Red, White, and Blue Cream Cheese Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with patriotic color! Made with freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries plus white chocolate chips, these cookies are the perfect festive treat for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer celebration.
Recipe Highlights
- Soft and chewy texture. The combination of butter and cream cheese gives these cookies a perfectly soft and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The cream cheese is the “secret” ingredient that makes these cookies so incredible.
- Naturally colorful. Freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries give these cookies vibrant red and blue pops of color without any food dye.
- Festive and fun. The red, white, and blue theme makes these cookies a crowd-pleasing option for patriotic holidays, bake sales, or BBQs.
- Easy to make ahead. The dough chills well and can be prepped in advance—just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
Ingredients in Red, White & Blue Cream Cheese Cookies
- Butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams easily with sugar and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds rich flavor and a smooth, chewy consistency; be sure it’s fully softened for easy blending.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the cookies structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the foundation for the dough and gives the cookies their shape.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift and soft, puffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor in the berries and chocolate.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the cream cheese to help the cookies rise evenly and brown nicely.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Bring a natural pop of red color and a punch of berry flavor without adding moisture to the dough.
- Freeze-dried blueberries: Add a vibrant blue color and sweet-tart flavor while keeping the cookie dough light and stable.
- White chocolate chips: Melt into creamy, sweet pockets throughout the cookies—the perfect complement to the tart berries.
Tips & Tricks
Full instructions for making the cookies can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Don’t skip the chill time. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use parchment or a silicone baking mat. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- Crush large fruit pieces if needed. If any freeze-dried berries are too big, break them into smaller bits before folding them into the dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. These cookies stay soft for several days.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature:
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Freezer:
Baked cookies can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving. - Unbaked dough:
Dough can be chilled up to 48 hours or frozen for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen berries instead?
No—fresh or frozen berries contain too much moisture and will change the texture of the cookies. Freeze-dried fruit gives flavor and color without affecting the dough.
Where can I find freeze-dried fruit?
Most grocery stores carry it near the dried fruit or snack section. Trader Joe’s, Target, and Amazon also carry great options.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Any variety works well—regular, low-fat, or even whipped cream cheese. Just make sure it’s softened so it incorporates easily.
How do I soften butter quickly?
To soften butter at room temperature, cut it into small cubes and leave it on a plate—it should soften in about 15–20 minutes.
Need it faster? Microwave the unwrapped butter in short 5-second bursts on a low power setting, rotating it often. Be careful not to melt it—you want it soft, not liquid.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
The easiest method is to let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
For a quicker option, remove the foil wrapper and microwave the cream cheese on a plate for 10–15 seconds. Check and repeat in 5-second intervals until soft but not melted.
MORE PATRIOTIC TREATS TO TRY:
- We love cookies! Easy 4th of July Cookies, Krispy M&M 4th of July Cookies, and Red Velvet 4th of July Cookies are all popular cookie recipes.
- Need something super fast and easy? Patriotic Italian Cream Sodas only take a few minutes to put together, and everyone loves them!
- Some of our other favorite patriotic treats are Red, White, & Blue Krispie Treats and Festive Red, White, & Blue Cake.
Red, White, and Blue Cream Cheese Cookies are the perfect festive cookies to celebrate summer holidays—bright, flavorful, and fun to make!
Pat says
Where can I purchase freeze dried strawberries and blueberries. Not in my local grocery store.
Jessica says
Have you asked someone at your store? Each store in my area has them in a different location, so they can be tricky to find! They come in pouches and I’d look 1) in the produce section, 2) by the dried fruit section with raisins, etc. 3) or on the baking aisle. You can get a wide variety on Amazon as well- https://amzn.to/3VEIILR