Can I make these cookies a day or two ahead?

Yes, and you should. Letting the cookies rest actually makes them better—they hold their shape and the flavors settle. Just keep them in a sealed container so they don’t dry out or taste like your fridge.

What kind of icing works best?

If you’re going for sharp lines and classic stars-and-stripes vibes, royal icing is the move. It dries smooth and hard. But if you're short on time (or patience), a thick buttercream gets the job done fast and tastes better, especially for kids.

Is cake mix really okay for cookies?

Absolutely. It’s not a shortcut, it’s a strategy. Cake mix cookies are soft, chewy, and way easier to throw together when you’re also trying to prep a dozen other things for the Fourth.

Why do my sprinkles melt or smear?

Cheap sprinkles melt. That’s the short answer. If you’re baking them into the dough, go for better brands. If you’re decorating after baking, wait until the cookies are completely cool so the icing doesn’t turn into a sticky mess.

Yep. If they’re not frosted yet, freeze the cookies flat, then stack with parchment paper in between. If they’re already decorated with royal icing, freeze them in a single layer until solid, then stack. Buttercream doesn’t freeze quite as well—it can go a little weird in texture—but it still works if you’re not picky.

What if I don’t have any patriotic cookie cutters?

Use a round cutter or even the rim of a glass. Once you frost them in red, white, and blue or toss on some star sprinkles, no one’s going to care. They’re still 4th of July cookies , even if they’re not shaped like the Liberty Bell.

Easy 4th of July Cookies Everyone Will Love

Description

These soft and chewy 4th of July cookies come together fast with cake mix, making them a fun and festive treat for any summer gathering. Decorate with sprinkles, royal icing, or buttercream for a patriotic dessert that’s big on flavor and low on effort.

Ingredients

1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Food coloring (optional, for tinted dough)
Royal icing or buttercream (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, oil, and eggs until a dough forms. Stir in vanilla if using.
Optional: Divide dough and mix in red and blue food coloring for colorful cookies.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Press flat slightly if decorating later. Add sprinkles if baking them in.
Bake for 6–10 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Once cool, decorate with royal icing or buttercream if desired.

Notes

You can freeze the unbaked dough or fully baked cookies (without frosting) for up to 1 month.
Use star-shaped cookie cutters and themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
Great for parties, picnics, or backyard cookouts.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 130
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 115mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: 4th of July cookies, cake mix cookies, 4th of July desserts, patriotic cookies, easy 4th of July sugar cookies, summer cookies, Independence Day cookies