Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The American Flag Cookie Cake is a festive dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. This giant cookie is soft and chewy, topped with a creamy frosting and decorated with fresh berries to resemble the American flag. It’s both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious, making it a hit at any celebration.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vanilla extract
eggs
mini chocolate chips (optional)
cream cheese
powdered sugar
heavy cream or milk
fresh strawberries
fresh blueberries

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large rectangular baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using.

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet, smoothing the top.

Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let the cookie cake cool completely.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.

Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie cake.

Decorate with blueberries in the top left corner to represent the stars.

Arrange sliced strawberries in stripes across the cake to resemble the flag.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20–24 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate chips or sprinkles in the dough for extra festivity.
Swap the cream cheese frosting for buttercream if preferred.
Add a layer of whipped topping beneath the fruit for a fluffier texture.
Use raspberry or cherry jam under the fruit for extra flavor.
Try making individual flag cookies with round cutters.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cookie cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For best results, keep the berries fresh by adding them just before serving.
You can freeze the unfrosted cookie base for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cookie base a day ahead and decorate before serving.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, for convenience, you can use premade dough, but homemade yields better flavor.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or make a simple buttercream frosting instead.

Do I need a specific pan size?
A standard 9×13 inch pan works best for the flag layout.

Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are recommended for appearance and texture, but you can use thawed frozen ones in a pinch.

How do I keep the fruit from bleeding into the frosting?
Add the fruit just before serving and gently blot them with a paper towel to remove excess juice.

Is this dessert very sweet?
The cookie is rich, but the fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting help balance the sweetness.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
They are optional—you can omit or replace them with nuts or white chocolate.

Can I use food coloring to enhance the flag colors?
Yes, you can tint the frosting for a more vivid red, white, and blue appearance if desired.

Conclusion

The American Flag Cookie Cake is the ultimate patriotic treat, combining a soft cookie base with creamy frosting and fresh fruit for a showstopping dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings, it’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve this festive cake and watch your guests light up with delight.