articles

5 St. Patrick's Day Treats to Make with Your Little Leprechauns

Your kids will love to make — and eat! — these St. Patrick's Day-themed treats

By Charlotte Linde, publisher of Macaroni KID EATS and Macaroni KID Cedar Rapids March 14, 2023

It's that time of year when the world turns green, and leprechauns roam the streets. St. Patrick's Day! 

Many adults think of Reubens and corned beef yumminess for this special day, but there are plenty of other colorful and delicious ways to celebrate that kids will especially enjoy! So if you're looking for some tasty treats to delight your little leprechauns this St. Patrick's Day ... well, you've reached the end of the rainbow! We've got five easy treat ideas that will have your kids feeling the luck o' the Irish:


 pixelshot | Canva

Green chocolate chip cookies

Who doesn't love a good cookie? Start with your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe (or use a mix if you're short on time. We won't tell!). Then, add in a few drops of mint extract to the dough to give it that extra St. Paddy's Day flair. Finally, mix in a few drops of green food coloring until you get the color you want, then bake according to the recipe instructions. You'll have a batch of delicious and festive cookies perfect for celebrating the green o' the Irish.


 pixelshot | Canva

2. Green pancakes

Make your pancakes green as a four-leaf clover: Add a few drops of green food coloring to your batter, and you'll be ready for flipping! Add some whipped cream and green sprinkles, or top with Lucky Charms for extra fun. These green pancakes make St. Patrick's Day breakfast one to remember. 


 Pamela D. McAdams | Canva

3. Lucky Charm bars

Make crispy rice cereal bars as always, but swap out the rice cereal for your favorite leprechaun cereal — Lucky Charms! Lucky Charm Bars are sure to bring a smile to your little one's face ... and the best part is that they only take a few minutes to make!


vm2002 | Canva

4. Lucky Green Shake

What's St. Patrick's Day without a deliciously creamy lucky green Shake? No need to leave the house to get one, just blend up vanilla ice cream with a bit of milk, a dash of mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Add some whipped cream and sprinkles and ... your very own lucky green shake at home!


 Mocherie | Canva

5. Rainbow fruit skewers

Load up your skewers in the colors of the rainbow with strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, and any other colorful fruits you can find! These skewers are the perfect way to add a little whimsy to your St. Patrick's Day celebration, while encouraging your kids to get in their fruits for the day. Tell them to channel their inner rainbows ... and enjoy!