Star-Spangled Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Star-Spangled Cookies are a festive and fun treat that brings patriotic flair to your Fourth of July celebrations. Made with buttery sugar cookie dough and shaped into stars, these cookies are decorated with vibrant red, white, and blue icing or sprinkles for a bright, celebratory look. They’re perfect for holiday dessert tables, party favors, or decorating with kids for a memorable Independence Day activity.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
egg
vanilla extract
red, white, and blue gel food coloring (optional)
royal icing or glaze
patriotic sprinkles or edible glitter
star-shaped cookie cutters

directions

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

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.

Divide dough if coloring and tint portions red and blue using gel food coloring, leaving one portion white.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30–45 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, glaze, or sprinkles in patriotic patterns.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24–30 cookies, depending on size.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30–45 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1.5–2 hours

Variations

Use a tie-dye technique by swirling colored doughs together before cutting.
Add lemon or almond extract for a flavor twist.
Top with colored sanding sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
Use chocolate or glaze drizzle instead of icing for a quicker topping.

storage/reheating

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Do not microwave—serve at room temperature for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pre-made sugar cookie dough works well for cut-outs.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps keep the cookie shape during baking.

Can I make them ahead?

Absolutely—bake and freeze the cookies, then decorate when ready to serve.

What’s the best icing to use?

Royal icing gives a smooth finish, while a powdered sugar glaze is quicker and easier.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chill the cut shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

Can kids help decorate?

Yes, they’re perfect for decorating with kids using icing, sprinkles, and edible stars.

Are these gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use different shapes?

Yes, but stars are perfect for a patriotic theme.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, but gel coloring gives more vibrant results without altering texture.

How do I get crisp edges?

Use metal cookie cutters and chill the dough thoroughly before cutting.

Conclusion

Star-Spangled Cookies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the Fourth of July with color, creativity, and homemade charm. Whether decorated with icing or sprinkles, these buttery sugar cookies bring a sweet and patriotic touch to your summer gatherings. Bake a batch and let your celebration sparkle one cookie at a time.

Print