These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are fluffy, mint-flavored treats topped with creamy vanilla frosting, green sprinkles, and a cherry—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Inspired by the beloved Shamrock Shake, these cupcakes bring together refreshing peppermint, rich buttercream frosting, and festive green color for a fun and delicious dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Minty & Sweet – A light peppermint flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla.
Soft & Fluffy Texture – The cupcakes are moist and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
Festive & Fun – Bright green cupcakes topped with a cherry make them eye-catching for St. Patrick’s Day.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this a great baking project.
Great for Parties – Perfect for kids and adults, these cupcakes bring a festive flair to any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract
peppermint extract
whole milk
green food coloring

For the Frosting:

unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
heavy cream
vanilla extract
green sprinkles (for garnish)
maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Flavoring

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
Stir in green food coloring until the batter reaches your desired shade.

6. Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

7. Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.

8. Decorate & Serve

Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Garnish with green sprinkles and top with a maraschino cherry.
Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Chocolate Mint Cupcakes – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a mint-chocolate flavor.
Shamrock Shake-Inspired Frosting – Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting for extra mintiness.
Green Ombre Cupcakes – Use different shades of green food coloring for a gradient effect.
Dairy-Free Option – Substitute plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
Extra Chocolatey – Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a richer touch.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, but allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes! However, mint extract has a slightly different flavor, often containing spearmint, while peppermint extract has a stronger, candy-like taste.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade buttercream gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I get the perfect green color?

Start with 5 drops of green food coloring, then adjust until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors.

Why are my cupcakes dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix only until combined for a light texture.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or extra butter to balance the sweetness.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them before serving.

How do I get smooth buttercream?

Ensure the butter is fully softened before mixing, and beat until fluffy.

Can I add a filling to these cupcakes?

Yes! Try filling them with whipped cream, mint ganache, or vanilla pudding for an extra surprise.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

They go great with a Shamrock Shake, Irish coffee, or hot chocolate.

Conclusion

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a festive, minty, and creamy dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. With fluffy green cupcakes, rich vanilla frosting, and fun toppings, these treats are as delicious as they are eye-catching. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or just for fun, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

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Fluffy mint-flavored cupcakes with a creamy vanilla frosting, topped with festive green sprinkles and a cherry—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-Irish
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir in green food coloring.
Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fluffy.

Pipe frosting onto cupcakes, then garnish with green sprinkles and a cherry on top.

Notes

For extra minty flavor, add an extra ½ tsp of peppermint extract.
Pair with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a mint chocolate twist.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant green color.