Celebrate with Red, White, and Blueberry Bug Cookies

Ah, the sweet scent of summer! As the 4th of July approaches, I can’t help but reminisce about the backyard barbecues of my childhood—where laughter echoed, and the air was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled burgers and hotdogs. My grandmother, a true culinary artist in her own right, would always whip up a batch of her famous Bug Cookies, adorned with vibrant sprinkles of red, white, and blue. These delightful little treats not only tasted like freedom but also brought everyone together in celebration.

This year, I’m excited to share this cherished family recipe with a twist that pays homage to our beautiful country while infusing the spirit of summer into every bite. These Red, White, and Blueberry Bug Cookies are perfect for your Independence Day festivities, offering a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and juicy blueberries that are sure to make your celebrations even more special.

Let’s dive in and discover why these cookies should be a part of your holiday table this year!

Why You’ll Love These 4th of July Bug Cookies

• Kid-Approved: Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
• One-Bowl Wonder: Less clean-up means more time to celebrate.
• Customizable: Use any mix of fruits or colors for your own theme.
• Festive Presentation: Perfect for sharing and looks fabulous on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: Great for all cooking skill levels!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup red and blue sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and should be pale in color.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in Blueberries and Sprinkles

• Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and the red and blue sprinkles.
• Be careful not to squish the blueberries!

Scoop and Bake

• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.

Cool and Enjoy

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Swap blueberries for other berries like strawberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
• Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist!
• Try adding white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet; once solid, transfer to an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150
• Servings: About 24 cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A1: Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your dough.

Q2: How can I make these cookies vegan?
A2: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), and use a vegan butter substitute.

Q3: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can make the dough, chill it, and bake when you are ready. This also improves the flavors!

Q4: What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
A4: If your dough is sticky, you can chill it for 20-30 minutes or add an extra tablespoon of flour.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

• Pair with lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing summer beverage.
• Serve alongside a fruit platter for a colorful, healthy addition.
• Drizzle with a white chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

These Red, White, and Blueberry Bug Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a slice of nostalgia and a celebration of summer’s vibrant flavors. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as my family and I have over the years. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your own twists on this recipe or how they turned out! Happy 4th of July, and let the festivities begin!