Happy 4th of July everyone! Today I have something very special to share. Many many years ago, before The Skinny Fork was even a shadow of a thought, I had stumbled upon this recipe for July 4th Pop Rocks cookies and they were a HUGE hit with the family. They are bright, colorful, fun, and they pop in your mouth!

It's been a while since I've made those cookies, so I decided it was high time for me not only to make them, but to make a healthified version of them to share. These cookies are a lightly flavored sugar cookie base that's made with some popping candy in the dough. They are then topped off with a lightened up cream cheese frosting and then a bunch more popping candies and festive sprinkles too.

I lightened the cookie part up by using a light butter and substituted out some of the sugar for a natural sweetener. I also opted to make my own buttermilk with a reduced fat milk. This allowed me to control the milk being used and also saved me a few dollars and the waste of a whole container of buttermilk.

The frosting is lightened up with using a lower fat cream cheese and also some powdered sugar substitute in place of traditional confectioners' sugar. Don't worry though! The frosting is just as delish as ever; especially once you pile on on the popping candy and sprinkles!

Of course, you don't have to limit these cookies to the 4th of July! They could so easily be made for any event or holiday by swapping out the colors, popping candy, and decorative sprinkles.

Be sure to only add the popping candies on top of the frosting just before serving. Otherwise they'll pop themselves out before you get to enjoy them!

Step-by-Step Photos:

Nutritional Claims: Low Sodium, Low Potassium, Kidney Friendly, Pescatarian, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Soy Free, Fish Free, Shellfish Free, Pork Free, Red Meat Free, Crustacean Free, Celery Free, Mustard Free, Sesame Free, Lupine Free, Mollusk Free, Alcohol Free