A Festive Treat for Any Occasion

Looking for a fun, festive dessert that’s perfect for celebrations, parties, or just a special treat for the family? These Red, White, and Blue Donut Cookies are sure to impress! With their vibrant colors, soft texture, and delicious royal icing, they’re a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any other patriotic occasion, these cookies are the perfect addition to your dessert table.

These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. With step-by-step instructions and plenty of tips, this recipe will ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: The bold red, white, and blue colors make these cookies stand out and add a patriotic flair to any celebration.
Easy to Customize: Change the colors or decorations to fit any theme or holiday.
Beginner-Friendly: The straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a fun family baking project.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 cup Butter (softened)
1 cup Sugar
1 Egg
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 ½ cups Flour
1 teaspoon Salt

For the Royal Icing:

¾ cup Warm Water
⅓ cup Meringue Powder (I used Wilton)
32 ounces Powdered Sugar
1 ½ tablespoons Karo Syrup
Red and Blue Food Coloring Gel

Kitchen Equipment

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

Stand Mixer with a Whisk Attachment
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Rolling Pin
Parchment Paper
Cookie Sheet
Donut-Shaped Cookie Cutter
Pastry Bags or Plastic Bags
Wire Cooling Rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar, and egg. Blend with the whisk attachment until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.

2. Roll and Cut the Cookies

Sprinkle a large piece of parchment paper with flour and place half of the cookie dough on it. Roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness using a floured rolling pin. Use a donut-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

3. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

4. Make the Royal Icing

In the stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, meringue powder, and Karo syrup. Whisk until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 2 cups at a time, mixing on low until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue mixing until the icing is smooth and creamy.

Divide the icing into three portions. Leave one portion white, and color the other two with red and blue food coloring gels. Adjust the intensity of the colors to your preference.

5. Decorate the Cookies

Transfer each icing color into its own pastry bag and snip off a small tip. Pipe the icing around the edges of the cookies and the donut holes. Fill in the outlined areas with icing, then decorate with sprinkles of your choice. Allow the icing to set for about an hour before serving.

Tips for Perfect Red, White, and Blue Donut Cookies

Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides to ensure your cookies are an even ½-inch thickness for consistent baking.
Alternative Colors: Swap the red and blue icing for other colors to match different holidays or themes.
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

How to Store Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the undecorated cookies in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

What can I use if I don’t have a donut-shaped cookie cutter?

If you don’t have a donut cutter, use a round cutter or glass for the outer circle and a smaller cutter (like a bottle cap) for the center.

Can I use store-bought icing?

While homemade royal icing gives the best results, you can use store-bought icing in a pinch. However, it might not set as firmly as royal icing.

What sprinkles work best for these cookies?

Jimmies, nonpareils, or star-shaped sprinkles are great options to enhance the festive look of these cookies.

Food and Drink Pairings

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a refreshing iced lemonade. For a more festive touch, serve them alongside a patriotic-themed fruit punch or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

These Red, White, and Blue Donut Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Perfect for holidays, parties, or even a fun family baking project, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to get creative with your decorations!

If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes and festive ideas. Happy baking!

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