Description
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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Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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¾ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup milk
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10 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
For the Patriotic Buttercream Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3½ cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk or cream
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
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Red and blue gel food coloring
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Crushed cookies or whole mini cookies for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then add vanilla.
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Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth.
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Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American