Shamrock Cookies

Shamrock shaped cookies are the obvious choice when it comes to making decorated cookies for St. Patrick's Day.

The problem with them is there aren't many ways to get creative with the decorating. Solid green is kind of the only choice.

One way I've found to add interest to shamrock cookies is to decorate them in sections, letting them dry for a bit in between. This technique creates a textured effect that adds interest and dimension to the cookie. Plus, it's easy to do and you still only have to mix one color of royal icing.

Here's how:

Take your time mixing your green royal icing. Since these are a one color cookie, you want a good looking shade. I used a combination of avacado, leaf green, electric green and brown Americolors.

The pretty handle of my Grandmother Beatrice's rolling pin was the inspiration for the green color I mixed. It's always helpful to have a visual of the color you want to mix.

Using a #2 tip and flood consistency icing, outline and fill the bottom two leaf sections on every cookie. Let the icing dry for at least 20 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Now outline and fill the top leaf section of every cookie.

Finally, outline and fill the stem. Now you have a single colored cookie that's definitely not boring — so much better than flat green. Be sure to let the cookies dry completely before serving or packaging.