Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes

These Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a fun and festive twist on the classic Shamrock Shake! Infused with Irish cream or crème de menthe, these soft, minty cupcakes are topped with a rich, creamy frosting and a touch of Irish spirit. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any occasion that calls for a little extra fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minty & Refreshing – Inspired by the beloved Shamrock Shake.
• Boozy & Fun – A hint of Irish cream or crème de menthe for a festive kick.
• Soft & Fluffy – Light and tender cupcakes with a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Perfect for Celebrations – A great dessert for St. Patrick’s Day or adult parties.
• Customizable – Make them extra boozy or keep them kid-friendly!

Ingredients

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

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs (room temperature)
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• Bailey’s Irish Cream or crème de menthe
• Whole milk
• Green food coloring

For the Boozy Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Bailey’s Irish Cream or crème de menthe
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Green sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings
• Maraschino cherries

Directions

Make the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar – In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Flavorings – Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, peppermint extract, and Bailey’s (or crème de menthe).
5. Combine Wet & Dry – Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Stir in green food coloring.
6. Bake – Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool – Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Make the Boozy Frosting:

8. Beat Butter – Whip softened butter until creamy.
9. Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
10. Mix in Booze & Vanilla – Stir in Bailey’s (or crème de menthe), heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

11. Frost the Cupcakes – Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
12. Garnish – Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a cherry.

Serve & Enjoy:

13. Chill for Best Flavor – Let cupcakes set in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes

Variations

• Extra Boozy Cupcakes – Brush warm cupcakes with Bailey’s before frosting.
• Chocolate Shamrock Cupcakes – Add cocoa powder for a mint-chocolate version.
• Kid-Friendly Version – Skip the alcohol and use extra peppermint extract.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version – Use plant-based milk, butter, and a flax egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Serving Tip: Let chilled cupcakes sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint?

Yes! Mint extract works but may have a slightly different flavor.

How do I make these cupcakes extra fluffy?

Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter.

Can I use a different alcohol?

Yes! Try whiskey, vanilla vodka, or a mix of Bailey’s and Kahlúa.

Can I make these into mini cupcakes?

Yes! Adjust the bake time to 10-12 minutes.

How do I keep my frosting from melting?

Use chilled butter and don’t overbeat the frosting.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips for a mint-chocolate twist.

Do I need to refrigerate these cupcakes?

If frosted, yes! Store in the fridge but let them sit at room temp before eating.

How do I make these even greener?

Add extra food coloring or use a mix of green and white sprinkles.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

Enjoy with Irish coffee, Bailey’s hot chocolate, or a Shamrock Shake!

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade boozy frosting tastes much better!

Conclusion

These Boozy Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are the perfect minty, creamy, and festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration! With a hint of Irish cream and a soft, fluffy texture, they bring the flavors of the classic shake to a delicious dessert. Try them today for a fun, boozy twist on a holiday favorite!

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