Star-Spangled Cookies

Star-Spangled Cookies are a festive and colorful treat perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. These soft sugar cookies are topped with vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles or candies, shaped like stars or traditional rounds, and offer the perfect balance of sweetness and celebration. They’re fun to make, easy to decorate, and loved by both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for patriotic holidays and themed events
• Soft, chewy texture with buttery vanilla flavor
• Customizable with sprinkles, icing, or cut-out shapes
• Easy to make ahead and freeze
• Fun activity for kids to decorate

ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles or candies
• Optional: almond extract or royal icing for decorating

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using).
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into star shapes or rounds using cookie cutters.
8. Place on the prepared baking sheets and decorate with sprinkles before baking.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden.
10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use royal icing to pipe stars or stripes for more detailed decoration
• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile
• Mix in patriotic M&Ms or chocolate chips for texture
• Make sandwich cookies with frosting between two cookies
• Use food coloring to dye the dough red or blue for a colorful swirl

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months. No reheating is needed, but you can microwave for a few seconds for a warm touch.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. Baked cookies can also be stored or frozen in advance.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but recommended if the dough feels too soft, especially in warmer weather. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Use jimmies, nonpareils, or sugar crystals in red, white, and blue. Avoid large decorative pieces that can melt or bleed during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

How do I get sharp star shapes?

Chill the rolled dough before cutting and use metal cutters for clean lines. Don’t overwork the dough after cutting.

Can I color the dough instead of decorating with sprinkles?

Absolutely. Divide the dough and add food coloring to create red, white, and blue sections. Swirl or layer them for a tie-dye effect.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

In an airtight container at room temperature. Keep away from heat and humidity to preserve texture and decoration.

Can I use frosting instead of sprinkles?

Yes, frost the cookies once cooled and decorate with colored icing or edible stars.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Definitely. Wrap them in clear bags with a ribbon for party favors or holiday gifts.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly. Children will enjoy cutting shapes and adding sprinkles before baking.

Conclusion

Star-Spangled Cookies are a festive, easy-to-make treat that brings patriotic spirit to any celebration. Whether you’re baking with the family, hosting a backyard BBQ, or simply enjoying a holiday weekend, these cookies add a sweet and colorful touch. Make them ahead, get creative with decorations, and enjoy a bite-sized celebration of red, white, and blue.

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