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Easy Patriotic Swirl Slice-and-Bake Cookies Recipe for Festive Fun

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These easy patriotic swirl slice-and-bake cookies are a festive, fun, and fuss-free treat perfect for holidays and celebrations. They feature vibrant red, white, and blue swirls with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Blue gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar (7 minutes): In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy—about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla (2 minutes): Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry (3-5 minutes): Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide and Color Dough (10 minutes): Split the dough evenly into three bowls. Leave one portion plain, add red gel food coloring to the second, and blue to the third. Knead gently until swirled but not fully blended.
  6. Form Dough Logs (5 minutes): Arrange the three colored dough portions side by side on parchment paper. Press together and roll into a tight log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  7. Chill (at least 2 hours or overnight): Refrigerate the wrapped dough log to firm up.
  8. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet (10 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Slice and Bake (12-15 minutes per batch): Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
  10. Cool Completely (15 minutes): Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool before storing or serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Chill dough well for easier slicing and better shape retention. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting dough texture. If dough softens while slicing, chill again for 10-15 minutes. Cookies continue cooking after removal from oven, so slightly underbake for a tender center. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months and sliced frozen for baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: patriotic cookies, slice and bake cookies, Fourth of July cookies, festive cookies, red white and blue cookies, easy holiday cookies

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-patriotic-swirl-slice-and-bake-cookies-recipe-for-festive-fun/