Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a festive and delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Inspired by the classic Shamrock Shake, these cupcakes feature a minty flavor, a hint of Irish cream liqueur, and a creamy green frosting that makes them both fun and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A festive green dessert that’s fun to make and serve.
• Minty and Boozy – The combination of mint and Irish cream adds a delicious twist.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Soft and Moist – These cupcakes have a light and fluffy texture with a rich, creamy frosting.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cupcakes

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• Bailey’s Irish Cream (or other Irish cream liqueur)
• Whole milk
• Green food coloring

Frosting

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Peppermint extract
• Heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
• Green food coloring
• Whipped cream and maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extract.
5. Incorporate Liquids – Alternately add the dry ingredients and a mixture of Bailey’s and milk, stirring until combined. Add green food coloring to reach the desired shade.
6. Bake – Divide the batter into the prepared cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
7. Prepare Frosting – Beat butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, Bailey’s, and peppermint extract. Add heavy cream or milk as needed for consistency and tint with green food coloring.
8. Decorate – Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Non-Alcoholic Version – Substitute Bailey’s with heavy cream and a little extra vanilla extract.
• Extra Chocolatey – Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a mint chocolate twist.
• Stronger Mint Flavor – Increase the peppermint extract slightly if you love a bold mint taste.
• Irish Whiskey Kick – Add a tablespoon of Irish whiskey to the frosting for extra boozy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.
• Reheating – Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?

Yes! The food coloring is just for appearance and can be omitted.

What can I use instead of Bailey’s?

Try Irish whiskey, vanilla extract, or a non-alcoholic Irish cream alternative.

How do I keep my cupcakes moist?

Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade frosting enhances the flavor and texture.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Beat the butter well before adding sugar and use heavy cream to achieve a creamy consistency.

Can I use a different liqueur?

Yes, other options include crème de menthe or Kahlua for a unique twist.

How do I make mini cupcakes?

Use a mini muffin tin and bake for about 10-12 minutes.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cupcakes immediately after mixing, but you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to pipe frosting?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look.

Conclusion

Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a fun and delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. With their creamy, minty flavor and touch of Irish cream, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy a taste of the holiday spirit!

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