These colourful Red, White and Blue cookies have a gorgeously soft and chewy centre with melty white and milk chocolate pockets.
These Red, White and Blue Cookies are perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day. Or if you're in the UK, you could make them for the Olympics, a Royal Jubilee or the World Cup!
They're made with classic cookie dough and studded with white chocolate chips and red, white and blue milk chocolate M&Ms. If you're in the UK, red and blue Smarties will be just as tasty.
Making these red, white and blue cookies is super easy. First, you'll beat butter, sugar and golden syrup together. Next, you'll whisk in eggs and vanilla and fold in plain flour and a touch of baking powder.
Once you have the basic cookie dough, you’ll fold in loads of white chocolate chips and red, white and blue M&Ms.
To shape the cookies, the easiest option is to grab a large ice cream scoop and portion the cookie dough straight out of the bowl and onto a lined sheet.
Before they go into the oven, I like to top the little mounds of cookie dough with a few extra M&Ms to ensure they come out looking picture perfect.
Then it’s into the oven for just 10 minutes to bake to utter perfection.
The full recipe for my red, white and blue cookies is below. I’ve included step-by-step instructions, with lots of photos so that you can see exactly what to do.
I've also included a sneaky trick at the end to get your cookies perfectly round. Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 130 g (4.6 oz) slightly salted butter softened
- 1 tbsp golden syrup
- 160 g (5.6 oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) superfine sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium free range egg
- 235 g (8.3 oz) plain white flour (all purpose flour) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 300 g (10.6 oz) white chocolate chips
- 200 g (7.1 oz) red and blue M&Ms or other shelled chocolate
Equipment
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan-assisted).
Put the butter, golden syrup and sugar in a bowl.
Beat until fluffy.
Add the egg and the vanilla.
Beat again.
Add the flour and the baking powder.
Mix well – you should now have a sticky, light dough. It's ok if it's not fully mixed as you'll mix it more once you've added the chocolate.
Add the white chocolate chips.
Now add all but a handful of the M&Ms.
Mix well, then use a large ice cream scoop the dough, flattening off against the side of the bowl, then roll the dough into a ball with your hands. This is the best way to get 16 equally sized cookies.
Place the balls of dough on baking sheets lined with greaseproof paper, being sure to place each cookie at least an inch apart so that they don’t stick together when they spread.
Pop a 3-4 extra M&Ms on top of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden at the edges. Get them out of the oven before they’re fully browned so that they stay chewy when cool.
While still hot, place a tumbler over a cookie and gently move it in small circles to bring the cookie into a neat circle. Repeat with all of the cookies - this only works when they are fresh from the oven and soft.
Allow to cool on the tray until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Your cookies are now ready to enjoy!
Don't they look great?!
Who will you share your red, white and blue cookies with?
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Red, White & Blue Cookies
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies easy to make?
These cookies are actually quite easy to make. The most important thing is to make sure that you use good quality ingredients and to follow the recipe to the letter. If you do that, then you should have no problem getting perfect Red, White & Blue Cookies every time!
Will I need any special equipment to make 4th July Cookies?
No, you should be able to make these cookies with just a mixing bowl, spoon and baking sheet. But if you want to get really patriotic, you could use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough before baking.
I love this set of star-shaped cookie cutters from Amazon, but if you use it remember that the smaller cookies will take less time to cook.
There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt.
I also always include links to example products, to show exactly what I used to make each recipe.
How can I tell if eggs have gone off?
Before you start baking, it's always a good idea to check that your eggs are fresh.
A fresh egg should have no odour. The egg white should be a clear gel-like substance with a deep yellow yolk at the centre.
If your eggs smell bad, or the egg white is watery and the yolk has lost its deep yellow colour then they are no longer fresh and you should not use them in this recipe.
How can I do a float test on an egg?
If you aren't sure if your eggs are fresh, you can do a float test to check them. A float test involves placing your egg in a cup or bowl of water to see if it sinks or floats.
To ensure you don't contaminate a recipe with a bad egg, it's always best to crack your eggs into a separate bowl or cup before adding them to a recipe. This lets you check the egg for any broken shell fragments, but more importantly, it enables you to check that the egg is safe to use.
How can I tell if butter has gone off?
If your butter has gone off, it will have an unpleasant sour smell and a slightly yellowish tinge to the colour
If you're in any doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw out any butter that looks or smells even slightly off.
I can't find M&M's - what can I use instead?
If you can't find M&M's, you could use another type of colourful candy or chocolate. As long as you have some red and blue colours. Skittles could work - but they might not cook well. So it's best to try and find M&M's or an off-brand candy-coated kind of chocolate pebble.
You could also decorate the cookies with other small sweets, such as glace cherries, smarties or sprinkles.
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies suitable for vegetarians?
These Red, White & Blue Cookies are suitable for vegetarians as they do not contain any meat or fish.
M&M's are labelled as vegetarian friendly at the time of writing (June 2022). However, if you use an alternative to M&M's you should make sure they are vegetarian.
