4th of July Cookies
User Reviews
5
4th of July Cookies
Description
The 4th of July Cookies feature a classic sugar cookie base made from a blend of butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar, which creates a tender cookie with a soft crumb. The dough is mixed with vanilla and an egg, then combined with flour, baking soda, and salt before baking until the edges just show hints of gold, preserving a soft texture. Once cooled, the cookies are topped with a rich cream cheese frosting made from softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, giving a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cookie.
For decoration, fresh strawberries and blueberries lend natural fruitiness and color, while packets of red and blue Pop Rocks add an unusual popping sensation that sets these cookies apart. Because the popping candy and fruit toppings begin to dissolve if left too long, the cookies are ideally served soon after decorating.
This recipe evolved from an original sugar cookie bar idea but is adapted to traditional individual cookies, allowing for simple portioning and a festive presentation suited to holiday celebrations. The method emphasizes not overbaking to maintain softness, and the cream cheese frosting offers a smooth spreadability for even coverage.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 to 1½ pounds powdered sugar
Toppings:
- strawberry
- Blueberry
- 4 packets Pop Rocks (combination of red and blue)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Beat butter, shortening and sugars together. Add egg and vanilla.
- In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
- Slowing add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix together until all combined.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Shape dough into 2 inch balls and place evenly on cookie sheet.
- Flatten each dough ball with hands or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are BARELY golden. Do not over bake! Allow cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.
For frosting and topping:
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar to desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled cookies.
- Top with fresh cut fruit, Pop Rocks or sprinkles. Serve immediately. The Pop Rocks and Fruit will start to melt and get wet on top the longer it sits.
Notes
- Do not overbake cookies; edges should be just barely golden to keep them soft.
- Spread frosting only after cookies have fully cooled to prevent melting.
- Apply toppings like fresh fruit and Pop Rocks immediately before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
- The original recipe was a bar cookie variation, now converted to individual cookies for ease of serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 304 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 304kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 31mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 35g | 70% |
| Vitamin A | 314IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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