The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather and indulge. These 4th of July Cookies are not only festive and colorful but they’re also incredibly easy to make, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of creamy butter and sweet sugars creates a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy M&M’s.
This recipe is perfect for celebrating Independence Day or any gathering where you want to impress friends and family with a delicious treat. They can be made in advance and stored, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday preparations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges.
- Bright and festive colors make them a fun addition to any celebration.
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup required.
- Customize with your favorite mix-ins or sprinkles.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful cookies.
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (one and a half sticks)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 ¼ cups Red, White, and Blue M&M’s (10 ounce bag)
- 2 tablespoons Red, White, and Blue Sprinkles
Use margarine for a dairy-free option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with cane sugar.
- For gluten-free, use all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- M&M’s can be swapped for chocolate chips.
How to Make It
Let’s get baking these festive treats!
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
Fold in M&M’s and Sprinkles
Add in the M&M’s and sprinkles, and use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop to portion out mounds of dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies
Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for longer shelf life.
Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Customize with different colored sprinkles for various holidays.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.
- Pair with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
- Perfect for summer picnics or barbecues.
