Starspangled Sugar Cookies a 4Th of July Celebration
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy baking up some star spangled goodness? Ever wondered how to make those super cute 4th of july cookies you see everywhere? Well, look no further! Get ready for buttery, melt-in-your mouth patriotic cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Brief Overview
These red white and blue cookies are a total American classic. They are perfect for celebrating independence day cookies ! This sugar cookie recipe is super easy, it will only take you around 2 hours to make.
You'll get about 24-36 cookies depending on size.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing about these cookies? They bring smiles! Plus, they're a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.
These easy 4th of july cookies are ideal for your holiday barbecue or just because. They're special because you can customize them with your own american flag cookies designs.
Wanna make some festive holiday cookies ?
Gathering Your Supplies
To get started, you'll need:
- Softened unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks).
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup.
- One large egg.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
Icing, Icing Baby
For the royal icing recipe , you'll need powdered sugar, meringue powder, warm water, and red and blue gel food coloring.
Of course, you can't forget the red, white, and blue sprinkles to make some beautiful star shaped cookies to create your Independence Day Dessert.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's dive into what you'll need to create these fab patriotic cookies . We're talking proper red white and blue cookies that scream Independence Day cookies .
I've made these sugar cookie recipe crackers more times than I can count! Trust me, if I can do it, you totally can.
Main Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) (226g) . Make sure it's softened. Quality butter makes all the difference, Honestly! Go for a good brand; you will taste it, I promise!
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) .
- Large Egg: 1 .
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Real vanilla is ace, but the imitation stuff works in a pinch.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (313g) .
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Royal icing recipe time! Or a simple glaze will do if you're short on time.
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (450g) , sifted. This avoids lumps!
- Meringue Powder: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . This stuff makes your icing rock solid.
- Warm Water: ½ cup (120ml) , plus more as needed.
- Gel Food Coloring: Red and blue. Gel is key it gives the best, most vibrant colour.
Seasoning Notes
A good vanilla extract will do wonders! If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of almond extract. It's lovely! For the icing, red and blue food coloring are essential for that american flag cookies look.
Remember, a little food coloring goes a long way. You can easily substitute vanilla extract to almond extract.
Equipment Needed
Alright, kit time. Don't stress if you don't have everything. We can fudge it.
- Electric Mixer: Stand or hand mixer.
- Large Mixing Bowls: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Another no-brainer.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out that dough!
- Cookie Cutters: Star shaped are perfect for 4th of July cookies . Round ones work too.
- Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper. Parchment is your friend, trust me.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Stops the cookies sticking.
- Wire Rack: For cooling.
- Piping Bags or Squeeze Bottles: For the royal icing recipe . You can use Ziploc bags with a corner snipped off if you're strapped for cash.
- Small Bowls: For coloring the icing.
These easy 4th of July cookies are going to be the highlight of your 4th of july desserts spread! You know? Everyone will think you're a baking genius.
I'm making these because they are festive holiday cookies and easy to do, so everyone can celebrate with these star shaped cookies the independence day cookies .
Baking Up a Storm: Mastering Your 4th of July Cookies
Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's dive headfirst into making some seriously awesome 4th of July cookies ! I mean, what's more patriotic than a batch of red white and blue cookies for your Independence Day bash? Honestly, I can already smell the vanilla!
We're talking about taking a classic sugar cookie recipe and turning it into a festive holiday cookies masterpiece!
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: The Prep Work
Essential mise en place is key, mates. This means having all your ingredients measured. Think about it, soggy butter will ruin everything.
Soften that butter, sift that sugar, and measure that vanilla extract.
Organization saves time. Trust me, from my personal experience, trying to find the baking powder halfway through is a total nightmare.
Keep your space organised, and keep it clean. This is to ensure that everything goes without a hitch.
Safety first! Hot ovens and sharp knives. Let’s not end up in A&E, shall we?
Let's Bake!: step-by-step Instructions
Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) (226g) of softened butter and ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar. You want it light and fluffy, like clouds.
Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Crack the egg first so you don't get bits of shell, you know?
