4th of July Cookies

Last updated on June 22, 2025

The 4th of July is a time for celebrations, fireworks, barbecues, and, of course, delicious treats! What better way to show your patriotic spirit than with a batch of colorful, delightful 4th of July Cookies? These cookies, adorned in vibrant red, white, and blue, are perfect for your holiday gathering or picnic. Loaded with chocolate chips and a sprinkle of edible glitter stars, they are as festive as they are tasty. Whether you’re baking with family or creating a fun activity for the kids, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This 4th of July Cookies

You’re going to love these 4th of July Cookies for several reasons! First, their stunning colors celebrate the spirit of Independence Day beautifully. Second, these cookies are incredibly delicious with a soft, chewy texture and the sweetness of chocolate chips. The blend of different flours gives them a unique structure that elevates them from regular cookies. Plus, baking can be a wonderful bonding experience, and what could be more enjoyable than forming logs of dough with the kids and watching them transform into cheerful little treats? Lastly, these cookies are customizable with edible decorations to match your style!

4th of July Cookies

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 40–60 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate Independence Day with these festive 4th of July Cookies! Made with a chewy, buttery dough marbled in red, white, and blue and loaded with milk chocolate chips, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat for your summer party or BBQ.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups milk chocolate chips

Optional Add-Ons:

• Red gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring
• Edible glitter stars (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pans: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and light in color.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until fluffy and well combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips evenly without overmixing.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
8. Divide and Color Dough: Divide dough into 3 equal parts. Color one red, one blue, and leave one plain.
9. Form Logs: Roll each section into a 15-inch log and press together to create a colorful twisted log.
10. Slice and Shape: Slice into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces, roll into balls, and place on baking sheets spaced apart.
11. Bake: Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
12. Top with Chips: Add extra chocolate chips to the tops of warm cookies right out of the oven.
13. Cool: Cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
14. Decorate: Once cooled, add edible glitter stars for a festive sparkle.

Notes

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
• Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll into logs.
• For extra festive flair, use red, white, and blue M&Ms instead of chocolate chips.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: 4th of July cookies, red white and blue cookies, patriotic cookies, chocolate chip cookies, festive sugar cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need for 4th of July Cookies

To whip up your batch of 4th of July Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for your cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour: This gives the cookies a lighter texture.
• 2 tsp cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent for puffiness.
• 1 tsp baking powder: For that perfect rise.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: For richness and flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness for balance.
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the cookies.
• 2 large egg yolks: Make the dough richer and chewier.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: A must for delicious flavor.
• 3 cups milk chocolate chips: Lots of sweet chocolate for every bite.

Optional Add-Ons

• Red gel food coloring: For a festive red dough.
• Blue gel food coloring: To create a lovely blue dough.
• Edible glitter stars: To add sparkle and fun to your cookies.

How to Make 4th of July Cookies Step by Step

Follow these detailed steps to create your beautiful 4th of July Cookies:

1. Line Baking Sheets: Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout the cookie dough.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, combine the cold, cubed unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should be light in color, which indicates air has been incorporated.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two large eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Blend well until thoroughly combined. The mix should be airy and fluffy.

5. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. You can do this in parts to prevent a mess. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips. This can be done with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the dough without overmixing.

7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for getting the right texture.

8. Divide Dough: Once your dough is ready, divide it into three equal sections. Use a scale if you want to be precise!

9. Add Colors: Add red food coloring to one section of the dough, blue to another, and keep one section plain. You can adjust the amount of food coloring based on your desired shade. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.

10. Roll into Logs: Roll each section of dough into a 15-inch log. Be sure to press the dough together firmly.

11. Wrap Together: Take the three logs and wrap them together to create a colorful twist. You can gently press the dough to blend the colors slightly, creating a marbled effect.

12. Cut into Pieces: Cut the logs into cookie sizes. You can make them as large or as small as you like, but around 1-1.5 inches is typically perfect.

13. Roll into Balls: Roll each piece of dough into a ball and place them on the lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to account for spreading.

14. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and the centers slightly soft.

15. Add Extra Chocolate Chips: After taking the cookies out of the oven, immediately add some more chocolate chips to the tops while they are still warm. This will give them that lovely chocolaty look.

16. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

17. Decorate: Once cooled, feel free to decorate the cookies with edible glitter stars. This adds a magical touch perfect for your Fourth of July celebration.

Serving Suggestions for 4th of July Cookies

These 4th of July Cookies can be served in various fun ways. Here are some great serving suggestions:

1. Picnic Treats: Pack them in a basket for a picnic in the park. They hold up well and are easy to share.
2. Dessert Table: Arrange them on a dessert table alongside other festive treats like cupcakes and fruit tarts.
3. Gift for Neighbors: Put them in a decorative box or tin and share them with neighbors as a thoughtful gesture.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich some vanilla or red, white, and blue ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your 4th of July Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, keep these pro tips in mind:

• Measure Correctly: Always measure your flour using the spoon and level method. This prevents you from adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft after mixing, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
• Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary, so begin checking your cookies a minute or two early. You want just a touch of softness in the center.
• Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate chips. They will melt beautifully and taste amazing.
• Let Them Cool: Allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent any melting of the edible glitter stars you add!

Easy Variations for 4th of July Cookies

If you want to get creative, here are some fun variations you can try:

1. Different Chocolate Types: Substitute part or all of the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix for different flavors.

2. Nutty Option: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

3. Fruit Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.

4. Sprinkles: Instead of edible glitter stars, you can top your cookies with red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive look.

Storage Tips to Store 4th of July Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh for longer, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a few days, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

• Refrigeration: For a longer storage period, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container, which will keep them fresh for about two weeks.

• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies in the fridge or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Creating 4th of July Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience that brings joy and deliciousness to your holiday celebrations. With vibrant colors, rich chocolate, and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies will surely amaze your guests. Plus, they are easy to customize and adapt, so everyone can enjoy a treat tailored to their taste. Gather your ingredients and get ready to celebrate in style this Independence Day!

FAQs About 4th of July Cookies

Enjoy your baking adventure and the festivities that come with it! Happy Fourth of July!

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