Name: Shamrock Shake Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 160g all-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 115g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup); 200g granulated sugar (1 cup); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp peppermint extract; 120ml whole milk or buttermilk (1/2 cup); Green food coloring; 115g unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup, for frosting); 250g powdered sugar (2 cups, for frosting); 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (for frosting); 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting); Optional toppings: green sprinkles, whipped cream, maraschino cherries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are a creative, bakery-style take on the beloved Shamrock Shake. The cool mint flavor is subtle yet refreshing, while the green color adds a festive touch. They’re simple to make with everyday ingredients, and the minty buttercream frosting brings just the right balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just for fun, this recipe delivers on both taste and presentation.

Ingredients

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

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
peppermint extract
whole milk or buttermilk
green food coloring
powdered sugar (for frosting)
butter (for frosting)
milk or cream (for frosting)
peppermint extract (for frosting)
optional toppings: green sprinkles, whipped cream, maraschino cherries

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth.
Add green food coloring, one drop at a time, until your desired shade is reached.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
Add peppermint extract and a small amount of milk or cream until the desired consistency is reached. Tint the frosting green.
Frost the cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula. Add optional toppings if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12–14 cupcakes.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 40 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a mint-chocolate chip twist.
Use cream cheese in the frosting for a slightly tangy contrast.
Swap peppermint extract for spearmint for a different mint profile.
Top each cupcake with whipped cream and a cherry to mimic the original shake.
Make a chocolate cupcake base with mint frosting for a richer version.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let chilled cupcakes come to room temperature before serving. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw before frosting. Avoid reheating, as these cupcakes are best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but mint extract has a slightly different flavor and may contain spearmint, which has a milder, sweeter taste.

How do I get the green color just right?

Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant shade without thinning your batter or frosting.

Can I make these cupcakes without food coloring?

Absolutely. The color is for fun and visual appeal, but the cupcakes will taste just as great without it.

What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds more moisture and a slightly tangy flavor, which complements the mint well.

Can I use a cake mix?

Yes, you can use a vanilla cake mix and add peppermint extract and food coloring to create a shortcut version.

How minty are these cupcakes?

They have a subtle mint flavor, but you can adjust the amount of extract to your personal taste.

Can I add filling to the cupcakes?

Yes, fill them with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for an extra treat.

Is it okay to use whipped topping instead of frosting?

Yes, but it’s best added right before serving, as whipped topping won’t hold up as well over time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

How do I make the frosting pipeable?

Use a higher ratio of powdered sugar to butter and chill slightly before piping.

Conclusion

Shamrock Shake Cupcakes bring the minty magic of a favorite seasonal drink into a charming, easy-to-make dessert. With a fluffy texture, cool peppermint flavor, and festive green frosting, they’re the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any fun occasion. Whether you serve them plain or decked out with whipped cream and sprinkles, these cupcakes are sure to leave everyone feeling a little lucky.