Patriotic Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

Celebrate Independence Day in sweet style with these festive Patriotic Cookies & Cream Cupcakes! Featuring rich chocolate cupcake bases loaded with crushed sandwich cookies and topped with a swirl of red, white, and blue buttercream, these treats are both eye-catching and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for 4th of July parties, picnics, or just a fun baking day with family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cookies & Cream Twist – Classic flavor with a festive upgrade.
Patriotic Swirl – Red, white, and blue buttercream makes them celebration-ready.
Soft & Moist – The cupcake base is tender, rich, and full of cookie goodness.
Fun to Decorate – Great for getting kids involved in the kitchen.
Perfect for Parties – Easy to serve, transport, and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 10 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed

For the Patriotic Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• Red and blue gel food coloring
• Crushed cookies or whole mini cookies for topping (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin pan & cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bags & star tip
• Toothpick or skewer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then add vanilla.
5. Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Fold in crushed cookies.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
8. Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full with batter.
9. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
11. Beat softened butter until creamy.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated.
13. Add vanilla and milk or cream, then beat until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
14. Divide frosting into three bowls. Leave one white, tint one red, and one blue.
15. Spoon each color side by side into a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a swirl effect.

Step 4: Frost the Cupcakes
16. Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes in a tall swirl.
17. Garnish with cookie crumbs or mini cookies if desired.

Tips for the Best Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – For a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t Overmix – Keeps cupcakes tender and fluffy.
Cool Completely – Prevents frosting from melting.
Use Gel Food Coloring – For bold, vibrant red and blue hues.
Decorate Just Before Serving – For the freshest presentation.

Serving Suggestions
Cupcake Tower – Stack for a stunning 4th of July centerpiece.
With Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry.
Kid-Friendly Dessert Table – A favorite among little guests.
Party Favor Boxes – Package in cute boxes for take-home treats.

How to Store

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Extend freshness up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing:
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boxed cake mix?
   Yes! Enhance with sour cream and crushed cookies for a homemade taste.
2. Can I make the frosting ahead?
   Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-whip before piping.
3. How do I make the swirl frosting effect?
   Spoon each color into different sections of the same piping bag. When piped, they swirl together beautifully.
4. Are these safe to transport?
   Yes, especially if chilled first to firm up the frosting.

Final Thoughts
These Patriotic Cookies & Cream Cupcakes combine festive charm with crowd-favorite flavor for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just celebrating with family, these cupcakes add a sweet splash of red, white, and blue to your day.

Bake a batch, snap a pic, and share the joy—they’re sure to steal the show!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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