5 DIY Sweet Treats For Your 4th Of July Barbecue

There are many savory ideas that come to mind when it comes to our Fourth of July cookout. We just can't forget about the last course. What's a summer cookout without sweet treats? From patriotic baked cookies to Americana-style cakes, we've got you covered.

We've joined forces with Elizabeth Chambers, founder and co-owner of BIRD Bakery in San Antonio, Texas, on a few treats you must have at your Fourth of July cookout.

1. Buy a star-shaped cookie cutter and use it for everything! You can cut out star-shaped watermelon pieces to toss in a salad, or make pineapple stars to use in cocktails. It's an easy way to make everything more festive without being too over-the-top.

2. Bake a flag cake. Make a traditional one with a whipped cream base and blueberries as the stars and strawberries as the stripes, or, for a different, more adventurous take, craft one out of cupcakes. I bake a flag cake every year, and it's always a crowd favorite!

3. Buy paper straws in red and blue and serve your drinks in Mason jars. Such a simple way to make all of the beverages more festive, and it gives your soirée a garden party vibe.

4. Bake patriotic sugar cookies! They're fun to decorate, and children love them. Be sure to make a variety of shapes and sizes — some people may want a large flag, while others prefer small star cookies. Try to serve something for everyone! 

5. Make patriotic whoopie pies! Red and blue velvet cakes with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting filling makes the perfect patriotic treat. Make your cakes in a traditional round shape, or cut them into stars. Gild the edges with gold sanding sugar for added flair!