Gold Coin Sugar Cookies: A Pot of Gold Treat for St. Patrick’s Day

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .

Are you ready to strike gold with a delicious treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day?

Look no further than these Gold Coin Sugar Cookies, a tasty and fun dessert that’s sure to bring a pot of gold to your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Gold Coin Sugar Cookies are a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a sweet treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat.

The cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough that’s flavored with vanilla and topped with a golden royal icing. The result is a cookie that’s not only delicious but also looks like a real gold coin.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll be able to make these cookies with ease.

The recipe is also very versatile, so you can customize it to fit your needs. Want to make the cookies more festive?

Add some green food coloring to the dough to give them a fun St. Patrick’s Day twist.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 cups all-purpose flour , this type of flour is best for sugar cookies because it has a low protein content, which helps the cookies to be tender and delicate.

1 cup granulated sugar , granulated sugar is the best type of sugar to use for sugar cookies because it dissolves easily and provides a smooth texture.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened , using softened butter is important because it helps the dough to come together smoothly and prevents the cookies from being too dense.

1 large egg , the egg helps to bind the dough together and adds moisture to the cookies.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract , vanilla extract adds a delicious flavor to the cookies and helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.

Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional) , if you want to make the cookies more festive, you can add some colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the royal icing.

Golden royal icing (see below for recipe) , the golden royal icing is what gives the cookies their signature gold coin look.

Why These Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour

All purpose flour is a type of flour that is made from a blend of hard and soft wheat. It has a neutral flavor and a medium protein content, which makes it perfect for sugar cookies.

The protein content in all purpose flour helps to give the cookies structure and texture, while the neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.

When choosing all purpose flour, make sure to select a high quality brand that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long. Old flour can be stale and may not produce the best results.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is a type of sugar that is made from sugarcane or sugar beets. It is a fine, white sugar that is easy to dissolve and provides a smooth texture to baked goods.

Granulated sugar is the best type of sugar to use for sugar cookies because it helps to balance out the flavors and provides a nice crunch to the cookies.

When using granulated sugar, make sure to sift it before adding it to the recipe. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep , Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

This step is important because a cold oven will affect how the cookies spread.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients , In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps , this ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients , In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients , Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Step 5: Chill the Dough , Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it helps the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough , On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies , Place the cookies on the prepared baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Make the Royal Icing , To make the golden royal icing, you will need 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of gold dust or edible gold glitter. Mix the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Decorate the Cookies , Once the cookies are cool, use the royal icing to decorate them. You can pipe on borders, add sprinkles, or use a small brush to paint on details.

How To Serve

these cookies are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties or gatherings.

Serve them on a platter or in a bowl and watch them disappear.

if you want to make the cookies more special, you can package them in small bags or containers and give them as gifts. This is a great idea for coworkers, friends, or family members.

the cookies are also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at a breakfast or brunch gathering for a sweet treat.

if you’re feeling fancy, you can use the cookies to make a cookie cake. Simply arrange the cookies in a circle on a large plate or platter and decorate with royal icing.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

The cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

To keep the cookies fresh, you can also add a piece of bread to the container. The bread will absorb any moisture and help to keep the cookies dry.

Refrigerator

The cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

To store the cookies in the refrigerator, you can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or platter. Cover the cookies with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.

Freezer

The cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh.

To freeze the cookies, you can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or platter. Once the cookies are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or container for storage.

Top Tips

Use High Quality Ingredients

Using high quality ingredients is important because it affects the taste and texture of the cookies. Make sure to choose fresh and high quality ingredients to get the best results.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing the dough can lead to tough and dense cookies. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until they come together in a ball.

Use the Right Size Cookie Cutter

Using the right size cookie cutter is important because it affects the shape and size of the cookies. Make sure to choose a cookie cutter that is the right size for the cookies you want to make.

Don’t Overbake the Cookies

Overbaking the cookies can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. Make sure to bake the cookies just until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Experiment with Different Flavors

Experimenting with different flavors is a great way to make the cookies more interesting. Try adding different extracts, such as almond or mint, to the dough for a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Gold Coin Sugar Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

With their golden royal icing and delicious sugar cookie flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So why not give them a try and see what you think?