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. No overmixing! Overmixing is a huge mistake that leads to tough cookies, the worst nightmare.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour . Honestly, this step is crucial.
Don't skip it or your american flag cookies will spread like crazy!
Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness and use those star shaped cookies cutters, get creative.
Bake for 8- 12 minutes , until the edges are just lightly golden. Don't overbake, unless you like hockey pucks.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Expert Decorating: Get your royal icing recipe ready. Divide and color with red and blue gel food coloring. Pipe stars, stripes, or whatever your heart desires.
Avoiding Disaster: Don't overbake your cookies! Watch them like a hawk. Also, make sure your butter is actually softened, not melted.
make-ahead Magic: You can make the dough a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge. This makes these easy 4th of july cookies even easier.
These 4th of July desserts are sure to be a hit, and they are so festive! Make these amazing Patriotic Cookies and tell me how they turn out! You will surely enjoy these wonderful patriotic cookies .
Recipe Notes for Smashing 4th of July Cookies
Right then, let's chat about these absolutely fab patriotic cookies , shall we? Honestly, baking these red white and blue cookies is half the fun.
It's all about embracing that star spangled spirit, you know? So, before you dive in, a few extra bits and bobs to make sure your independence day cookies turn out perfect.
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
Presentation is key, darling! Arrange your american flag cookies on a tiered cake stand. Proper posh! For a more rustic vibe, pile them high on a wooden board.
Iced tea, lemonade or even a proper Gin and Tonic goes down so well with sweet 4th of july desserts .
Get the vibe?
Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive
These festive holiday cookies store like a dream. Keep 'em in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Want to make them last longer? Pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing is also an option.
Just make sure they are fully decorated first! When you fancy one, defrost it at room temperature. Simples!
Variations: A Little Twist Never Hurt
Fancy a change? Go mad with it. If you want to make these gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend. My mate uses almond flour, but I've not tried that.
You could use seasonal fruit like strawberries, just chop them to bits. The basic sugar cookie recipe is so versatile.
Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Chore
Look, these are easy 4th of july cookies , so a little treat is what we are looking at here! The star shaped cookies are more focused on taste than macro nutrition.
You know? Let's be honest they are cookies, not kale smoothies. But hey, a little bit of sweetness never hurt anyone.
Right then! Time to get baking and create your own masterpiece! Enjoy those 4th of July cookies !
Frequently Asked Questions
My 4th of July cookies spread too much while baking! What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Make sure you chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out like putting it in time out! Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid over greasing your baking sheets.
Using parchment paper or a silicone mat is your best bet.
Can I make the 4th of July cookies dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the dough ahead is a brilliant idea, saves you time later, doesn't it? You can store the dough in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer for up to a month.
Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out it's like waking Sleeping Beauty!
What's the best way to decorate these Star Spangled sugar cookies? My royal icing is a disaster zone!
Royal icing can be a bit temperamental, a bit like a drama queen, isn't it? The key is consistency. For outlining, you want a thicker consistency that holds its shape. For flooding (filling in the cookie), thin it out slightly with a few drops of water.
Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for more control, and don't be afraid to practice on a plate first. Alternatively, you could try a simple glaze or buttercream frosting for easier decorating!
How do I store these 4th of July cookies to keep them fresh?
Once the icing has completely set (patience, young padawan!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. To prevent them from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can make the icing soggy, a bit like a British summer day!
Can I make these cookies healthier? What about sugar alternatives?
While these are definitely a treat, you can make some adjustments. Reduce the sugar slightly in the dough. You can also experiment with using a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. Consider using whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Remember, the joy of these 4th of July cookies is about the celebration and fun, so enjoy in moderation!
I don't have meringue powder for the royal icing. What can I use instead?
If you're fresh out of meringue powder and can't find any at your local shops, the best alternative is to use pasteurized egg whites. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are uncertain about using raw eggs. The shelf life of the icing will be reduced and it will need to be refrigerated.
Otherwise, you could try a simple glaze or buttercream frosting for decorating!
Starspangled Sugar Cookies A 4th Of July Celebra
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120-150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6-8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
