Red, White and Blue Cookies are a festive, patriotic treat perfect for holidays. These cheerful pinwheel cookies strike a pleasant balance of sweetness and visual fun, making them a great addition to any Independence Day celebration.
Patriotic Cookies
With the Fourth of July approaching, now is the perfect time to plan bright, patriotic desserts. These red, white, and blue pinwheel cookies are simple to make, loved by kids and adults alike, and ideal for BBQs, picnics, and other holiday gatherings.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter – Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final salt level in the dough.
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best for this cookie dough.
- Red and blue gel food coloring – Gel food coloring delivers vivid color without thinning the dough the way liquid coloring can.
How to Make Red, White and Blue Cookies
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth, then add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well blended.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.
- Color two portions with gel food coloring, making one bowl red and one blue; leave the third portion uncolored (white). Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the blue dough into a roughly 12″ x 12″ square. Repeat with the white dough and carefully place it on top of the blue layer. Do the same with the red dough, stacking it on top.
- Gently roll the layered dough into a tight log to create the pinwheel effect. Shape the log with your hands as needed, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the chilled log into 1/2-inch rounds and place the cookies at least 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden.
How to Store Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Flavoring to the Cookies?
These start as a classic sugar cookie base, but you can easily vary the flavor with extracts. Try almond extract, lemon, or a fruit-flavored liquid like blue raspberry for a playful twist. Keep additions to one or two flavors so the taste remains clean and balanced.
More 4th of July Treats
- 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
- Red, White and Blue Jello
- 4th of July Cheesecake (No-Bake)
- 4th of July Cupcakes
Red, White and Blue Cookies
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 3/4 sticks butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- red and blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
- Divide dough into three equal portions.
- Color one portion red and one portion blue until you reach the desired shades.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll the blue dough into a 12″ x 12″ square, then layer the white and red doughs on top in the same dimensions.
- Carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log to form the pinwheel. Shape with your hands as needed and refrigerate 15 minutes.
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch rounds and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350ºF for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe — feedback helps keep great recipes available.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 34 g
| Protein: 3 g
| Fat: 11 g
Did You Make This?