Some brands of candy-coated chocolates use animal-derived products such as gelatin in their coating. So always check the ingredients label if you're unsure.
Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients! So always make sure that you double-check all of your ingredients labels to ensure that they are vegetarian. Also, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your 4th July Cookies.
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies suitable for vegans?
No, Red, White & Blue Cookies are not suitable for vegans as they contain eggs and butter. M&M's are also not suitable for vegans as they contain milk.
You could make a vegan version of this recipe by following my Vegan Easter Biscuit Recipe. Then you could decorate them with vegan M&M's or a non-branded alternative.
Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients! So always make sure that you double-check all of your ingredients labels to ensure that they are vegetarian. Also, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your 4th July Cookies.
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies gluten-free?
These cookies aren't gluten-free, as they contain wheat flour. Luckily, cookies don't require wheat flour to produce a specific texture. So you could easily swap out wheat flour for a gluten-free alternative with no issues.
I regularly use Doves Farm Gluten-Free flour (available from Amazon or on Free From aisles of supermarkets). You could also use another kind of gluten-free flour like buckwheat. Just make sure that you use plain gluten-free flour, rather than one containing raising agents.
According to Celiac.com, there are some kinds of M&M's which are gluten-free, whereas others do contain gluten. For more information, they have a list of M&M's tested for gluten here. It seems that Milk Chocolate M&M's are currently gluten-free.
Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your 4th July Cookies.
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies keto-friendly?
Sorry, Red, White & Blue Cookies are not keto-friendly as they contain sugar and wheat flour.
Are Red, White & Blue Cookies suitable for babies and toddlers?
No, these cookies aren't suitable for babies or toddlers as they contain sugar and various choking hazards.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.
The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.
What goes well with 4th July Cookies?
Cookies are great on their own, but if you're making them for a celebration you could serve them in the following ways for something special:
- Turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by serving them around a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Carry on the red white and blue theme by serving them with strawberries, bananas and blueberries.
- Or you could serve them with some Red, White & Blue Jello and whipped cream.
Are these Red, White & Blue Cookies suitable for those on a FODMAP diet?
No, Red, White & Blue Cookies are not suitable for those on a FODMAP diet as they contain gluten from the wheat flour and sugar from the M&M's.
Are these Red, White & Blue Cookies healthy?
These cookies aren't a healthy snack, but there's nothing wrong with the occasional treat - especially on a holiday!
Are these Red, White & Blue Cookies safe to eat while pregnant?
Yes, as long as you are following the NHS guidelines on eating during pregnancy. Red, White & Blue Cookies are unlikely to cause any harm as long as they are consumed in moderation.
Some pregnant people are more sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels, so it may be something to consider.
Make sure that all of your ingredients are in good condition and that you prepare this meal safely and hygienically.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
What goes well with 4th July Cookies?
Cookies are great on their own, but if you're making them for a celebration you could serve them in the following ways for something special:
- Turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by serving them around a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Carry on the red white and blue theme by serving them with strawberries, bananas and blueberries.
How should I store 4th July Cookies?
Store your Red, White & Blue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they should last for up to a week.
How long will Red, White & Blue Cookies keep?
Cookies are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them then they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
The cookies will get softer as the days go by, so if you want them to have a crisp outside and chewy texture, it's best to eat them within a day or two of making them.
Can I leave Red, White & Blue Cookies out on the counter?
Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but if you're serving them soon after they've been made then it's fine to leave them out on the counter.
Can I make Red, White & Blue Cookies ahead?
Yes, Red, White & Blue Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
When it comes to 4th July celebrations, Red, White & Blue Cookies are the perfect sweet treat! Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends
Can I keep Red, White & Blue Cookies in the refrigerator?
Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but if you need to store them in the fridge then they will keep for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze 4th July cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these Red, White &Blue Cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they should last for up to 3 months.
The cookies shouldn't stick together, but if you are worried about that you can freeze them on a tray first. Then once they are frozen solid you can pop them into a sandwich bag.
What is the best way to defrost 4th July Cookies?
To defrost Red, White & Blue Cookies, simply place them on a plate and leave them at room temperature for a few hours. When they defrost the colour from the M&M's may run, so it's best to only freeze leftovers rather than cookies made ahead for an event.
Can I make these Red, White & Blue Cookies in different quantities?
If you want to make more or less of this recipe then go right ahead. You can work out an individual portion by dividing the ingredients by the current serving size (30). Then multiply the individual portion amount by the number of cookies you want to make.
However, I find it easiest to use a free online recipe scale calculator. All the ingredient quantities will update automatically for you so that everything is in the right ratios.
Can I make these Red, White & Blue Cookies as one big cookie?
You could try, but I'm not sure this recipe would lend itself well to being a tray bake.
If you want a brownie or blondie recipe, I have plenty on the site. You could use those recipes and add M&M's and white chocolate to them to create Red, White and Blue versions.
