Why You’ll Love This Recipe

4th of July Cookies are festive, colorful treats perfect for celebrating Independence Day. With their red, white, and blue decorations, these sugar cookies are not only delicious but also a patriotic centerpiece for your holiday spread. Soft, buttery, and easy to make, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsvanilla extractbaking powderbaking sodasaltred, white, and blue sprinkles or sanding sugarsoptional: red and blue gel food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

If desired, divide the dough and tint portions with red and blue food coloring.

Roll the dough into small balls and gently flatten on the baking sheet.

Decorate the tops with red, white, and blue sprinkles or sanding sugars.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swirl colored doughs together for a marbled patriotic effect.
Use star-shaped cookie cutters for a themed look.
Add white chocolate chips or M&Ms in red, white, and blue.
Frost the cookies with vanilla icing and top with sprinkles.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave for 5-8 seconds to soften.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessary for this recipe, but chilling can help prevent spreading.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, pre-made sugar cookie dough works well with this decorating method.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar in patriotic colors all work great.

Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely, decorating with sprinkles is a fun activity for children.

How do I prevent cookies from overbaking?
Remove from oven when edges are set but centers still look soft.

Can I add extracts for extra flavor?
Yes, try almond or lemon extract for a twist.

Do these cookies travel well?
Yes, they hold up well and are great for parties or picnics.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily for large gatherings.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?
They are soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

Conclusion

4th of July Cookies are a joyful way to celebrate America’s birthday with color, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, heading to a picnic, or just baking with family, these cookies bring a festive flair to the occasion. Easy to customize and fun to decorate, they’re sure to be a star-spangled favorite.