Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Star-Spangled Cookies are festive sugar cookies decorated in red, white, and blue—perfect for celebrating patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. With a buttery base and a simple icing or sprinkle topping, these cookies are both eye-catching and delicious, making them a hit at parties, picnics, or bake sales.

ingredients

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

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsvanilla extractbaking powdersaltred, white, and blue sprinkles or icinggel food coloring (optional for dough coloring)

directions

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

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

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Divide the dough if using food coloring, and tint each portion with red or blue gel color if desired.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Decorate with red, white, and blue icing or sprinkles once cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

Add lemon or almond extract for extra flavor.

Mix red, white, and blue sprinkles directly into the dough.

Use cream cheese frosting instead of icing for a richer taste.

Make sandwich cookies by filling two stars with frosting or jam.

Create a marble effect by lightly swirling red and blue dough together.

storage/reheating

Store Star-Spangled Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.
Let thaw and decorate after defrosting.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes helps with cleaner cookie cutter shapes.

Can I use store-bought icing?
Yes, any vanilla or white icing can be dyed with food coloring or used as-is.

Are these cookies very sweet?
They have a classic sugar cookie sweetness, balanced with the buttery flavor.

Can kids help with decorating?
Absolutely! Decorating with sprinkles or colored icing is perfect for children.

What if I don’t have star-shaped cutters?
Any shape will work, but stars are great for the patriotic theme.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and freeze them, then decorate later.

What’s the best icing for these cookies?
A simple powdered sugar glaze or royal icing works well for detailed decoration.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Not typical for this style, but mini white chips could work for a twist.

Do these cookies spread?
They hold their shape well if the dough isn’t over-softened.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily for large batches.

Conclusion

Star-Spangled Cookies bring a patriotic flair and festive fun to your holiday gatherings. Easy to make and endlessly customizable with colorful toppings and shapes, they’re a joyful treat that adds sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re baking with family or prepping for a party, these cookies will shine bright on any dessert table.