricks Day Cookies

Recipe by Fatima Zahrae

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

145

kcal

Soft and Festive vegan st patricks day cookies that are easy to make, beautifully green, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. These egg-free treats deliver classic sugar cookie flavor with a plant-based twist.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 0.5 teaspoon salt

• Green natural food coloring, as needed

• For the frosting

• 0.5 cup vegan butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2 to 3 tablespoons plant-based milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Green natural food coloring, as needed

Directions

• Start by creaming together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
• Add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, then mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
• Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut out shapes using a shamrock or round cookie cutter.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
• Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still look soft.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• While the cookies cool, make the frosting by beating the softened vegan butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
• Add green natural food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade.
• Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or offset spatula.

Notes

• For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure flour for accuracy.
• If your kitchen is warm, chill the cut-out shapes for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Natural food coloring may require more drops to achieve vibrant green; be patient and add gradually.
• These cookies freeze beautifully unfrosted; thaw overnight before decorating.
• For a subtle flavor boost, add a pinch of almond extract to the frosting.
• Always let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 24
• Calories: 145kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 0.95mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 1.5g

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FAQS

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I grew up celebrating St Patrick’s Day with my Irish-American grandmother in Queens. She would bake traditional treats, but as I embraced a plant-based lifestyle, I wanted to keep those memories alive with recipes that fit my values. These vegan st patricks day cookies are my love letter to those afternoons in her sunlit kitchen.

The smell of vanilla and butter (the vegan kind!) still takes me back. Now, when I share these cookies with friends in my New York apartment, I feel that same warmth and connection. Food is about more than ingredients. It is about the stories we carry and the people we gather around the table.

Let’s Connect

I would love to see your creations. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below with your photos of these vegan st patricks day cookies. Did you try a variation? What frosting design did you love most? Your feedback inspires my next recipe.

If you enjoyed these, you might also love my classic sugar cookies for year-round baking or this fun St Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow for a no-bake snack.

For more dessert inspiration, check out these rich banana bread brownies or a showstopping festive St Patrick’s Day cake. And if you want another cookie option, my traditional St Patrick’s Day sugar cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

Closing Paragraph

Baking these vegan st patricks day cookies is a joyful way to celebrate the season with kindness and flavor. They are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for your holiday table.

I hope they bring a little green magic to your kitchen and smiles to your loved ones. Remember, the best recipes are the ones shared with joy. So preheat that oven, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let’s bake something beautiful together. Happy St Patrick’s Day, friend.