Baker's Salute! These Inventive (and So Delicious) 4th of July Cookie Recipes Earn Top Honors

american flag sugar cookies with red and white cookie layers for the stripes and white sugar pearls on a square of piped blue frosting for the stars for a 4th of july celebration
17 Festive (and Yummy!) 4th of July Cookie RecipesCourtesy Tune 'n Fork


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

The 4th of July—known across the country as Independence Day—is a day for celebrating all things American. And what could be more American than a big batch of cookies? Whether you're celebrating with the ultimate chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies (red, white, and blue, of course), or an over-the-top cookie cake, we want you to have a party that's filled with fireworks—for you and your taste buds!

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

If you're looking to celebrate America, why not do it with America's greatest cookie? One of our editors baked 30 dozen cookies in an effort to determine the hands-down best chocolate chip cookie recipe. And you know what? She found it.

The secret is one simple trick—substituting bread flour for all-purpose flour in the classic Nestlé Toll House recipe we all know so well.

Find more about The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.

sheet pan full of homemade chocolate chip cookies
Alex Lane - Getty Images

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

If your idea of July 4th is "go big or go home" (which it should be), then this beast should be your go-to "cookie." Everything about it is larger than life!

Get the recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

cookie cake made with jumbo chocolate chip cookies and layers of ice cream and topped with chocolate drizzle on a white cake platter
Brian Woodcock

S'more Cookies

A cookie recipe that makes use of everyone's favorite midsummer treat, these s'mores cookies are topped with marshmallow creme. Your guests won't be able to resist them.

Get the recipe for S'more Cookies.

cookies topped with marshmallow creme and swirled chocolate topping
Andrew Purcell

Millionaires' Shortbread

If you want a cookie that doesn't skimp, then go for these: Three layers of rich goodness—buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a thick layer of dark chocolate—make up this well-heeled dessert.

Get the recipe for Millionaires' Shortbread.

millionaires' shortbread squares on red polka dot paper
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Fireworks Blondies

Blondies: Are they cookies or bars? While the age-old debate rages on, we're having seconds.

Get the recipe for Fireworks Blondies at Crazy for Crust.

fireworks blondies packed with red, white, and blue m and m's and sprinkles for 4th of july
Courtesy Crazy for Crust

Jam & Cream Cheese Pastry Pinwheels

Sophisticated as they may look, these jam pinwheels aren't difficult in the slightest. Blogger Kayley McCabe of the blog Handmade Charlotte devised a recipe that takes no more than 30 minutes.

Get the recipe for Jam & Cream Cheese Pastry Pinwheels at Handmade Charlotte.

jam and cream cheese star shaped pastry pinwheels shown with blue polka and red gingham plastic spoons for 4th of july
Courtesy Handmade Charlotte

Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies

Pinwheel cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and these ones are no exception. They're mind-bogglingly beautiful too.

Get the recipe for Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies at Just a Taste.

red, white, and blue pinwheel icebox cookies on a wire cooling rack
Courtesy Just a Taste

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake

Cookies are fun (and certainly easiest to dole out to guests), but cake is a party. Have it both ways with this cookie cake.

Get the recipe for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake at Crazy for Crust.

fireworks sugar cookie cake decorated with white frosting and red, white, and blue sprinkles and m and m's for 4th of july
Courtesy Crazy for Crust

American Flag Sugar Cookies

You'll look like a pro baker once you churn out these flag sugar cookies. (But they're actually completely novice-friendly—we promise!)

Get the recipe for American Flag Sugar Cookies at Tune 'n Fork.

american flag sugar cookies with red and white cookie layers for the stripes and white sugar pearls on a square of piped blue frosting for the stars for a 4th of july celebration
Courtesy Tune 'n Fork

Stacked Firecracker Cookies

These cookies aren't just impressive because of their height. They've got an "explosive" secret ingredient!

Get the recipe for Stacked Firecracker Cookies at Tablespoon.

stack of red, white, and blue star shaped sugar cookies with licorice decoration on top to resemble fuse of a 4th of july firework
Courtesy of Tablespoon

S’mores Cookies

If you're into a more subdued color palette, opt for another one of our favorite s'mores-inspired cookies. Each one is stuffed with everything you love about the classic, summery treat: chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.

Get the recipe for S’mores Cookies at Chelsea's Messy Apron.

s’mores cookies
Courtesy Chelsea's Messy Apron

All-American Oreos

How creative are these? Triple-stuffed Oreos make for a fun addition to your dessert table all on their own, but we suggest adding them to a parfait or bowl of ice cream for maximum deliciousness.

Get the recipe for All-American Oreos at Pint Sized Baker.

oreos filled with layers of red, white, and blue frosting for 4th of july
Courtesy Pint Sized Baker

Patriotic Whoopie Pies

They look like something you might find at your favorite neighborhood bakery, but these patriotic whoopie pies are actually super simple to make at home. In fact, you could be snacking on them in less than 20 minutes.

Get the recipe for Patriotic Whoopie Pies at Fun Squared.

three patriotic whoopie pies with sprinkles and filled with muted red, muted blue, or white frosting
Courtesy Fun Squared

Oreo Pops

Not only do Oreo pops display beautifully in a mason jar as a centerpiece or talking point, they're also way easier to make than cake pops. We have a feeling you'll be remembering and customizing this recipe for many holidays to come.

Get the recipe for Oreo Pops at Makoodle.

oreos coated white candy coating, covered in red, white, and blue sugar beads, and served on lollipop sticks for 4th of july
Courtesy Makoodle

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

There are few recipes easier than ones involving cake mix. These red velvet cookies fit the bill—and they're appropriately patriotic too.

Get the recipe for Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies at Live Well Bake Often.

red velvet cake mix cookies with white chocolate chips on a white plate
Courtesy Live Well Bake Often

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

Don't just give your guests one cookie; give them two! And throw in some vanilla ice cream while you're at it. These nostalgia-inducing ice cream sandwiches will bring you back to the summers of your childhood.

Get the recipe for Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches at Baker By Nature.

chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches
Courtesy Baker By Nature

S'mores Cookie Cups

This s'mores cookie is decidedly different than the others on our list. It features a graham cracker cookie, a dreamy, chocolate ganache center, and toasted marshmallow fluff.

Get the recipe for S'mores Cookie Cups at Liv for Cake.

s'mores cookie cups with a cookie cup crust, chocolate filling, and toasted meringue topping, on a plate with graham crackers, hershey's chocolate square, and marshmallow
Courtesy Liv for Cake

You Might Also Like