4th of July Crinkle Cookies 🇺🇸🍪✨
Bright, Chewy, and Bursting with Patriotic Flavor
Planning your holiday dessert lineup? These 4th of July Crinkle Cookies are here to steal the show! With their vibrant red, white, and blue swirls, sugar-dusted crackly tops, and soft centers, they’re the ultimate Independence Day treat for kids and adults alike.
Why I Love This Recipe
Besides being ridiculously cute, these cookies are wonderfully soft, lightly sweet, and oh-so-fun to make. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or simply making memories in the kitchen with your family. Plus, they freeze well and travel like a dream!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 drops red food coloring or 1/4 tsp red gel
- 10 drops blue food coloring or 1/4 tsp blue gel
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and smooth.
2. Add Eggs
Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until you get a thick, sticky dough.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for easier handling).
5. Divide and Color
Split the chilled dough into three portions. Color one red, one blue, and leave one plain for that “white” effect.
6. Shape the Cookies
Take about 1/2 tablespoon of each color and press them together into one ball. Roll smooth.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar
Roll each cookie ball twice in powdered sugar to ensure maximum crinkle effect.
8. Bake
Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes until crackled on top but still soft in the center.
9. Cool and Serve
Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the chill—cold dough helps maintain shape and maximize crinkles.
- Double-roll in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant results with less liquid.
- Make ahead: Freeze the dough balls and roll in sugar before baking on party day.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies are a hit on their own but pair wonderfully with festive snacks and drinks like:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a tart-sweet sip
- Beer Cheese Dip as a savory contrast
- Light Tangy Chicken Salad for a no-mayo picnic winner
- Instant Pot Lasagna as a hearty main before dessert
- Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups if you’re feeling like a two-cookie kind of day!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Freeze Dough Balls: Shape and freeze before rolling in powdered sugar. Thaw slightly before baking.
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Final Thoughts
With just a few pantry staples and some festive food coloring, these 4th of July Crinkle Cookies will light up your dessert table like fireworks. They’re chewy, charming, and guaranteed to earn you oohs and ahhs at your next patriotic party. 🇺🇸✨
Tried them out? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to follow for more fun, family-friendly recipes!
