1. What is the best recipe for Patriotic Crinkle Cookies?

The best recipe uses a simple sugar cookie dough base, split and colored with red and blue gel food coloring, chilled for easy handling, then rolled in powdered sugar before baking. The result is soft, chewy cookies with a bold crinkle effect. For even more flair, consider swirling the colors or turning them into sandwich cookies.

2. What ingredients do I need for Patriotic Crinkle Cookies?

You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, red and blue gel food coloring, and powdered sugar. Optional additions include almond extract for depth or lemon zest for brightness — similar to what you'd find in our Lemon Crazy Cake .

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies are great for prepping in advance. You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze the rolled cookie balls (before adding powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. Just thaw slightly before coating and baking.

4. How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing after baking?

Roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar first, then in powdered sugar for a thicker coating that holds during baking. Also, make sure your cookies are cold before they go into the oven to slow down the sugar’s melting.

Patriotic Crinkle Cookies: Soft, Festive, and Bursting with Flavor

Name: Patriotic Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Red and blue gel food coloring; ¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Description

These soft and festive Patriotic Crinkle Cookies are a red, white, and blue twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for summer parties, Fourth of July, and anyone who loves a chewy cookie with a crackled powdered sugar top.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

Red and blue gel food coloring

¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.

5. Divide dough into thirds. Leave one plain, color one red, one blue using gel food coloring.

6. Chill the dough for 30–45 minutes until firm.

7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls and roll in powdered sugar (optional: roll in granulated sugar first).

8. Place on lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

9. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for best vibrancy.

Double-roll in granulated + powdered sugar for extra crinkle.

Dough can be frozen up to 3 months before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 135
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg