When it comes to patriotic sugar cookies, the colors of red, white, and blue add a festive touch to any celebration, making them a staple for holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. These cookies aren’t just fun to look at; they’re also soft and just the right amount of sweet.
This recipe solves issues with cookie texture, shape retention during baking, quick preparation, and easy decorating for festive patriotic sugar cookies with reliable results.
One thing I struggled with in baking sugar cookies is getting the texture just right. Many times, I ended up with cookies that were too hard or crumbled apart. But after some trial and error, I’ve developed a recipe that results in soft yet crispy treats perfect for decorating, ensuring they hold their shape but remain enjoyable to bite into.
This recipe shines not only with its delightful results but also with its quick prep time, you’ll be ready to pop those cookies in the oven within about 20 minutes! Pair these colorful sweets with a dollop of frosting, and you’ll have everyone coming back for more. If you want to try something a little different, check out my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll that’s sure to add a tasty twist to your celebrations.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to all-purpose flour used in the dough.
- The recipe contains butter, so it is unsuitable for vegan and dairy-free diets.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets because it contains granulated and powdered sugars.
- The recipe is vegetarian and nut-free as it contains no animal flesh or nuts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A Festive Touch for CelebrationsThese sugar cookies add a splash of color and joy to any holiday gathering, making them ideal for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.
- Simple Yet TastyThe combination of margarine, cream cheese, and vanilla creates a rich, satisfying flavor that everyone will enjoy. You won’t need any fancy ingredients, just the basics!
- Easy DecoratingWith star and flag cookie cutters, you can unleash your creativity while decorating. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults, making memories in the kitchen.
- Make Ahead ConvenienceIf you need a treat that can be prepared in advance, this recipe lets you freeze the dough or baked cookies, ensuring you’re ready for any occasion!
How to Make Patriotic Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 25 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious patriotic sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) margarine, softened
- 1 large (50g) egg
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour, unbleached
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons (15ml) milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated before baking the cookies.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together softened margarine, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture appears light and fluffy, incorporating air to help cookies rise and become soft.
- Step 3: Stir the baking powder into the creamed mixture until evenly combined. This step is essential for giving the cookies their lift and light texture.
- Step 4: Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture one cup at a time. Stir thoroughly after each addition to incorporate the flour completely and prevent clumps, resulting in a smooth dough.
- Step 5: Place the cookie dough on a lightly floured countertop. Roll it out evenly to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Step 6: Use star or flag cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled dough. This step allows for creative designs suitable for patriotic celebrations.
- Step 7: Arrange the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them sufficiently apart to allow for slight spreading without merging.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Monitor closely and remove the cookies when their edges turn a very light golden brown and cookies feel firm to the touch.
- Step 9: While the cookies bake, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar using a hand mixer. Start on low speed to avoid splattering and mix until smooth.
- Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and milk to the frosting mixture. Mix until you achieve a spreadable and smooth consistency.
- Step 11: After the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Finish by sprinkling with colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles to add a decorative crunch.
Notes
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture exposure.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain firmness and keep the frosting intact.
- Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw wrapped cookies at room temperature before decorating with frosting.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out to create more stable shapes.
- For cookies that do not hold their shape, ensure the dough is rolled out to a consistent thickness of about ¼ inch (6mm).
- If frosting is too thick for spreading or piping, add an extra teaspoon of milk at a time, mixing thoroughly until it reaches the desired smoothness.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to compensate for uneven oven heat and promote uniform baking.
- Allow frosted cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set.
- Serve with fresh fruit salad or whipped cream to complement the sweet, creamy texture.
- Pair the cookies with vanilla ice cream or a selection of fresh berries to enhance the festive experience.
- Create cookie sandwiches using either vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a different dessert format.
- Include these cookies on a dessert tray alongside brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for added visual appeal, or drizzle with melted chocolate or fruit glaze for extra flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for a classic texture. It helps the cookies rise and maintain their shape without spreading too much.
- Baking powder: Look for double-acting baking powder. It gives the cookies a nice lift, ensuring they’re light and fluffy without being too dense.
- Granulated sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for the right sweetness and crispness. It aids in browning and creates that coveted crunchy edge.
- Powdered sugar: Opt for good quality powdered sugar for a smooth finish. It’s key for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love in sugar cookies.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. It’s crucial for flavor and creates a rich, creamy base when creamed with sugars.
- Vanilla extract: Choose a pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It enhances the overall taste and gives the cookies that classic sugar cookie aroma.
- Colored sanding sugar: Go for vibrant colors to make your cookies festive. It adds a fun crunch and visual appeal, perfect for any patriotic celebration.
- Food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for bold colors. Use it to achieve that vibrant red and blue that makes the cookies standout for a patriotic theme!
Recipe Tips
- If cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out to create more stable shapes.
- When cookies don’t hold their shape, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch for consistent results.
- If frosting is too thick, add an extra teaspoon of milk gradually while mixing until you achieve the desired smoothness.
- When cookies bake unevenly, rotate the cookie sheet halfway through the 9-minute baking time for uniform results.
- If decorated cookies have trouble setting, let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh fruit salad or whipped cream. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a selection of berries.
Use to make cookie sandwiches using vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Add to dessert trays featuring brownies or chocolate chip cookies.
Top with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. Drizzle with melted chocolate or a fruit glaze for added flair.
Recipe variations
- You can use butter instead of margarine in the dough for a richer flavor. Substitute 1 cup softened unsalted butter for margarine in the recipe.
- Add 1 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle citrus or nutty twist. Add these in place of vanilla for variety.
- Either star or flag cookie cutters work well for shaping these patriotic sugar cookies. If using different shapes, adjust baking time slightly for even cooking.
- If making a larger batch, double all ingredient amounts and bake cookies in two separate pans. For smaller batches, halve ingredients and reduce baking time by one minute.
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How to Store?
To keep your patriotic sugar cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, preventing exposure to moisture and air.
Refrigeration: Place cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days, ensuring they remain firm and the frosting intact.
Freezing: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
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