4th of July Sugar Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 4th of July sugar cookies are not only visually stunning, but they also taste absolutely amazing. The sugar cookies themselves are soft, chewy, and bursting with that classic buttery flavor. The combination of colorful sprinkles and royal icing makes them an eye-catching treat, ideal for any patriotic occasion. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and perfect for baking with kids or as a fun project with family and friends. Plus, they’re a fun way to get creative with decorations!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Red, white, and blue sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.

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

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

6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Gently press each ball with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly. If you like, you can also dip the tops of the cookies in sprinkles for added color and decoration.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing or more sprinkles to create a festive, red, white, and blue look.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 8-10 minutes

• Cooling time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add flavoring: Experiment by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

• Glaze or icing: Instead of using sprinkles, you can top the cookies with a simple glaze or royal icing, and then add food coloring for a more detailed, personalized design.

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

To store your sugar cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag to maintain freshness.

To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly warm.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly before rolling into balls.

Can I use other colors of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While this recipe is perfect for a patriotic theme, feel free to use any colored sprinkles or sugars that match your event or occasion.

Can I use a cookie cutter instead of rolling the dough into balls?

Yes, you can use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into fun shapes. Just make sure to lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.

What if I don’t have royal icing?

If you don’t have royal icing, you can substitute it with a simple powdered sugar glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and food coloring, and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Can I make these cookies without sprinkles?

Yes, you can leave off the sprinkles if you prefer a simpler, classic sugar cookie look. You can also decorate them with a glaze or just enjoy them plain.

How can I make the cookies more chewy?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes. This will give them a soft and tender texture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter alternative and use a plant-based egg substitute.

What is the best way to decorate the cookies?

The best way to decorate these cookies is by using royal icing or glaze for intricate designs. If you’re looking for something simple, colored sprinkles or sugar are perfect for a pop of color.

How long will these cookies last?

These sugar cookies will last about 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container. If stored properly, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

These 4th of July sugar cookies are the perfect festive treat for your holiday celebrations. With their delicious flavor and colorful decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking alone or with family, this recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring joy to your 4th of July festivities!

4th of July Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: About 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 4th of July sugar cookies are a delightful, festive treat that captures the essence of Independence Day. With soft, chewy texture and vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles, these cookies make the perfect addition to your holiday celebration. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’ll steal the show at any party, picnic, or family gathering. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking for a fun project, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Red, white, and blue sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

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

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

• Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

• Gently press each ball with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly. Optionally, dip the tops of the cookies into sprinkles for added color.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or additional sprinkles for a festive look

Notes

• Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique flavor twist.

• For a fun variation, top with royal icing or a simple glaze in various colors.

• If you want to make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• For chewier cookies, bake for slightly less time.

• You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake when rea

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American