Shamrock no bake cookies always remind me of the first time my mom let me add the green coloring myself. When I was growing up, St. Patrick’s Day meant mint chocolate treats setting up on parchment in our kitchen. Back in our kitchen, she’d stir the chocolate mixture while I waited for that cool peppermint scent to rise up from the bowl. My mom always said, “Don’t overdo the mint,” and trust me on this, that’s the secret. These shamrock no bake cookies are chewy, glossy, and perfectly set without ever turning on the oven.
No-Bake Shamrock No Bake Cookies
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- wooden spoon
- Cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon)
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
- 2 –3 drops green food coloring
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with milk and sugar, stirring constantly.
- Once fully melted, bring mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 60 seconds exactly (do not exceed).
- Remove from heat immediately. Stir in cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla, salt, and green food coloring.
- Fold in oats and chocolate chips until evenly coated. The mixture should look glossy and thick but scoopable.
- Drop 1½ tablespoon portions onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently shape into round “shamrock” mounds if desired.
- Let set at room temperature for 20 minutes until firm to the touch.
- Texture cue: The cookies should hold their shape and feel set but remain soft and chewy inside.
Notes
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Freezing:
Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes. Humidity Tip:
In humid climates, boil full 60 seconds and allow 30 minutes setting time. Troubleshooting:
- Too soft? Boil 10 seconds longer next batch.
- Too crumbly? Reduce boil time slightly.
- Mint too strong? Add ½ teaspoon vanilla to balance.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Between you and me, shamrock no bake cookies are the kind of treat my mom would stack high on a green plate and call “just for the holiday.” That cool mint and chocolate combo always brings to mind festive desserts, especially when I want something extra themed. If you enjoy playful holiday shapes, you might also like colorful confetti no-bake cookies or other fun seasonal treats made in different shapes. Trust me, once you master that perfect 60-second boil, these cookies will set beautifully every time.