No 4th of July celebration is complete without something sweet and cookies are one of the easiest desserts to bring to backyard barbecues, block parties and fireworks-watching picnics. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly baking project, a make-ahead dessert for a crowd or a festive treat, these recipes fit the bill. From decorated sugar cookies and cookie cakes to ice cream sandwiches and whoopie pies, these patriotic cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

These fun ice cream sandwiches are a welcome change of pace from traditional cookies. Rich chocolate cookies sandwich creamy raspberry ice cream for a cool, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer afternoons. A ring of colorful sprinkles keeps the ice cream from dripping out the sides.

Nothing says celebration quite like a shower of colorful sprinkles. These cheerful star-shaped sugar cookies are easy to customize with patriotic red, white and blue sprinkles, making them a fun project for adults and kids alike. They’re sturdy enough to travel to parties and the dough can be made ahead and frozen.

Buttery shortbread gets an upgrade with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies mixed right into the dough. Cut into star shapes, these cookies strike a balance between classic and playful while offering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Their simple black-and-white color palette can be kept as-is or topped with frosting and sprinkles for extra color.

If decorating dozens of individual cookies isn’t your idea of fun, this oversized cookie cake is the answer. The soft, chewy cookie base is decorated to resemble the American flag, creating a show stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Slice it into squares and serve it like a cake for effortless entertaining.

These clever cookies reveal colorful bursts of red, white and blue when sliced, making them look like miniature fireworks displays. This dough freezes well to keep some prep work off your plate on busy holiday weekends. The impressive design in sure to earn plenty of compliments with very little last-minute work.

Part cookie, part dessert-on-a-stick, these Oreo pops could’t be more irresistible. A coating of candy melts and patriotic sprinkles transforms a package of sandwich cookies into a festive treat. Dip the balls in white candy melts and coat in red, white or blue sugar sprinkles to create the look.

These decorated cookies have a surprise burst of sprinkles hidden inside. Some carefully placed melted clear sugar candy forms a clear “window” to see the sweet interior. While the prep work takes a little effort, they’re guaranteed to be one of the most memorable desserts at the party.

Fresh strawberries and buttery cookie dough are a match made in heaven. The naturally red berries make these cookies feel right home on a 4th of July menu without requiring a ton of artificial coloring. Serve them alongside fresh whipped cream and a handful of sparklers.

With their vibrant red color and creamy filling, these whoopie pies bring patriotic flair to the table. They’re soft, cake-like and rich enough to feel like a special occasion treat. Add a dose of blue sprinkles to the frosting filling if you want to inject even more festivity.

Gold sanding sugar and edible gold sugar pearls add a glittering touch to a tray of shortbread that rivals a firework display. A touch of cornstarch in the dough ensures the shortbread stays soft and tender. Their buttery flavor makes them a crowd-pleasing addition to any cookie assortment.