The excitement in the air was palpable, with the big game fast approaching. I found myself enveloped in the comforting anticipation of gathering friends and family for a classic game day. As I rummaged through my pantry, I came across a forgotten recipe that promised to elevate our snacking experience: football-shaped sugar cookies! With their soft, buttery texture and eye-catching colorful icing, these cookies are not just treats—they’re deliciously fun game day companions that everyone can enjoy.
Perfect for engaging kids in the kitchen, this easy recipe offers a delightful balance to the savory snacks we typically indulge in during football season. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring those cherished memories to life with these playful football cookies. Whether you’re celebrating a touchdown or simply enjoying a family game night, these cookies are sure to score big!
Why are Football Cookies a game day hit?
Irresistible Charm: These football cookies are not just a treat but a festive highlight, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Engage your little ones in the kitchen as they help shape and decorate these delightful cookies.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for novice bakers and pros alike.
Versatile Treats: Swap colors or shapes to match holidays or teams, adding a personal touch to every batch!
Perfect for Sharing: These delicious cookies are ideal for game day gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with a sweet memory.
So why not pair your cookies with a fun game day drink and check out our other amazing game day snacks for a complete spread?
Football Cookies Ingredients
• Perfect for your game day fun!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – Structure. Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Baking powder – Leavening agent. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Kosher salt – Enhances flavor. Regular salt can be used, but adjust to taste.
- Unsalted butter – Richness. For a lighter option, use plant-based butter.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness. Can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Large egg – Binding agent. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
- Whole milk – Moisture. Almond milk or oat milk can be used as non-dairy substitutes.
- Pure vanilla extract – Flavor enhancer. Avoid imitation vanilla for better taste.
For the Icing
- Confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens and thickens icing. Can be substitutable with homemade powdered sugar from granulated sugar.
- Light corn syrup – Adds shine and texture to icing. Honey or agave syrup can serve as substitutes.
- Brown food coloring – Achieves the desired football color. Natural food coloring options are available.
- Brown sanding sugar – Finishing touch; adds texture. Can omit or replace with regular sugar.
How to Make Football Cookies
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the large egg, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Shape the Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out football shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and light corn syrup. Add brown food coloring and mix until you achieve the desired color. Transfer the icing to piping bags to decorate the cooled football cookies, adding laces for that finishing touch.
Optional: Add fun edible glitter for an extra festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Football Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on game day! You can prepare the dough and chill it up to 24 hours in advance, simply wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Additionally, once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before decorating. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring they’re just as delicious when it’s time to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply ice the cookies and add the laces for that final touch, creating a delightful treat with minimal stress!
Football Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to customize your football cookies and make them uniquely yours with these fun twists!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats without worry.
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Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk for creamy, dairy-free deliciousness.
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Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a plant-powered alternative.
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Flavor Boost: Add a splash of almond or lemon extract to the dough for an unexpected but delightful flavor twist.
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Icing Variation: Substitute light corn syrup with honey or agave for a different sweetness and texture in your icing.
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Colorful Creations: Use natural food coloring instead of traditional food coloring to bring a vibrant, healthier touch to your icing.
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Textural Toppings: Instead of brown sanding sugar, consider using crushed nuts or sprinkles for added crunch and color.
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Shape It Up: Get creative with rolling out dough into different shapes for holidays or special events, like stars for Fourth of July!
Expert Tips for Football Cookies
• Chill Dough Properly: Make sure your dough is well-chilled before cutting. This prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape while baking.
• Icing Consistency: If your icing appears too thick, add a few drops of water to achieve a smoother spread. Proper icing consistency will enhance the look of your football cookies.
• Decorating Fun: Let your kids get creative! Allow them to shape and decorate their cookies, making baking a fun learning experience and ensuring they feel invested in their game day treats.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch your cookies closely towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking. They should be lightly golden and chewy, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Storage Solution: Store your baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three days to keep them fresh and delicious for your game day celebrations.
What to Serve with Football Cookies?
These delightful treats will bright up any game day gathering and pair beautifully with beverages and savory bites!
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Cold Milk: A classic choice, its creaminess complements the sweet icing, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, and bananas add a refreshing contrast to the sugary cookies and are a hit with kids.
Engaging in a colorful fruit arrangement can also bring an inviting warmth to your game day spread.
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Popcorn Variety: Savory popcorn like cheese or caramel balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a fun, munchable combo perfect for snacking.
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Game Day Beverages: Think sweet iced tea or fizzy lemonade to wash down those rich cookies. These drinks will keep everyone refreshed and energized!
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Cheese and Crackers: A savory platter can offset the sweetness, making it a delightful addition to your snack table for football fans.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty and sweet, these treats offer a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the cookies, adding variety to your dessert spread.
To elevate the experience, try pairing your Football Cookies with these snacks for a well-rounded game day feast!
Storage Tips for Football Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store your football cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy without drying out.
- Refrigerator: If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies, but be aware they may lose some of their original texture. Enjoy within 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—perfect for a cozy game day treat!
Football Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Football Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use all-purpose flour that is fresh and has not been sitting in your pantry for too long. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend works well. When selecting butter, unsalted is best for controlling the saltiness of your dough. Ensure your baking powder is fresh by checking its expiration date, as it’s essential for proper cookie rise.
What is the best way to store Football Cookies?
I often keep my cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their delightful chewiness! If you plan to enjoy them for a longer period, refrigerating them in an airtight container can extend freshness to about 5 days, although they may lose some texture.
Can I freeze my Football Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option. To do this, place your baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.
Why did my Football Cookies spread out too much?
That’s a common issue! Make sure you chill your dough adequately for about an hour before rolling it out. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread during baking. Another tip is to freeze the shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
Are these Football Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While these cookies are super fun for humans, they contain ingredients such as sugar and butter that can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. If you have allergies, particularly to eggs or gluten, consider using a vegan flax egg and a gluten-free flour blend, as these modifications make the recipe more inclusive. Always check ingredient labels to suit your dietary needs!
How can I achieve the perfect icing consistency for Football Cookies?
To reach that gorgeous icing consistency, start with a mixture of confectioners’ sugar and light corn syrup. If it’s too thick, gradually add a few drops of water, mixing until you achieve a smooth flow—think of the consistency of thick pancake batter. If you’re adding color, do so gradually to avoid making it too runny. Practice makes perfect—I recommend trying it out on a small cookie first!
Football Cookies: Easy Game Day Treats to Delight Fans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the butter with sugar until fluffy, then add egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out football shapes. Place cut-out cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and corn syrup. Add brown food coloring and mix until desired color is achieved. Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate cookies.