17 Easy and Delicious St. Patrick’s Day Treats for Kids
As a mom of three, St. Patrick’s Day has become a magical tradition in our house.
Every year, without fail, my kids wake up excitedly, searching for signs of a leprechaun’s mischief—green footprints, glittery “gold dust” on the counters, and overturned chairs (thanks to my sneaky prep the night before!).
The highlight of the day, though, isn’t the leprechaun pranks; it’s the festive treats that follow.
Last year, my youngest, who was four at the time, declared that she was “saving a rainbow cookie for the leprechaun so he’d come back next year.”
Meanwhile, my 8-year-old was busy trying to figure out how to trap said leprechaun using marshmallows and chocolate coins as bait.
And let’s not forget my middle child, who was more concerned with how many green cupcakes he could sneak before dinner.
With three energetic kids, I’ve learned that keeping treats simple but fun is key to surviving St. Patrick’s Day.
From shamrock-shaped snacks to rainbow-themed goodies, these recipes are kid-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to spread a little Irish cheer.
Whether you’re planning a party or just looking for festive ways to surprise your little ones, here are 17 tried-and-true St. Patrick’s Day treats that will make your day feel like a pot of gold.
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Sweet Treats For Kids For St. Patty’s Day
1. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
This colorful and healthy treat is always a hit with kids. Grab skewers and layer a variety of fruits to mimic a rainbow: start with red strawberries, then move to orange slices, yellow pineapple chunks, green grapes, blueberries, and finally purple grapes. For a fun finishing touch, serve with a bowl of whipped cream to act as “fluffy clouds.” Not only do these kabobs look magical, but they’re also a sneaky way to encourage your little ones to eat more fruit.
2. Leprechaun Hat Cookies
These adorable leprechaun hat cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Start with round chocolate cookies as the base. Pipe a circle of green frosting around the edges, then add a marshmallow on top for the hat’s “crown.” For a finishing touch, use yellow icing to add a small “buckle” to the hat. These treats are great for little hands to decorate, making them perfect for a family baking session.
3. Shamrock Rice Krispie Treats
Take your classic Rice Krispie treat recipe to the next level with a St. Patrick’s Day twist. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the marshmallow mixture, then press the treats into a baking pan. Once they’ve cooled, use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to create festive shapes. For extra fun, drizzle melted chocolate or green frosting over the top, and sprinkle with green sugar or glitter sprinkles.
4. Pot of Gold Cupcakes
Transform simple cupcakes into a leprechaun’s treasure with some easy decorations. Start by frosting your cupcakes with chocolate or green icing. Add gold sprinkles or edible glitter to resemble a pot of gold, then place a candy rainbow (like an Airheads Extreme strip) over the top. The combination of chocolate, bright rainbows, and glittery gold makes these cupcakes a showstopper for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
5. Lucky Charm Marshmallow Bars
What could be more festive than using Lucky Charms cereal to create marshmallow bars? These no-bake treats are incredibly simple to make. Substitute Rice Krispies with Lucky Charms, mix with melted marshmallows and butter, and press into a pan. The colorful marshmallow charms in the cereal give these bars a whimsical, festive look that’s perfect for kids.
6. Green Jello Parfaits
These layered Jello parfaits are as fun to eat as they are to look at. Prepare green Jello according to the package instructions and let it set in clear cups. Once the Jello has firmed up, add a layer of whipped cream on top, and repeat for as many layers as your cup allows. Sprinkle green sugar crystals or edible glitter on the whipped cream for an extra touch of magic.
7. Rainbow Veggie Tray
Looking for a healthy option amidst all the sweets? A rainbow veggie tray is a colorful and nutritious choice. Arrange cherry tomatoes, orange bell pepper slices, yellow pepper strips, green cucumber rounds, and purple cauliflower florets in a rainbow arc. Add a bowl of ranch dressing on the side to act as a “cloud.” This is a great way to sneak some veggies into the celebration while still keeping the festive spirit alive.
8. St. Patrick’s Day Pancakes
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day with a festive breakfast that will make your kids’ eyes light up. Add green food coloring to your pancake batter before cooking. Stack the pancakes high and top with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can even use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to create themed pancake shapes.
9. Shamrock Pretzels
These bite-sized treats are both salty and sweet, making them an irresistible snack. Melt green candy melts and dip mini pretzel twists into the chocolate. Arrange three dipped pretzels in a shamrock shape, and use a straight pretzel for the stem. Let them harden on parchment paper, and you’ll have a fun and festive snack ready in no time.
10. Leprechaun Popcorn
Leprechaun popcorn is a playful and colorful treat that’s perfect for movie night or as a party snack. Start by popping a large bowl of popcorn, then drizzle it with melted green candy melts. Mix in mini marshmallows, green sprinkles, and gold candy-coated chocolates for a festive touch. The combination of sweet and salty is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
11. Rainbow Sugar Cookies
Bake a batch of sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them with rainbow and shamrock designs. Use colored icing, edible markers, or sprinkles to create festive designs. These cookies are perfect for getting the whole family involved in some creative fun, and they make a great edible gift for friends and neighbors.
12. Pot of Gold Pudding Cups
These pudding cups are a simple, no-bake dessert that kids will love. Layer chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos in a clear cup to create a “dirt” effect. Top with gold sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates to resemble a pot of gold. Add a rainbow candy strip or a mini plastic rainbow for the finishing touch.
13. Green Smoothie Bowls
For a healthier treat, whip up some green smoothie bowls! Blend spinach, banana, mango, and a splash of orange juice to create a creamy green base. Pour the smoothie into bowls and let your kids decorate with sliced fruit, granola, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey. These bowls are both nourishing and fun to customize.
14. Leprechaun Trail Mix
This easy trail mix is the perfect snack for an afternoon of leprechaun hunting. Combine green M&Ms, pretzels, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chocolate gold coins. Serve it in small cups or snack bags for an easy grab-and-go treat.
15. Rainbow Waffles
Brighten up breakfast with rainbow waffles! Divide your waffle batter into several bowls, then use food coloring to dye each one a different color. Cook the batter in layers on your waffle iron to create a rainbow effect. Serve with whipped cream, syrup, and a sprinkle of edible glitter for an unforgettable breakfast.
16. St. Patrick’s Day Milkshakes
These festive milkshakes are creamy, delicious, and so easy to make. Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and a drop of green food coloring until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a gold chocolate coin. You can even add a fun green-striped straw for a festive finishing touch.
17. Lucky Charm Ice Cream Sandwiches
Make these easy ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two sugar cookies. Roll the edges of the ice cream in crushed Lucky Charms marshmallows for a colorful and crunchy addition. Pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up before serving.
Bottom Line
These treats are simple enough to make with kids or surprise them with on St. Patrick’s Day morning. Whether you go all out with a leprechaun hunt or keep things simple, these festive snacks will add a touch of magic to your day.
Here’s to creating delicious memories and a house full of laughter. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from one busy mom to another!
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