The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is back for another year and it will only be around until the end of March. Short of buying your own McDonald’s, it’s impossible to enjoy these festive milkshakes all year long. So here are some recipes inspired by the Shamrock Shake to extend your love of the vanilla-minty goodness for as long as you would like. We won’t judge.
1. Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots
Taken from thelala.com
For those who want their shamrock shakes a little boozy I suggest these 4-ingredient pudding shots. Or if you want to keep it simple, forgo the pudding and mix one part crème de menthe with one part vanilla vodka. Optional: chase it with whipped cream.
2. Boozy Shamrock Shake
Photo by Lisa at cookingwithcurls.com
For more alcoholic variations, here’s a spiked Shamrock Shake with peppermint schnapps. Bonus: this shake recipe comes with instructions on how to make a vegan version too.
3. Shamrock Shake-Inspired Cake
Photo taken from confessionsofacookbookqueen.com
What better way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day than with a festive Shamrock Shake cake complete with maraschino cherries? The Cookbook Queen has a box-cake recipe that is simple but comes out looking elegant with its flawlessly smooth frosting and whipped cream garnishes. She makes a professional-looking two-tiered version, but you can also use a 9×13-inch pan and half the frosting for a rectangular cake (or make all of the frosting and eat the rest on a spoon).
4. Shamrock Shake Cupcakes
Photo taken from browneyedbaker.com
If you’re more into cupcakes than cake (I’m right there with you) try these cupcakes from the Brown Eyed Baker. She puts a green maraschino cherry on top (genius), but using Lucky Charm marshmallows is an equally good idea. Also, it’s an excuse to buy the 20-oz bag of pre-picked Lucky Charm marshmallows from Amazon.
5. Mint-White Chocolate Shamrock Shake Fudge
Photo by Holly Nillson
Another easy and less expensive recipe to get your Shamrock Shake on. This white chocolate-based fudge is so creamy and delicious that you’ll have problems saving any for sharing.
6. Shamrock Shake Shortbread Cookies
Photo by Kare at kitchentreaty.com
These super cute Shamrock Shake shortbread cookies are bound to be a hit. Just think of them as vanilla Thin Mints. Pro tip: Instead of rolling the dough into a log and refrigerating for slice-and-bake-cookies, just hand roll these cookies into individual balls and bake. You might have to experiment with the bake time but overall, the entire job will be that much faster.
7. Minty Meltaway Cookies
Photo by Jen Faist
These minty meltaway cookies are refreshing and minty and so very good. They are also incredibly simple to make, taking only seven ingredients and three steps.
8. Gluten-Free Mint Nanaimo Bars
Photo taken from theinspiredhome.org
These festive nanaimo bars (a Canadian dessert) are for the gluten-free people who deserve some minty goodness in their lives. Plus, they don’t even require any baking.
9. Mint-Chocolate Brownies
Photo taken from sallysbakingaddiction.com
These chocolate-mint brownies are so dense and rich you’ll definitely need a tall glass of ice cold milk to finish them.
10. Mint Tea Marshmallows
Photo taken from homecookingmemories.com
If you haven’t tried making homemade marshmallows you should. They are deceivingly easy, and yet think how impressed your friends will be when you show them you made your own marshmallows.
11. Fudge-Mint Popcorn
Photo taken from insidebrucrewlife.com
If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory, like me, you’ll love this fudge-mint popcorn. Feel free to experiment with the candy that goes into this recipe, after all you’re the one eating it.
12. Skinny Shamrock Shake with Spinach
Photo by Lynn April
This healthy smoothie has the same taste as the McDonald’s version (although it’s not as rich) but none of the guilt of eating things you can’t pronounce. And if you haven’t tried a spinach smoothie yet you should get on that bandwagon. The spinach is virtually undetectable and you get a ton of iron as a reward.
13. Copycat Shake
Photo by Lisa at wineandglue.com
And if you just want a Shamrock Shake without the trip to Mickey D’s, we’ve got your back. Here’s a quick and easy copycat recipe to satisfy all your cravings.