Print

Perfect 4th of July Firecracker Sugar Cookies Easy Red White Blue Icing Recipe

firecracker sugar cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

Festive sugar cookies with red, white, and blue icing perfect for 4th of July celebrations. These cookies feature crisp edges, soft centers, and a smooth glossy icing finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring in red and blue

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
  6. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Chill dough if it softens.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies sit on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
  9. While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide into three bowls and tint with red and blue gel colors, leaving one white.
  10. Decorate cookies with icing using spoons, piping bags, or zip-top bags. Let icing set at room temperature for at least 2 hours before stacking or packaging.

Notes

Use softened, not melted butter for best texture. Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning icing. Let icing set fully at room temperature for a smooth glossy finish. Dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute flour and dairy accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July, sugar cookies, patriotic cookies, red white blue icing, holiday dessert, easy sugar cookies, summer party treats

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/perfect-4th-of-july-firecracker-sugar-cookies-easy-red-white-blue-icing-recipe/