July Star Cookies

July Star Cookies are festive, buttery sugar cookies cut into star shapes and decorated in red, white, and blue icing or sprinkles—perfect for celebrating Independence Day. These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and ideal for parties, BBQs, or patriotic dessert tables. Whether you’re frosting them with royal icing or letting kids decorate with colorful sugars, they bring cheer and tradition to every celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive for the Fourth of July and other patriotic holidays
• Soft, buttery texture with a vanilla-sugar flavor
• Perfect for decorating with kids or serving at themed events
• Easily customizable with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter
• Great for making ahead and packaging as party favors

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 sanding sugar
• Optional: royal icing or glaze for decorating

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 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 until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Decorate with sprinkles before baking, or wait to ice after baking.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
11. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with icing and additional sprinkles, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 24–30 cookies (depending on size)
• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time)
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Add almond or lemon extract for a flavor twist
• Color the dough red or blue before baking for bold, festive cookies
• Use edible glitter or metallic sugar for a sparkling finish
• Layer smaller stars on top of larger ones with frosting in between
• Sandwich two cookies with frosting or jam for a fun surprise

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving. These cookies do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

What kind of icing works best?

Royal icing is best for detailed decorating and crisp designs. Glaze icing is easier and has a softer finish. Both can be colored as needed.

Can I use different cookie cutter shapes?

Absolutely. While stars are classic for July, you can use flags, circles, or hearts for a creative spin.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before rolling and baking, and avoid overmixing the dough. Use parchment paper to help them hold their shape.

Can I decorate after baking?

Yes, decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, glaze, or buttercream, and add sprinkles before the icing sets.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, it’s very kid-friendly. Let them use cutters, add sprinkles, or paint icing onto cooled cookies.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies?

No, store at room temperature in a sealed container. Only refrigerate if they are decorated with perishable toppings.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Definitely. They look great in clear bags or cookie boxes and stay fresh for several days.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar texture and results.

What’s the best way to store leftover icing?

Store leftover icing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir or remix before using.

Conclusion

July Star Cookies are a classic, festive treat that adds sparkle to your 4th of July or summer party spread. With their soft, buttery flavor and endless decorating possibilities, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Bake a batch to celebrate the holiday, share with friends and family, or create a cookie-decorating station for a patriotic party activity everyone will love.

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