Happy St Patrick's day! If you're looking for fun ways to spend time with the kids this holiday, we have you covered. There's nothing better than taking an afternoon to bake and have fun, all whilst keeping it budget friendly and simple! Here you'll find a range of easy to do recipes, with price points and fun ideas. What's not to love?!

So grab your mixing bowls, sprinkle on some green magic, and enjoy these St Patrick’s Day bakes that everyone will love, without spending a pot of gold!

You can find more recipes and seasonal content on our page- why not check it out?

Shamrock Shortbread

Prep 20 minBake 15 minMakes 20

• 250 g plain flour
• 125 g caster sugar
• 175 g butter
• Green icing or sprinkles

1. Rub butter into flour & sugar; form dough, chill, cut shamrocks.
2. Bake 180 °C 12–15 min until pale golden.
3. Cool & decorate with icing or sprinkles.

Kids: cut shapes & decorate. Adults: handle oven.

Est. cost:£2.40

Adapted from BBC Good Food shortbread.

Gooey St Patrick’s Brownies

Prep 15 minBake 25 minMakes 16

• 225 g butter + 140 g dark chocolate
• 450g caster sugar · 5 eggs
• 110 g flour · 55 g cocoa
• Green ready made icing & edible gold stars

1. Melt butter & sugar in a saucepan, remove from heat and add chocolate, stir until melted; add eggs then sugar, flour, cocoa.
2. Bake 30–35 min at 170 °C fan until just fudgy; cool, frost green & add stars.

Kids: add toppings. Adults: melting & baking.

Est. cost:£3.55

Based on BBC recipe for brownies.

Easy Irish Soda Bread

Prep 10 minBake 40 min1 Loaf

• 250 g white + 250 g wholemeal flour
• 1 tsp bicarb soda · 1 tsp salt
• 500 ml buttermilk (or milk + lemon)

1. Mix dry ingredients + milk → soft dough.
2. Shape, score top; bake 200 °C ≈ 40 min.

Kids: mix & shape dough. Adults: oven work.

Est. cost:£2.10

From BBC Good Food Irish soda bread.

Lucky Golden Flapjacks

Prep 10 minBake 25 min12 Squares

• 150 g butter · 75 g brown sugar
• 3 tbsp golden syrup · 250 g oats

1. Melt butter, sugar & syrup; stir in oats, press into tin.
2. Bake 180 °C 25 min; cool & cut into bars or shamrocks.

Kids: press mixture & decorate after cooling.

Est. cost:£2.20

Inspired by BBC Good Food flapjacks.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Prep 15 minBake 12 minBatch

• 225 g plain flour · 150 g butter · 75 g sugar
• Jam for filling

1. Cream butter & sugar; mix flour → dough.
2. Roll balls, press thumbprint, add jam, bake 180 °C 12 min.

Kids: roll dough & spoon jam. Adults: oven.

Est. cost:£2.60

From BBC Good Food thumbprint cookies.

Simple Vanilla Cupcakes

Prep 15 minBake 15 min12 Cakes

• 200 g self-raising flour · 200 g sugar · 200 g butter
• 4 eggs · splash milk · vanilla icing + green sprinkles

1. Cream butter & sugar; add eggs + flour, then milk.
2. Bake 180 °C 15 min; cool & decorate green.

Kids: pipe icing & sprinkle decorations.

Est. cost:£3.15

Classic cupcake ratio inspired by King Arthur Baking.

Baking for St Patrick’s Day is the perfect way to spend time together as a family and these easy Irish-inspired recipes prove it! From buttery shamrock shortbread and chocolate brownies to warm Irish soda bread, each bake is simple enough for kids to help with and full of festive charm. Whether you’re looking for St Patrick’s Day baking ideas for kids, family-friendly desserts, or just a fun weekend kitchen activity, these budget-friendly treats bring a taste of Ireland to your home.

Want more baking ideas? Our DIY Easter blog is full of ideas for the season! Or, check out our gift guide for the BEST Easter Eggs under £20!

 Pick your Easter Egg Here