Add a plate of these fun-colored 4th of July Fireworks Cookies to your holiday plans. Sprinkles and red, white, and blue M&Ms will make these soft and puffy Fourth of July cookies disappear in a hurry. Perfect for celebrations, barbecues, or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to delight everyone with their festive colors and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful cookies quickly.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of vanilla cake mix and cream cheese creates a soft and chewy texture that everyone loves.
• Festive Appearance: The vibrant red, white, and blue colors make these cookies perfect for the 4th of July celebration.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at parties, ensuring your dessert table looks lively.
• Customizable: Feel free to change up the sprinkles or M&Ms to match any occasion!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best 4th of July Fireworks Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Gather your baking essentials before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Cookie scoop: This tool ensures even-sized dough balls for uniformly baked cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps achieve an even bake while supporting the cookies as they rise.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 – 15.25 ounce vanilla cake mix
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups Oreo cookie chunks (14 chocolate cream-filled)
• 3/4 cup red, white, & blue M&Ms, divided
• 1/2 cup red, white, & blue sprinkles, divided

this recipe

How to Make 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine the dry cake mix, softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Add Cookie Chunks and Mix-ins

Gently fold in the Oreo cookie chunks along with 1/2 cup of M&Ms and 1/4 cup of sprinkles into the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the mixed dough for about 60 minutes to firm it up.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while waiting for the dough to chill.

Step 5: Scoop Dough Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough into about 24 even balls. Press additional M&Ms into the tops of each dough ball. If desired, sprinkle some extra sprinkles on top.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place the dough balls on a prepared baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to parchment paper on your counter. Allow them to cool completely before storing in a tightly sealed container.

How to Serve 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

These colorful 4th of July Fireworks Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for festive gatherings. Here are some fun ways to serve them at your holiday celebrations.

Create a Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a large platter, mixing them with other treats like brownies and fruit for a vibrant dessert display.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve each cookie alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The combination will delight guests and cool them down on a hot day.

Use as Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. These make great party favors for guests to take home.

Add to a Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar where guests can choose their favorite cookies, cupcakes, and toppings. This interactive element will be a hit at any gathering.

How to Perfect 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

Making the perfect 4th of July Fireworks Cookies is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly puffy cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure your butter and cream cheese are fresh and at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Experiment with Sprinkles – Feel free to use different colored sprinkles or add more festive decorations to enhance the visual appeal.
• Adjust Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so adjust baking time accordingly for best results.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

These delightful cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some tasty options to consider serving alongside your 4th of July Fireworks Cookies.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a healthy balance to the dessert table.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob – This classic summer dish provides smoky flavors that contrast nicely with sweet treats.
3. Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser and rounds out any barbecue feast.
4. Coleslaw – This crunchy side dish adds texture and pairs well with grilled meats served at your celebration.
5. Caprese Skewers – These skewers made with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes are light and flavorful, making them perfect for summer gatherings.
6. Deviled Eggs – A traditional favorite that offers savory bites amidst all the sweetness of desserts.
7. Pasta Salad – A colorful pasta salad tossed with veggies makes for an appealing side that complements many main dishes.
8. Cheese Platter – A variety of cheeses paired with crackers provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking 4th of July Fireworks Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use softened butter and cream cheese. Cold ingredients can lead to a tough dough and uneven baking.
• Skipping the chill time: Refrigerating the dough for 60 minutes is crucial. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Not measuring accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amounts of ingredients. Incorrect measurements can affect texture and flavor.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Removing them from the oven when they’re slightly underdone will give you soft, puffy cookies.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you’re allergic to certain ingredients, be sure to find appropriate substitutes. For instance, gluten-free cake mix works well if needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can last for about 1 week without losing freshness.

Freezing 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating 4th of July Fireworks Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make these 4th of July Fireworks Cookies gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free vanilla cake mix instead of regular cake mix. This allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these festive treats!

Can I customize the M&Ms used in my Fireworks Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any color or flavor of M&Ms you prefer. The red, white, and blue theme is perfect for the holiday but isn’t mandatory.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too hard?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. They should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Fireworks Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile! With their soft texture and vibrant colors, they are perfect for any summer celebration. You can easily customize them with different candies or sprinkles based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and watch these delightful treats disappear at your next gathering!

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4th of July Fireworks Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Bring a burst of color and flavor to your holiday celebration with our delightful 4th of July Fireworks Cookies. These soft, puffy treats are made with a simple vanilla cake mix and cream cheese, resulting in a chewy texture that’s irresistible. Bursting with festive red, white, and blue M&Ms and sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat at any summer party. With minimal effort, these crowd-pleasers will have everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy the fun of baking together with family and friends as you whip up these celebratory cookies that not only taste amazing but also add a vibrant touch to your dessert table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups Oreo cookie chunks
• 3/4 cup red, white & blue M&Ms (divided)
• 1/2 cup red, white & blue sprinkles (divided)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, blend the vanilla cake mix, softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
2. Gently fold in the Oreo chunks along with 1/2 cup of M&Ms and 1/4 cup of sprinkles.
3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes to firm it up.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Scoop about 24 evenly-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press extra M&Ms on top.
6. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
7. Let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack until completely cool.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For gluten-free options, substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix. Feel free to customize with different sprinkles or chocolate candies based on your event's theme.