These patriotic sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles are sure to be a sweet hit at all of your 4th of July and USA themed parties. They are perfect for holidays and for election day cookies too.
One of the most fun things about sugar cookie recipes is how easily adaptable they are. The frosting colors and sprinkle selections can change the cookies into any theme or holiday treat.
This particular recipe is delicious because it creates a buttery sugar cookie that is delightful to bite into with a rich thick frosting sweetness on top. Let’s bake the cookies FIRST and then make the frosting.
Cookie Ingredients
- ½ c unsalted butter, softened
- 1 c powdered sugar
- ½ c oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla
- 3 c flour (Can SUB a 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour)
- 2 T corn starch
- 1 t baking powder
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t salt
- 1 t cream of tartar
Cookie Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line your baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and powdered sugar and cream until smooth.
Add in the oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Add in your remaining dry ingredients – flour, corn starch, baking powder, soda, salt and cream of tartar. Mix until combined, scraping the sides often.
Using a small ice cream scoop, measure out the dough and place on your prepared baking sheets. I like to bake on a sheet of parchment paper to ensure that the cookies don’t ever stick to my sheet. Use the bottom of a cup to flatten the dough into ¼ inch thickness.
Parchment Paper – This is the BEST way to line baking pans and dishes. It is great for pouring melted candy too.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. The bottoms should just begin to golden. Do not overbake or they will be dry and crumbly. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
Icing Ingredients and Directions
- ½ c unsalted butter, softened
- 3 c powdered sugar
- 1 t vanilla
- 2-4 T milk
- Red & blue food coloring
- Sprinkles to decorate
For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and about half of the milk.
Mix on low until combined and then bump up the speed to medium to whip smooth. Only if needed, add the remaining milk if it appears dry and crumbly still.
Divide the frosting between three bowls. Leave one white, while tinting another red and another blue.
Once the cookies have cooled, use a butter knife or spatula to spread a thin layer of frosting onto each cookie.
Immediately decorate with sprinkles before the frosting crusts over.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Seven Great Reasons to Bake
For me baking is a great way to express myself. I believe that it is a form of creativity. I am excited to share my TOP seven reasons to bake with you. Know that baking doesn’t need to be “from scratch” to count. It always counts even when it is only halfway homemade.
- Baking is like meditation. I find going through the steps of making a recipe to very calming and relaxing.
- Also, Baking stirs the senses, literally and figuratively.
- When I bake cookies, cakes, pies and treats; I find myself feeling creative and happy in my heart.
- Sometimes my kids bake with me and it creates a great time to bond and connect.
- Homemade treats make great gifts.
- Using recipes passed down from generations creates a magical connection to family.
- Honestly, baking boosts my morale. It is just plain good for the spirit.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this yummy buttery sugar cookie recipe for the 4th of July and beyond! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, it is no extra cost to you but supports me and my small business.
XO,
Laura
Patriotic Sugar Cookies with Homemade Icing and Sprinkles
These patriotic sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles are sure to be a sweet hit at all of your 4th of July and USA themed parties. They are perfect for holidays and for election day cookies too.
Ingredients
- Cookies -
- ½ c unsalted butter, softened
- 1 c powdered sugar
- ½ c oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla
- 3 c flour
- 2 T corn starch
- 1 t baking powder
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t salt
- 1 t cream of tartar
- Frosting -
- ½ c unsalted butter, softened
- 3 c powdered sugar
- 1 t vanilla
- 2-4 T milk
- Red & blue food coloring
- Sprinkles to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line your baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and powdered sugar and cream until smooth.
- Add in the oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add in your remaining dry ingredients - flour, corn starch, baking powder, soda, salt and cream of tartar. Mix until combined, scraping the sides often.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, measure out the dough and place on your prepared baking sheets.
- Use the bottom of a cup to flatten the dough into ¼ inch thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. The bottoms should just begin to golden. Do not overbake or they will be dry and crumbly. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- For the frosting - in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and about half of the milk.
- Mix on low until combined and then bump up the speed to medium to whip smooth. Only if needed, add the remaining milk if it appears dry and crumbly still.
- Divide the frosting between three bowls. Leave one white, while tinting another red and another blue.
- Once the cookies have cooled, use a butter knife or spatula to spread a thin layer of frosting onto each cookie. Immediately decorate with sprinkles before the frosting crusts over.