Can I makeRed, White & Blue Cookies in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
You could use a stand mixer to beat the egg and the vanilla until well combined.
However, you'll need to fold and mix the flour in by hand (with a spoon or spatula) to avoid overworking the flour. Overmixing flour activates gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
Can I make Red, White & Blue Cookies with a food processor?
Nope! There's no stage in the recipe that would benefit from using a food processor. Save on the washing up and mix things by hand.
Why did my Red, White & Blue Cookies turn out dry/crumbly?
Cookies are dry and crumbly when the ingredient ratios are incorrect, or when they are overcooked.
- If there's too much flour in the cookie dough the cookies will be dry. So make sure you measure your flour correctly by weighing it. Or if you don't have scales try to be super precise by spooning it into a measuring cup and levelling it off with the back of a knife, rather than scooping it straight from the bag.
- Another reason for dry and crumbly cookies is overbaking them. Red, White & Blue Cookies are done when they are golden at the edges. Get them out of the oven before they’re fully browned so that they stay chewy when cool.
Why are my Red, White & Blue Cookies chewy?
They're supposed to be! I used superfine sugar and golden syrup in this recipe to give the cookies a chewy texture. If you don't like chewy cookies, I have plenty of other cookie recipes on the site that give a more crunchy finish.
Why did my Red, White & Blue Cookies turn out wet/soft/dense?
Cookies are wet/soft/dense when there's too much butter or not enough flour in the recipe. If you've measured your ingredients correctly then the amount of butter is fine.
So if your cookies are wet/soft/dense then they were probably underbaked. Red, White & Blue Cookies are done when they are golden at the edges.
You should take them out of the oven before they’re fully browned so that they stay chewy - but not so early that the dough isn't cooked properly.
Why did my Red, White & Blue Cookies spread out super thin?
Cookie dough spreads out when it's too soft. This can be caused by a number of things:
- The butter wasn't cold enough when you started mixing.
- You overmixed the cookie dough. This will cause the butter to become really soft and it won't hold its shape against the heat.
- The baking tray was too hot when you put the cookies in the oven. This causes the butter in the dough to melt before it has a chance to cook and set.
If you find your cookies are spreading too much while they're baking then pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before cooking. This will help them to keep their shape.
It's a good idea to test an individual cookie first to see how the dough behaves in the oven. Then you can make any adjustments or chill/freeze your dough as required.
Why didn’t my Red, White & Blue Cookies rise?
If your cookies didn't rise then it's probably because you forgot to add the baking powder, or the powder was ineffective.
If you definitely added the baking powder but the cookies didn't rise, it may be because the baking powder is old or has been stored incorrectly.
You should always store baking powder and other raising agents in a sealed container in a cool, dry place and check the expiration date before using them.
How can I make sure my Red, White & Blue Cookies turn out perfectly?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your Red, White & Blue Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Weighing the ingredients with a scale, rather than using cups is always going to give you the most accurate results. But if you don't have a kitchen scale, simply spoon the flour into your measuring cups and level it off with the back of a knife.
- Another top tip is not to overmix the batter once you've added the flour. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which causes the dough to become bread-like or your cookies to become tough.
- Finally, make sure you use good quality ingredients. Red, White & Blue M&M's are readily available in most supermarkets nowadays so there's no need to scrimp on the quality of your chocolate.
I hope this gives you everything you need to know to make Red, White & Blue Cookies that are perfect every time! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I'll try my best to answer them.
What if my cookies don't turn out perfectly?
Don't worry! Everyone makes mistakes. As long as the recipe tastes good it's not the end of the world. You can always give it another try and get it right the next time.
Print these Red, White and Blue Cookies
Red, White and Blue Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 130 g (4.6 oz) slightly salted butter softened
- 1 tbsp golden syrup
- 160 g (5.6 oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) superfine sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium free range egg
- 235 g (8.3 oz) plain white flour (all purpose flour) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 300 g (10.6 oz) white chocolate chips
- 200 g (7.1 oz) red and blue M&Ms or other shelled chocolate
Equipment
- Large ice cream scoop
- Large tumbler
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan-assisted).
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, golden syrup and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla until well combined.
- Add the flour and the baking powder and mix well – you should now have a sticky, light dough.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and all but a handful of the M&Ms.
- Use a large ice cream scoop the dough, flattening off against the side of the bowl, then roll the dough into a ball with your hands. This is the best way to get 16 equally sized cookies.
- Place the balls of dough on baking sheets lined with greaseproof paper, being sure to place each cookie at least an inch apart so that they don’t stick together when they spread.
- Pop a 3-4 extra M&Ms on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden at the edges. Get them out of the oven before they’re fully browned so that they stay chewy when cool.
- While still hot, place a tumbler over a cookie and gently move it in small circles to bring the cookie into a neat circle. Repeat with all of the cookies - this only works when they are fresh from the oven and soft.
- Allow to cool on the tray until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
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