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
Scale
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.
