Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The American Flag Cookie Cake is a festive and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. With a soft, chewy cookie base and a colorful topping of whipped frosting, strawberries, and blueberries arranged like the U.S. flag, it’s both delicious and visually stunning. Easy to prepare and fun to decorate, this cookie cake makes a memorable centerpiece for any celebration.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
cream cheese
powdered sugar
heavy cream or whipped topping
fresh strawberries
fresh blueberries

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

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

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.

Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form a flat, smooth layer.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan.

While cooling, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add whipped topping or cream and mix until light and fluffy.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie cake.

Decorate with blueberries in the upper left corner to represent stars, and arrange sliced strawberries in horizontal rows to resemble the stripes of the flag.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use sugar cookie dough instead of chocolate chip for a lighter base.
Add a hint of almond or lemon extract to the frosting for extra flavor.
Swap strawberries with raspberries or red cherries for a different red fruit option.
Use a rectangular tart pan for a more refined presentation.

storage/reheating

Store the cookie cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.
For best taste, allow slices to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh fruit and cream topping.

FAQs

Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookie base a day ahead and decorate it just before serving.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
You can use a similarly sized baking dish or make two smaller cookie cakes.

Can I use canned frosting?
Yes, though homemade whipped frosting offers a fresher, lighter taste.

How do I keep the fruit from bleeding into the frosting?
Pat fruits dry with paper towels before arranging to minimize moisture.

Is it okay to skip the chocolate chips?
Absolutely, the cookie base works well plain or with other mix-ins like white chocolate or nuts.

Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are best for appearance and texture, but thawed and drained frozen berries can work in a pinch.

How do I cut the cookie cake neatly?
Chill it for 20-30 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.

Can I add a crust or base under the cookie?
The cookie itself serves as the base, but you can press in a graham cracker layer if desired.

Is this suitable for kids to help with?
Yes, kids love decorating the flag and helping with the mixing process.

What if I don’t like cream cheese frosting?
You can use buttercream or a simple vanilla frosting instead.

Conclusion

American Flag Cookie Cake is a charming and delicious way to show off your patriotic spirit. Whether you’re celebrating with a picnic, BBQ, or family gathering, this easy-to-make dessert will delight both kids and adults. With its chewy cookie base, creamy frosting, and fresh fruit decoration, it’s a sweet symbol of celebration you’ll want to make again and again.