The 4th of July Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with a sweet and festive treat. These cookies are not just delicious—they’re a fun way to bring family and friends together with their patriotic red, white, and blue colors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a fireworks show, or simply enjoying a summer gathering, these cookies will be a hit at any celebration.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with vanilla and buttery flavors, topped with colorful sprinkles or icing that perfectly represents the American flag. These cookies are not just visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, making them an excellent choice for beginner bakers or those looking for a quick holiday treat.
From classic sugar cookies to red, white, and blue M&M cookies, this recipe is fully customizable to fit your style and taste. You can even involve your kids in decorating, turning it into a fun family tradition. Whether you prefer cut-out cookies shaped like stars or soft-baked drop cookies, this 4th of July Cookies Recipe will add a touch of sweetness and patriotic charm to your holiday celebrations.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
4th of July Cookies: Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Cookies
24
servings30
minutes12
minutes160
kcalThese 4th of July cookies: Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Cookies are festive, colorful, and perfect for celebrating Independence Day. Easy to make and delicious, they feature vibrant swirls of red, white, and blue.
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Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and blue food coloring
Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one part plain, color one part red, and the other part blue using food coloring. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles of the same size (about ¼ inch thick). Chill the dough rectangles for about 30 minutes.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Remove the top parchment paper from each dough rectangle. Stack the dough layers on top of each other, starting with the plain dough, then the red, and finally the blue. Gently press the layers together.
- Roll and Chill: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into ¼-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
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Why This Recipe Works
What makes this 4th of July Cookies Recipe so special? A combination of soft, chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and an eye-catching appearance. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
1. Easy to Make & Foolproof
No complicated techniques—just mix, chill (if necessary), and bake! Even if you’re not an experienced baker, these cookies come together easily with simple pantry ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
2. Customizable for Every Preference
- Soft vs. Crisp Cookies: If you love soft cookies, keep the baking time shorter. If you prefer crispy edges, bake them a bit longer.
- Flavors: You can add vanilla, almond, or even a hint of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Mix-ins: Want more variety? Add white chocolate chips, patriotic-colored M&Ms, or even a swirl of red and blue food coloring for a marbled effect.
3. Perfectly Festive for the 4th of July
The red, white, and blue decorations make these cookies the ultimate Independence Day treat. Whether you use sprinkles, icing, or colored dough, they’ll instantly add patriotic flair to your dessert table.
4. Ideal for Parties & Gifting
These cookies are great for sharing at summer BBQs, school events, or as edible gifts. Make a batch, package them in a cute tin, and you’ve got a delicious and festive gift for family and friends.
5. Great Make-Ahead Option
This recipe allows for prep-ahead convenience. You can make the dough in advance, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever needed. The baked cookies also stay soft and chewy for days!
6. Kid-Friendly & Fun to Decorate
One of the best parts of this recipe is that kids can get involved! Let them roll the dough in sprinkles, drizzle icing, or use cookie cutters to create fun star and flag shapes. It’s a great way to spend time together while making holiday memories.
Additional Tips for the best 4th of July Cookies:
- Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This means it should be soft enough to leave an indentation when you press it with your finger but not so soft that it’s greasy. This helps in achieving the right texture for your cookies.
- Measuring Flour: Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cookies dense and dry.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of the pinwheels. It also makes the dough easier to handle and slice.
- Uniform Size: Use a ruler to ensure your dough rectangles are the same size. This helps in achieving uniform pinwheels.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough tightly to avoid gaps in the pinwheels. If the dough cracks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- Slicing the Dough: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough log into even pieces. This helps in maintaining the shape of the pinwheels.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh for a longer time, you can freeze them. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Decorating Variations: For an extra festive touch, consider using star-shaped cookie cutters and decorating with red, white, and blue icing in addition to sprinkles.
FAQs
Use red, white, and blue food coloring for the dough or icing, add patriotic sprinkles, or shape the cookies into stars. You can also create marbled or tie-dye effects with the colored dough for an extra fun look!
Yes, you can bake the cookies a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. If you’re using icing, decorate them and allow the icing to set before storing. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies and decorate them closer to the holiday.
…and to conclude
These 4th of july cookies in the form of Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful addition to any Independence Day celebration. With their festive colors and delicious taste, they are sure to impress your guests and add a patriotic flair to your dessert table. Enjoy making and sharing these cookies with your loved ones!
If you are a cookie lover, check out this easy recipe: Easy Dessert recipe: Matcha Cookies
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