Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Step 2: Divide and Color
- Divide dough evenly into three bowls.
- Leave one plain (white), tint one red, and the other blue using gel coloring.
- Chill all dough portions for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Roll and Coat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop 1 tbsp of dough and gently roll into a ball.
- For swirled cookies: roll one red, one white, and one blue piece together.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar.
- Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and crackled, but not browned.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for brightness Sprinkle Swirl: Fold in patriotic sprinkles before rolling Minty Cool: Sub almond extract with peppermint for a twist Filled Version: Hide a mini marshmallow or chocolate chip inside Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freezer: Freeze raw dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months Reheat: Enjoy as-is or microwave 5–10 seconds for fresh-baked feel ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel colors give more vibrant hues without thinning the dough. Can I skip almond extract?
Sure—but it adds a delicious, nutty twist. How do I get big crinkles?
Make sure the cookies are well-coated in powdered sugar and the dough is chilled. Can I make these ahead?
Yes—chill or freeze the dough until ready to bake. Are they overly sweet?
No—there’s a nice balance between the buttery base and sugar coating. Can kids help with this?
Absolutely! Rolling and coloring is super fun for little hands. Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much. What if I want only red or blue cookies?
Just divide the dough in half and color as desired. Can I use a cookie scoop?
Yes—a small scoop makes portioning super easy. Can I double the batch?
Definitely—these cookies go fast! 🏁 Conclusion
These Patriotic Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate 4th of July dessert—soft, buttery, and packed with red, white, and blue flair. Whether you make them as swirled trios or solid-colored bites, their festive appearance and rich almond flavor make them unforgettable. 🇺🇸💥 Serve them at picnics, parties, or simply enjoy with a cup of cold milk and fireworks on the side.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for brightness Sprinkle Swirl: Fold in patriotic sprinkles before rolling Minty Cool: Sub almond extract with peppermint for a twist Filled Version: Hide a mini marshmallow or chocolate chip inside Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freezer: Freeze raw dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months Reheat: Enjoy as-is or microwave 5–10 seconds for fresh-baked feel ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel colors give more vibrant hues without thinning the dough. Can I skip almond extract?
Sure—but it adds a delicious, nutty twist. How do I get big crinkles?
Make sure the cookies are well-coated in powdered sugar and the dough is chilled. Can I make these ahead?
Yes—chill or freeze the dough until ready to bake. Are they overly sweet?
No—there’s a nice balance between the buttery base and sugar coating. Can kids help with this?
Absolutely! Rolling and coloring is super fun for little hands. Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much. What if I want only red or blue cookies?
Just divide the dough in half and color as desired. Can I use a cookie scoop?
Yes—a small scoop makes portioning super easy. Can I double the batch?
Definitely—these cookies go fast! 🏁 Conclusion
These Patriotic Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate 4th of July dessert—soft, buttery, and packed with red, white, and blue flair. Whether you make them as swirled trios or solid-colored bites, their festive appearance and rich almond flavor make them unforgettable. 🇺🇸💥 Serve them at picnics, parties, or simply enjoy with a cup of cold milk and fireworks on the side.