If you’re looking to score big with your baking skills, this Football Cookies Recipe is the perfect touchdown treat! These charming cookies not only capture that classic football shape but also boast a soft, buttery texture paired with sweet, delicate frosting that mimics the laces of a real pigskin. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a football-themed party, or simply craving a fun, festive cookie, this recipe will have you feeling like the MVP of the kitchen in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in the taste, texture, and appearance of your Football Cookies. From the creamy butter that ensures a tender crumb to the clever use of brown gel food coloring for that authentic football hue—every item adds something special.
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a soft, tender cookie base.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty note that enhances the overall complexity.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the batter and adds a slight tanginess.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes the dough and provides the bulk.
- 3 egg whites: Essential for the icing, giving it the perfect consistency to pipe the iconic laces.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing to hold its shape beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the meringue-style icing for smooth piping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses flavor into the icing, balancing the sweetness.
- Brown gel food coloring: Creates the perfect football leather color on your cookies.
- Brown cake spray: Optional but ideal for a professional matte finish that mimics a real football’s texture.
- Two piping bags fitted with a number 2 tip: Crucial tools for detailed and precise decoration of the football laces.
How to Make Football Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s the secret for tender cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts along with the egg to bring all those flavors together beautifully. In a separate bowl, whisk the baking soda, cream of tartar, and flour, then gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients. This dough should hold together nicely without being too sticky. Wrap it in cling film and chill for at least an hour to make shaping easier.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a football-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut out ovals and taper the ends to shape your footballs. Arrange the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for a slight spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
Step 3: Make the Icing and Decorate
While your cookies cool, whip up the royal icing by beating the egg whites with 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture holds stiff peaks. Divide the icing—reserve some white and tint the rest with brown gel food coloring for the base coat. Use a brush or the brown cake spray for a smooth football-like surface on each cookie. Once the base dries, fill your piping bags fitted with the number 2 tips—one with white icing for the laces and stripes. Carefully pipe the iconic stitching across the center and add those signature side stripes. This detailed decoration really brings the football look to life and makes the cookies extra special.
How to Serve Football Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of edible glitter or sanding sugar over the white icing for a little sparkle that catches the light during celebrations. You could also gently dust cocoa powder around the edges to add dimension and mimic the worn leather look of a well-loved football.
Side Dishes
Pair these spirited Football Cookies with classic game day snacks—think salty popcorn, buttery pretzels, and chilled sparkling sodas or homemade lemonade. For a cozy touch, a hot cup of cocoa or coffee makes a comforting complement that balances the sweet cookie flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Football Cookies the centerpiece of a themed dessert tray by surrounding them with small dishes of assorted nuts, dried fruit, and even mini sandwiches for a festive football party spread. You can also stack them in a clear jar or arrange them standing upright in a rustic basket lined with brown parchment paper for an inviting presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and decorated, store your Football Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent the beautiful icing from sticking together. Stored this way, they’ll stay delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after decorating. For best results, freeze the baked cookies unfrosted on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely before icing. Decorated cookies can also be frozen carefully in a single layer with plastic wrap, but be gentle to avoid cracking the delicate piping.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge, let the cookies come to room temperature naturally for the best texture. If desired, a brief 5-to-10 second warm-up in the microwave can soften the cookie slightly, but be cautious not to overheat and melt the icing.
FAQs
Can I use food coloring other than brown?
Absolutely! While brown best mimics a traditional football, you can get creative with your colors—using green for a fun “field” look or white for classic simplicity makes these cookies versatile for any football fan’s style.
How long does the royal icing take to dry?
Royal icing typically sets to a firm finish in about 2 to 4 hours at room temperature. For best results, allow your decorated Football Cookies to rest overnight before stacking or packaging.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in the icing?
Raw egg whites in royal icing are traditionally used, and many find them perfectly safe when using very fresh, high-quality eggs. If you’re concerned, you can substitute pasteurized egg whites or use meringue powder alternatives designed for safe icing.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chilling the dough for up to 48 hours enhances the flavor and firmness, making it easier to cut and bake deliciously tender cookies. Just be sure to keep it well wrapped in plastic wrap.
What if I don’t have a football-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries at all! Use an oval cookie cutter or freehand cut an elongated oval into your dough and taper the ends slightly with a sharp knife. The key is getting the shape close enough to resemble a football, and your decorating will do the rest!
Final Thoughts
Making this Football Cookies Recipe is more than baking; it’s the joy of bringing a beloved game day tradition to your kitchen in cookie form. They’re fun to make, share, and enjoy with friends and family alike. So grab your rolling pin and piping bags, and get ready to create a batch that’s sure to be your new favorite play in the baking playbook!
Print
Football Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Football Cookies, perfect for game day or any sports-themed celebration. Soft, buttery cookies shaped like footballs are decorated with detailed icing laces to resemble the real thing, combining classic flavor with fun presentation.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Icing
- 3 egg whites
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Brown gel food coloring
- Brown cake spray (edible spray paint)
Tools
- Two piping bags fitted with a number 2 tip
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and almond extracts along with the egg, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, cream of tartar, and flour, then gradually incorporate this into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape and bake the cookies. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out football-shaped cookies using a football cutter or a knife. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the royal icing and decorate. To make the icing, beat egg whites with the cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form. Tint the icing brown using gel food coloring. Using the brown cake spray, lightly color the cookies to give them that authentic football leather look. Fill two piping bags fitted with small round tips with the brown icing. Pipe the laces and stitching details onto the cooled cookies to resemble footballs. Allow icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for optimal dough texture.
- Use fresh egg whites for the royal icing to ensure proper consistency.
- Brown cake spray is edible and enhances the authentic football appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
