Name: Red Velvet 4th of July Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips; 2 tbsp red, white, and blue sprinkles (plus more for topping)

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Red Velvet 4th of July Cookies are a festive, colorful dessert perfect for celebrating Independence Day. These rich, chewy cookies are packed with red velvet flavor and decorated with white chocolate chips and patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles. With their deep red hue and soft texture, they bring a celebratory flair and classic taste to your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eye-catching red velvet color perfect for patriotic celebrations
Chewy, soft texture with hints of cocoa and vanilla
Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
Decorated with white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles
Great for parties, cookouts, or cookie trays

ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
White chocolate chips
Red, white, and blue sprinkles

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the white chocolate chips.
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Press a few extra chips and sprinkles on top for decoration.
Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add a cream cheese filling for red velvet sandwich cookies
Mix in milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
Use patriotic M&Ms in place of sprinkles
Make the cookies smaller for a bite-sized version
Drizzle with white chocolate for added decoration

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 10–12 seconds to restore a soft, warm texture.

FAQs

What gives red velvet cookies their flavor?

The combination of cocoa powder, vanilla, and a slight tang from the brown sugar gives red velvet its signature flavor. Red food coloring provides the classic vibrant hue.

Can I make these cookies without red food coloring?

Yes, but they won’t have the traditional red velvet color. The taste will remain similar.

Can I add cream cheese to this recipe?

Yes, you can fill cookies with a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture before baking or add a cream cheese glaze after baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.

Why are my cookies dry?

Dry cookies can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure accurately and remove the cookies when they’re just set.

Can I use white chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Yes, chopped white chocolate chunks melt nicely and add an artisanal look.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy, especially when baked for the recommended time and cooled properly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for similar results.

What’s the best way to decorate them for the 4th of July?

Top the cookies with red, white, and blue sprinkles or candies before baking, or drizzle with white chocolate and add sprinkles after they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well—just make sure to mix thoroughly and bake in batches.

Conclusion

Red Velvet 4th of July Cookies combine the rich, classic flavor of red velvet with a festive holiday twist. Easy to make and beautifully vibrant, they’re the perfect patriotic treat to share at your next summer celebration. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, barbecue, or fireworks gathering, these cookies will be a sweet, colorful hit with everyone.

Red Velvet 4th of July Cookies