Name: Shamrock Shake Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483572H23M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon mint extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1-2 drops green food coloring (optional, for color); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon mint extract; Green food coloring (optional); 1-2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

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St. Patrick’s Day is all about that vibrant pop of green, and what better way to celebrate than with Shamrock Shake Cupcakes? These cupcakes are like the beloved Shamrock Shake in cupcake form, with a minty, fluffy cake base, topped with a rich, creamy frosting, and finished off with a festive green swirl that screams “lucky”! They’re perfect for any St. Paddy’s celebration or just when you’re craving something sweet with a bit of a minty twist. Trust me, one bite of these, and you’ll be dancing an Irish jig (or at least smiling like you did).

These cupcakes bring all the minty, creamy goodness of the classic Shamrock Shake, but with a whole new spin. Fluffy, moist, and oh-so-tasty, these little treats will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe! Whether you’re baking them for a party or just because, they’re a fun and easy way to celebrate with a bite of something magical.

Why You’ll Love Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a true treat for the senses. Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch (or two!):

Minty Goodness: The perfect balance of fresh mint and sweetness, these cupcakes are a tribute to that nostalgic Shamrock Shake we all love. It’s refreshing, indulgent, and totally irresistible.

Fun and Festive: These cupcakes are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any spring celebration. With their vibrant green color and minty flavor, they bring all the festive fun to your table.

Moist and Fluffy: The cake itself is light, moist, and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth. Topped with creamy frosting, it’s the ultimate sweet treat.

Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baker, don’t worry—these cupcakes are simple to make and come together in no time. Plus, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these minty little cupcakes to life:

Flour: The base for your cupcake batter, giving it structure and softness.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: For that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Gives the cupcakes that rich, soft texture.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and makes it irresistible.
Eggs: The binding agent, making everything come together.
Milk: For moisture, keeping the cupcakes soft and tender.

Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor that rounds out the mint.
Mint Extract: The star ingredient for that fresh, minty kick.
Green Food Coloring: For that signature Shamrock Shake green (because no one’s ever complained about extra color!)

For the frosting:

Unsalted Butter: A smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: For that sweet, fluffy consistency.

Heavy Cream: To thin out the frosting and make it perfectly pipe-able.
Mint Extract: To keep that minty flavor strong in the frosting.
Green Food Coloring: To make the frosting match the cupcakes’ minty magic.

Sprinkles (optional): A festive touch to top it all off!

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these Shamrock Shake Cupcakes is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out effortlessly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for making the cupcakes soft and airy!

4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and mint extract. Mix until smooth.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cupcakes to stay light and fluffy. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you get that beautiful Shamrock Shake green.

6. Fill the Cupcake Tin:

Scoop the batter evenly into your cupcake tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full. This will give the cupcakes plenty of room to rise.

7. Bake:

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add the heavy cream, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat until smooth and creamy.

9. Frost the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe or spread the minty frosting onto each cupcake. You can use a piping bag for a fun swirl or simply spread it on with a knife.

10. Add the Finishing Touch:

Top with festive sprinkles or a few extra mint leaves for that extra pop of fun!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%
Potassium: 75mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Cool Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are perfect for all kinds of celebrations! Here’s how to serve them:

St. Patrick’s Day Party: Perfect for your St. Paddy’s Day party! They’re a festive and delicious way to celebrate.

Gift Them: Wrap a few up and give them to friends as a sweet and festive gift.
Snack Time: A great treat to brighten up your day, anytime you need a minty pick-me-up.
Dessert Table: Serve them alongside other St. Patrick’s Day treats like green Jello or Irish soda bread for a full spread.

Additional Tips

For Extra Minty Flavor: If you love mint, you can always add a little extra mint extract in both the cupcake batter and the frosting.
Cupcake Toppers: Add some golden coins (chocolate or foil-wrapped) to the top for an extra fun and festive touch!
Make Them Ahead: You can make these cupcakes a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost them the day you plan to serve them.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these without mint extract?
A1: Yes! You can substitute mint extract with peppermint extract or leave it out completely. The flavor will be different, but still delicious!

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the cupcakes a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Q3: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw and frost them.

Q4: Can I use buttercream frosting instead of mint frosting?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to swap the mint frosting for any frosting you prefer, but the mint really gives it that Shamrock Shake vibe.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter?
A5: Yes! Chocolate chips would add a fun twist to the flavor. Just fold them in gently before you fill the cupcake liners.

Q6: How do I make the frosting more colorful?
A6: Add more green food coloring for a brighter green shade, or mix in a few drops of food coloring to get different shades for a swirled effect.

Q7: Can I use cake mix instead of making the cupcakes from scratch?
A7: Yes, you can use a box cake mix. Just follow the directions on the box and add mint extract and green food coloring to make them festive.

Q8: What kind of frosting tip should I use?
A8: A star tip works beautifully to create a fun swirl of frosting on top. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can always use a butter knife to spread the frosting.

Q9: Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?
A9: Yes! You can substitute eggs with an egg replacer or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) to make these cupcakes egg-free.

Q10: Can I add sprinkles to the frosting?
A10: Absolutely! Colorful sprinkles will add a fun touch to the frosting and make them even more festive for St. Patrick’s Day.

Conclusion

These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a little extra luck and fun to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (or any day, really). With their light, minty flavor and rich frosting, they’ll have you feeling like you’ve won the jackpot. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and enjoy the festive spirit with every delicious bite!

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes