4th of July Cookies

Every time the 4th of July rolls around, the excitement of summer gatherings and bright fireworks fills the air. This holiday isn’t just about the celebration; it’s also an opportunity to indulge in sweet treats. These festive 4th of July Cookies are quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, and they’re bursting with colorful candy and sprinkles that make them the perfect addition to any patriotic party. The combination of soft, chewy texture paired with the crunch of M&M’s ensures that each bite is a delightful surprise.

This recipe is ideal for families looking to add a fun, creative dessert to their Independence Day festivities. They’re also great for bake sales or neighborhood gatherings. You can make these cookies ahead of time, as they store quite well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and chewy, with a hint of crunch from the M&M’s.
• Vibrantly colored, making them a festive centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Quick to whip up, allowing for more time to enjoy the celebrations.
• The added sprinkles and candies create a fun, delicious treat the whole family will love.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your festive cookies.

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (one and a half sticks)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Mix-ins

• 1 ¼ cups Red, White, and Blue M&M’s (10 ounce bag)
• 2 tablespoons Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles

Note: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use brown sugar for extra chewiness.
• Substitute with semi-sweet chocolate chips if preferred.
• Replace M&M’s with other colored candies for different occasions.
• Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

How to Make It

These cookies come together quickly for an enjoyable baking experience.

Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line baking sheets

Line baking sheets with parchment or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.

Combine dry ingredients

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.

Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the egg and vanilla.

Mix the dough

Add in the flour mixture and mix just until combined.

Fold in M&M’s and sprinkles

Add in the M&M’s and sprinkles, then use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients into the dough, scraping the sides of the bowl.

Scoop and shape the cookies

Use a cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of dough. Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake cookies

Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes.

Cool cookies

Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Be sure to not overmix after adding the flour for soft cookies.
• Cool the baking sheet for a few minutes between batches for even baking.
• For the best flavor, use fresh vanilla extract.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with ice cream for a festive dessert.
• Serve at family barbecues to impress guests.
• Enjoy as a sweet treat while watching fireworks.