(Family Features) - Dancing leprechauns, pots of gold, corned beef and cabbage, green beer, parades, and the wearing of the green are all synonymous with St. Patrick's Day. But perhaps the most iconic symbol of all is the shamrock, the ubiquitous three-leafed plant that makes an appearance in a myriad of ways - it's said to bring good luck.

In honor of the day and to start a new tradition to be enjoyed after the corned beef and green beer, the Wilton Test Kitchen created a Lucky Giant Shamrock Cookie that's easy to bake and decorate. It's the perfect way to add fun, color and sweetness to a St. Paddy's party; there's plenty to serve a crowd. Plus, kids and adults alike will enjoy this colorful cookie.

The delicious butter cookie dough with a hint of almond is baked in a shamrock-shaped pan. To decorate, start with white ready-to-use decorator icing in a can (no special skills required). Use part of it to ice the background and sides of the shamrock. Tint a portion green and ice the shamrock shape on top of the cookie, then add green candy-coated chocolates to outline the edges. The message is written with the remaining white icing.

Gretchen Homan, test kitchen director, says that since St. Patrick's Day is on a weekday this year, time might be in short supply. She suggests using convenient refrigerated cookie dough so you can still serve a fabulous shamrock cookie for dessert.

Visit www.wilton.com for additional ideas for St. Patrick's Day, and for celebrations of all kinds.