I love making this red white and blue cookies recipe every summer because it's one of the easiest ways to get soft, bakery-style cookies that look super cute for holidays.
I'm always here for a festive dessert moment, especially when it's low effort and super cute. Holiday treats are my fave, and if they involve M&M's and minimal cleanup, I'm in.
You're going to love these because they're soft, chewy, beginner-friendly, and honestly kind of foolproof. They're perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or anytime you want something fun, cozy, and aesthetic.
Things to Know Before Making Red White and Blue Cookies
- Do not overmix the dough: This keeps your cookies soft and tender instead of dense
- Use room temperature butter: It creams better and gives the best texture
- Chill if needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes before baking
- Press extra M&M's on top: This makes them look extra cute and bakery-style
I love how these feel like a classic chocolate chip cookie but with a fun patriotic twist. They're my go-to when I need something cute and fast for the patriotic holiday.
If you're into easy patriotic recipes, you'll love these too: Red White and Blue Cake Balls, Patriotic Red White and Blue Pretzels, Red White and Blue Dipped Strawberries, and Red White and Blue Cheesecake Dip.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Unsalted butter: Creates that soft, rich cookie base
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slightly chewy texture
- White sugar: Helps with structure and that classic cookie sweetness
- Eggs: Bind everything together and keep cookies soft
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances flavor
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise slightly while staying soft
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- Red, white, and blue M&M's: The fun, colorful star of the recipe
Tools you'll need: mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, hand or stand mixer
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
How to Make Red White and Blue Cookies
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, bakery-style cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix or the cookies can turn out tough.
Step 5: Gently fold in the red, white, and blue M&M's. Save a few to press on top for a prettier finish.
Step 6: Scoop dough onto prepared baking trays, leaving space between each cookie so they can spread.
Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use regular M&M's if you don't have the holiday version
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Swap half the M&M's for chocolate chunks
- Make them extra festive with sprinkles on top before baking
What to Serve with Red White and Blue Cookies
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, iced coffee, or a fun summer drink like lemonade or a mocktail. They also look super cute on a dessert board with brownies and fruit for a party spread.
Storage and Freezing
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake fresh whenever you want.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&M's?
Yes, you can use any M&M color mix. This recipe works with all seasonal versions.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. This can also enhance flavor.
Why are my cookies too flat?
Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Try chilling the dough before baking.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Do not overbake them. Pull them out when centers are still slightly soft for the best texture.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
- Red White and Blue Yogurt Popsicles
- Red White and Blue Deviled Eggs
- Watermelon Fruit Pizza
- Strawberry Cake Balls with Cake Mix
- Strawberry Shortcake Trifles
- Patriotic Cupcakes Recipe
- Red White and Blue Jello Cups
- 25 Easy 4th of July Cookies
- 20 4th of July Desserts (Easy Recipes!)
Easy Red White and Blue Cookies (Simple Recipe)
Soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful candy, these red white and blue cookies with M&℉M's are the perfect easy dessert for summer. This simple cookie recipe comes together fast and bakes up bakery-style with a festive patriotic look that's perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any fun get-together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups red, white & blue M&Ms
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don't stick.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and fully combined.
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Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. Mix just until combined.
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Gently fold in the red, white, and blue M&M's, saving a few to press on top if you want a bakery-style look.
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Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie a few inches apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
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Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Recipe Notes
- Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup
- Press extra M&M's on top before baking for a prettier look
- Slightly underbake for soft centers
- Chill dough if your kitchen is warm
- Perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday trays
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