Patriotic Crinkle Cookies with a Butter-Rich Base

Celebrate the red, white, and blue with these festive Patriotic Crinkle Cookies with a Butter-Rich Base! These soft, chewy cookies boast a rich buttery flavor and a fun crinkled exterior, all dressed up in vibrant patriotic colors. Whether you’re baking for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic event, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat to share.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buttery Goodness – Rich, smooth butter flavor in every bite.
Fun & Festive – Perfect for patriotic celebrations with eye-catching colors.
Soft & Chewy Texture – Lightly crisp outside, irresistibly soft inside.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and food coloring.
Great for Gifting – Package in clear bags for a beautiful holiday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Coating & Colors:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Red gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring
• 2 small bowls (for separating dough)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough
6. Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.
7. Leave one portion uncolored (for white cookies).
8. Tint one portion red using red gel food coloring.
9. Tint the other portion blue using blue gel food coloring.
10. Mix each until the color is well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
11. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form balls of dough from each color.
12. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
13. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies to allow spreading.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies
14. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have crinkled.
15. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
16. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
Use Gel Food Coloring – It provides vibrant color without altering the dough texture.
Don’t Overbake – Cookies should be soft in the center with crisp edges.
Coat Generously – Ensure each dough ball is fully covered in powdered sugar for the best crinkle effect.
Cool Completely – This prevents cookies from sticking when stored or packaged.
Experiment with Swirls – For a unique look, mix two dough colors slightly before baking.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Cookie Platter – Mix with star-shaped sugar cookies for a patriotic display.
Party Favor Bags – Wrap individually for party giveaways.
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Pair with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a festive dessert.
Dessert Table Highlight – Stack on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cool, Dry Place: Store away from heat and humidity to maintain texture.

Freezing:
Freeze Dough Balls: Roll in powdered sugar just before baking.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Separate layers with parchment and freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use butter substitutes?
   Real butter is best for that rich flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
2. Can I skip the food coloring?
   Yes! The cookies will still taste delicious, just less festive in appearance.
3. What makes them crinkle?
   The powdered sugar coating and oven heat cause cracks as the cookies spread and rise.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

Final Thoughts
These Patriotic Crinkle Cookies are a joyful and buttery way to celebrate any red, white, and blue holiday. Easy to make and a delight to eat, they’re ideal for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. With their bold colors and tender texture, they’re sure to impress!

Try them out this 4th of July and spread the cheer—one delicious bite at a time! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your cookie creations with us!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time (optional): 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 40mg

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