The Best 4th of July Cookies: 10 Easy Recipes for Every Dessert Table

Fireworks, backyard BBQs, and colorful desserts — no 4th of July party is complete without cookies. This collection brings together the best 4th of July cookies to bake, stack, and share all summer long. From classic chocolate chip loaded with patriotic candy to frosted sugar cookies, each recipe is festive, easy, and crowd-friendly.

These are more than just Fourth of July cookies. They’re perfect for Memorial Day cookies, Labor Day cookies, and anything in between. Use them for party trays, cookie bars, or casual summer snacking. These patriotic cookies also double as easy 4th of July treats to gift or bring to a potluck. For anyone planning a laid-back celebration with a few festive touches, this list delivers on both flavor and fun.

4th of July Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery, and perfectly festive, these 4th of July sugar cookies are a must-have for every celebration. The tender cookies are finished with smooth white icing and a sprinkle of red and blue stars for a simple yet striking patriotic touch. Easy to make ahead and fun to decorate, these patriotic sugar cookies are perfect for dessert tables, cookie platters, or even as party favors. Bring a plate of these to your gathering and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• White royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
• Red and blue star-shaped sprinkles (or nonpareils)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rounds and star shapes.
5. Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned.
6. Cool completely, then spread with white royal icing and sprinkle generously with red and blue stars.

4th of July Crinkle Cookies

Bright, bold, and irresistibly soft, these 4th of July crinkle cookies bring instant festive flair to any celebration. Each bite reveals colorful red and blue cracks beneath a snowy white layer of powdered sugar. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for patriotic parties, BBQs, and summer gatherings. Serve them on a simple platter and watch them disappear in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and blue gel food coloring
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
2. Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Tint one bowl with red gel food coloring and the other with blue. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Scoop small portions of each of the colored dough, roll into balls, and coat thoroughly in powdered sugar. Place them spaced apart on the prepared sheets.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and cracked but still soft in the center. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Firework Cookies and Cream Cookies

Packed with crushed Oreos, bursts of patriotic sprinkles, and red, white, and blue candy pieces, these Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies are the ultimate party treat. Each bite is a celebration of crunchy, chewy, and colorful textures, perfect for 4th of July gatherings. They come together easily and look like edible fireworks exploding across your dessert table. Make a double batch—you’ll need it!

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed Oreos
• ½ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
• ½ cup patriotic candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the crushed Oreos, sprinkles, and candy-coated chocolates.
4. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
5. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy, chocolatey, and bursting with patriotic colors, these Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies are a 4th of July essential. Loaded with melty chocolate chips and festive red, white, and blue candies, they’re everything you love about classic cookies with a festive twist. Slightly crisp edges, gooey centers, and colorful pops make these perfect for dessert tables, cookie platters, and party favors. Serve them fresh for maximum melty goodness!

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and patriotic candies.
4. Scoop dough into rounded balls and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
5. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Red, White, and Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas

Fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Red, White & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas are perfect for 4th of July celebrations. A soft sugar cookie base, a creamy frosting layer, and bright berries come together for a festive bite-sized treat that looks as good as it tastes. Set them out for a party platter or let guests decorate their own for a fun dessert table idea. These sweet little pizzas bring the perfect patriotic touch to your summer gatherings!

Ingredients

• 1 batch of sugar cookies (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and creamy.
2. Spread each cooled sugar cookie with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
3. Top with sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries, arranging in simple patterns or casual bursts of color.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

4th of July Monster Cookies

Thick, chewy, and packed with festive colors, these 4th of July Monster Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. Loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and red, white, and blue candies, every bite is hearty and satisfying. Their rustic, chunky texture makes them perfect for casual parties, BBQs, and summer celebrations. These cookies are as fun to eat as they are to look at—don’t be surprised if they’re the first to disappear!

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Add the baking soda, oats, and flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the candy-coated chocolates and mini chocolate chips.
4. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

4th of July Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery, festive, and perfect for sharing, these 4th of July Thumbprint Cookies add a pop of color to any patriotic dessert table. With a soft golden cookie base and vibrant red and blue jam centers, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. These cookies are simple, nostalgic, and always a hit at summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup strawberry or raspberry jam (for red)
• ⅓ cup blueberry jam (for blue)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
4. Fill half of the cookies with strawberry or raspberry jam and the other half with blueberry jam.
5. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.

Patriotic Oreos

Quick, festive, and impossible to resist, these Patriotic Dipped Oreos are a 4th of July party favorite. Classic Oreos get a creamy white chocolate coating and a colorful burst of red, white, and blue sprinkles. They’re the perfect easy treat to fill out dessert tables, goodie bags, or last-minute party trays. With no baking required and endless decorating options, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 1 package Oreo cookies (classic or golden)
• 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles
• Optional: red and blue candy melts for drizzle

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package instructions until smooth and fluid.
3. To fully coat, place one Oreo on top of a fork and lower it into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to pour chocolate over the top until completely covered.
4. Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Slide the coated Oreo onto the parchment paper using a toothpick or another fork.
5. While the chocolate is still wet, immediately add red, white, and blue sprinkles, or drizzle with colored candy melts for extra decoration.
6. Let the cookies set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

4th of July Sprinkle Blondies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive color, these 4th of July Sprinkle Blondies are the ultimate easy party dessert. Buttery blondie bars are loaded with red, white, and blue sprinkles, making every bite as cheerful as the celebrations themselves. They slice neatly into squares, travel well, and bring a pop of color to any picnic, barbecue, or holiday dessert table. A quick, no-fuss treat that’s always a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles (plus more for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles gently. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra red, white, and blue sprinkles over the top.
4. Bake for 22–26 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

4th of July Funfetti Cookies

Soft, chewy, and packed with colorful sprinkles, these 4th of July Funfetti Cookies bring a playful spirit to your holiday celebrations. Each bite is filled with pops of red, white, and blue, making them the perfect festive treat for picnics, barbecues, or casual summer parties. No fancy decorating required—just a buttery dough, plenty of sprinkles, and a few simple steps for cookies that look as joyful as the holiday itself!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles (plus more for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles gently.
4. Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Top with a few extra sprinkles if desired.
5. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.