4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Name: 4th of July Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; Red and blue food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Published: June 11, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
Festive Appearance: The colorful design makes them an eye-catching addition to your dessert table.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the delightful combination of a chewy center and a light crinkle on the surface.
Perfect for Any Occasion: While great for the 4th of July, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round.
Customizable Colors: Feel free to use different food colorings for other holidays or celebrations!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking these tasty cookies, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make it easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Spatula or handheld mixer
Sifter
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
Sifter: Helps incorporate air into dry ingredients, making the cookies lighter and fluffier.

Ingredients

These red, white, and blue 4th of July Crinkle Cookies will be a hit at your summer party! They have soft and buttery center and perfect crinkled top.

For the Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
10 drops of red food coloring or 1/4 tsp of coloring gel
10 drops of blue food coloring or 1/4 tsp of coloring gel
1/2 cup of powdered sugar, plus more if needed

How to Make 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, add soft butter and sugar. Use a spatula or handheld mixer to mix until smooth.
Add eggs to the mixture and blend until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredient mixture.
Mix until everything is well combined. The dough should feel thick and sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Divide the chilled dough into three equal portions.
Place each portion into separate bowls; aim for about 240-260 grams per portion if using a scale.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to another.
Gently knead each dough portion until evenly colored while leaving one portion plain.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Take 1/2 tablespoon of each colored dough and combine them in your palm to form a ball.
Repeat this step with the remaining dough portions.

Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. Roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an even better crinkle effect, coat each ball twice.

Step 8: Bake

Place rolled cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets with space between each ball. Bake for about 12-14 minutes until the tops are crackly but still soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cookies to sit on the baking pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

How to Serve 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

These festive 4th of July Crinkle Cookies are perfect for summer gatherings. Whether you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a sweet treat, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter to showcase their vibrant colors. This makes a stunning centerpiece for any table.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor and let it melt slightly for extra indulgence.

Party Favors

Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. These make great take-home favors for guests.

Dessert Bar

Include the cookies on a dessert bar alongside other treats. Pair them with cupcakes and brownies for a diverse selection.

Picnic Treats

Perfect for outdoor picnics, these cookies are easy to transport and will surely delight everyone at your gathering.

Milk Pairing

Serve the cookies alongside glasses of cold milk. This classic pairing enhances the flavors and adds a nostalgic touch.

How to Perfect 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Creating the perfect 4th of July Crinkle Cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps achieve that signature crinkle texture and prevents spreading during baking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and texture in your cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you pull them out.
Double Coating: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar twice enhances the crinkle effect and adds sweetness.
Experiment with Colors: While red and blue are traditional, feel free to get creative with other colors for different occasions.
Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

These 4th of July Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some delicious options:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies.
Patriotic Punch: Create a festive drink with layers of red fruit punch, blue sports drink, and lemon-lime soda.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes make for light bites that enhance flavors without overwhelming.
Veggie Platter: Crunchy vegetables served with dip offer a healthy option to balance out sweets.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses with crackers can provide a sophisticated touch while complementing dessert flavors.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with sweet treats like cookies.
Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans add hearty flavor while keeping with traditional barbecue fare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 4th of July Crinkle Cookies, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to help maintain shape.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can ruin the texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long makes them hard instead of soft. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the tops are crackly but still soft in the center.
Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect how well they mix with other ingredients. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the dough.
Inconsistent cookie sizes: Making uneven cookie balls can lead to uneven baking. Use a small cookie scoop for uniformity when shaping your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store your cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Duration: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months.
Containers: Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating 4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes for warm cookies.
Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm the cookies covered for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my 4th of July Crinkle Cookies?

You can definitely customize your cookies! Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

What type of food coloring should I use for 4th of July Crinkle Cookies?

Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.

How do I store leftover 4th of July Crinkle Cookies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer.

Why did my crinkle cookies not crack?

If your cookies did not crack properly, it may be due to underbaking or insufficient powdered sugar coating before baking.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for summer celebrations. Their soft centers and festive colors are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize with different color combinations or add-ins, making this recipe versatile for any occasion. Try making these delightful treats today!

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