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These festive 4th of July cookies bring red, white, and blue color to your dessert table. They turn soft and gooey with edges just crisp enough and look patriotic with every bite. Make them giant for a bash or mini for a crowd—they always spark celebration.
I made these for July fourth last year and the edible glitter stars got more compliments than anything else at the party. The kids were obsessed and it became our new annual tradition to bake and decorate them together.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Delivers body to the cookies Look for a brand with good protein content for chewier texture
- Cake flour: Makes cookies tender Not essential but gives that soft bakery crumb
- Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft inside
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise and spread evenly
- Salt: Balances the sweet and brings out flavor Use fine sea salt
- Cold unsalted butter: Adds richness Keep butter cold for thick cookies
- Brown sugar: Adds moist chewiness and depth Dark or light both work
- Granulated sugar: Gives crisp edges and balances sweetness
- Eggs and egg yolks: Create structure and add richness Room temperature for best blending
- Vanilla extract: Gives classic cookie flavor Real vanilla makes a difference
- Milk chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate Use high-quality chips for best flavor
- Red and blue gel food coloring: Color stays bright without thinning dough Avoid liquid coloring for clean swirls
- Edible glitter stars: Bring sparkle and fun Look for edible versions made for baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats This prevents sticking and encourages even browning
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine all purpose flour cake flour cornstarch baking soda baking powder and salt in a large bowl Whisk to blend evenly so the leaveners get distributed
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- Cube cold butter and place in the bowl of a stand mixer with brown and granulated sugar Cream for two to three minutes until mixture looks fluffy Keeping butter cold ensures thick cookies
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Blend in eggs egg yolks and vanilla extract Scrape sides of the bowl so everything mixes smoothly The extra yolks help the cookies turn rich and tender
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into butter mixture This keeps dough from getting tough Stir in chocolate chips just until evenly spread
- Color the Dough:
- Split dough into three equal portions Add red gel coloring to one blue to another Leave the third plain Mix until colors are vivid not pastel
- Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Roll each colored dough into a 15 inch log Place the logs side by side on plastic wrap or parchment Wrap and twist together to make a marbled effect Chill if too soft or sticky This keeps marble lines clean
- Portion the Cookies:
- Slice log into portions for giant or small cookies Roll into balls and space on prepared baking sheets At least two inches apart for spreading
- Bake:
- Bake at 400 degrees for about ten minutes Edges will just brown Centers may look soft which is perfect for gooey cookies
- Finish and Decorate:
- Quickly press extra chocolate chips on while warm for bakery look Let cookies cool on sheet then transfer to rack Brush with edible glitter stars once cool
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The edible glitter stars take these cookies from just homemade to something you would see in a bakery window. Last year my nephew spent half an hour arranging the stars just so and insisted on choosing each cookie for guests.
Storage Tips
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days For longer storage freeze cooled cookies for up to three months with parchment between layers You can also freeze the dough shaped as individual cookie balls for super easy baking right from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some or all chocolate chips for white chips or red and blue M and Ms if you want more color For a dairy free version use plant based butter and dairy free chocolate Cake flour can be replaced with more all purpose flour but the cookies will be a touch less soft
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cookies as a stand alone treat at a 4th of July party or arrange around a big bowl of ice cream Sandwich ice cream between two cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches or use them as festive party favors packed in cellophane bags
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Cultural and Historical Context
Red white and blue desserts have been a July tradition for generations in America These cookies are a playful way to mark the holiday sharing the spirit of fireworks and flag waving in every bite The swirl method also lends itself to any color theme so you can celebrate other occasions just as easily
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve vibrant red and blue colors?
Use concentrated red and blue gel food coloring and knead until the dough shows deep color. Add more as needed, avoiding pastel shades.
- → Can I make the cookies smaller?
Absolutely! Shape into smaller balls for bite-size treats. Adjust baking time by a minute or two to prevent over-baking.
- → How can I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, portion and freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking for fresh cookies when needed.
- → How do I get extra melty chocolate chips on top?
Gently press extra chocolate chips onto cookies just after baking while they're warm for a gooey finish.
- → Are edible glitter stars necessary?
They're optional, but add festive flair. Sprinkles can also be used for extra color and fun.