Fourth of July Star No Bake Cookies always remind me of those hot summer afternoons when I was growing up, running barefoot through the yard while my mom stirred chocolate on the stovetop. Back in our kitchen, the windows would be open and you could hear fireworks testing in the distance. My mom always said holiday treats didn’t need to be fancy, just fun and shared with people you love. I still remember pressing that warm chocolate oat mixture into the pan, waiting just long enough before cutting out stars. This takes me right back to simple summers and sticky fingers.
Fourth of July Star No Bake Cookies – Festive & Ready in 35 Minutes
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×9-inch pan
- Parchment Paper
- Star-shaped cookie cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup red white, and blue sprinkles
- 2 ounces white chocolate for drizzle, optional
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir continuously until butter melts.
- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil (bubbling across entire surface). Boil exactly 65 seconds for firm star shapes.
- Remove from heat immediately. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Fold in quick oats until evenly coated.
- Press mixture firmly into prepared pan using a spatula (place parchment on top to prevent sticking).
- Immediately add red, white, and blue sprinkles, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Allow mixture to cool 5–8 minutes, until slightly firm but still warm.
- Use a star cookie cutter to cut shapes. Carefully remove excess and reshape scraps if needed.
- Let stars finish setting at room temperature 15–20 minutes.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over tops if desired.
Notes
If kitchen temperature exceeds 80°F, refrigerate 10–15 minutes after cutting to firm stars. Avoid extended chilling to prevent crumbly texture. Humidity Tips:
In high humidity, extend boil time by 5 seconds (no more than 70 seconds total). Troubleshooting:
- Too soft to cut? Under-boiled mixture.
- Crumbly edges? Boiled too long.
- Sticky cutter? Wait 1–2 extra minutes before cutting.
Nutrition
CONCLUSION
Between you and me, these Fourth of July Star No Bake Cookies feel like summer on a plate. I still smile thinking about cutting those stars while fireworks cracked in the distance and my mom reminded me not to sneak one before they set. Trust me on this, once you bring these to a backyard gathering, they’ll disappear fast. They’re chewy, festive, and just the right mix of chocolate and nostalgia. And the best part? No oven heating up the house, just a saucepan, a spoon, and a little red, white, and blue magic.