Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies are festive, chewy, and packed with red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates that make them perfect for holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. With a classic chocolate chip cookie base and bursts of color in every bite, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they bring a celebratory spirit to any gathering.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
eggs
semisweet chocolate chips
red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)

directions

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

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

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

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and patriotic candy-coated chocolates.

Scoop tablespoons of dough and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Press a few extra candies on top for a more festive look.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
Add sprinkles in patriotic colors for extra flair.
Mix in chopped pretzels or nuts for added texture.
Make cookie bars by pressing the dough into a pan and baking slightly longer.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave individual cookies for 8-10 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can enhance store-bought dough with chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates for convenience.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I use different colored candies?

Yes, switch up the colors for other holidays or events.

Why are my cookies flat?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help control spreading.

How do I keep cookies soft?

Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.

Are these cookies too sweet?

They have a classic sweetness balanced by chocolate and candy crunch.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust size and baking time accordingly.

Do they work for cookie swaps?

Definitely—they’re colorful, fun, and easy to transport.

Conclusion

Patriotic Chocolate Chip Cookies combine timeless cookie goodness with bold, festive colors, making them a must-have for your next celebration. Whether served at a barbecue, picnic, or holiday party, these cookies deliver cheerful vibes and irresistible flavor. They’re simple to make, fun to customize, and always a hit on the dessert table.

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