Football Sugar Cookies Recipe – The Perfect Game Day Treat!

Nothing says game day like a batch of delicious Football Sugar Cookies! These buttery, soft sugar cookies are shaped like footballs and decorated with smooth royal icing to create a fun and festive treat for Super Bowl parties, tailgates, and football-themed celebrations.

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With an easy-to-make sugar cookie base and a simple yet stunning icing technique, these cookies are perfect for baking beginners and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just want to surprise the football fans in your life, these football-shaped cookies will be a winning play!

Checkout more game day recipes here on the blog!

PRO TIPS for the Best Football Sugar Cookies

• Use room temperature ingredients – Butter, eggs, and vanilla blend more smoothly when they’re not cold.
• Chill your dough if needed – If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.
• Roll your dough evenly – This ensures all cookies bake at the same rate. Aim for ½-inch thickness for soft cookies.
• Don’t overbake! – Cookies should be set but not browned; overbaking results in crunchy cookies instead of soft ones.
• Perfect icing consistency – The icing should settle within 12-15 seconds when drizzled back into the bowl. Adjust by adding powdered sugar to thicken or water to thin.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the best sugar cookie texture and icing consistency:

For the Cookies:

• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with structure.
• Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, tender cookie.
• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability to the dough.

For the Icing:

• Powdered sugar – The base for smooth, sweet icing.
• Meringue powder – Helps the icing set and harden for decoration.
• Vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor to the icing.
• Corn syrup – Creates a soft-bite icing that stays shiny.
• Water – Adjusts the icing consistency for perfect decorating.

For Decorating:

• Brown food coloring – Gives the footballs their signature look.

Football Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter together until smooth and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and egg, then mix until fully combined.

Switch to a paddle attachment and slowly add the flour, mixing until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Roll & Cut the Cookies

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness.

Cut out football shapes using a cookie cutter or a template and a sharp knife.

Transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.

Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

In a stand mixer, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla on low speed.

Slowly add 3 teaspoons of water and mix until stiff.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons water.

Combine both icings and mix until smooth, adding more water or powdered sugar to reach the right consistency.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

Transfer 1 cup of icing into a piping bag for the white laces.

Tint the remaining icing with brown food coloring and transfer to another piping bag.

Pipe the football outline with brown icing and use a toothpick to smooth any bumps.

Let it set for 30 minutes before adding the white laces.

Different Methods of Preparing These Football Sugar Cookies

1. Classic Baking Method (Oven)

• The standard method ensures cookies are soft in the center with crisp edges. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

2. Air Fryer Sugar Cookies

• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
• Place cookies in a single layer on parchment paper inside the air fryer.
• Bake for 7-9 minutes, checking frequently.

3. No-Chill Sugar Cookies

• If you’re short on time, roll and cut the dough right after mixing. The cookies may spread slightly but will still be soft and delicious.

Serving Ideas

• Game Day Dessert Table – Pair with football cupcakes and chocolate-covered pretzels for a winning dessert lineup.
• Personalized Cookies – Use icing to write team names or numbers on the cookies for a customized touch.
• Cookie Decorating Activity – Set up an icing station and let guests decorate their own football cookies!

How to Store Football Sugar Cookies

• At Room Temperature: Once fully decorated and set, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• In the Freezer: Store undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Decorated Cookies: Let the icing set completely (about 24 hours) before stacking them in a container with parchment paper between layers.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

2. What if I don’t have a football-shaped cookie cutter?

You can use an oval cookie cutter or cut out football shapes using a sharp knife and a paper template.

3. How do I get smooth icing on my cookies?

Use a toothpick or cookie scribe tool to gently spread the icing and remove air bubbles after piping.

4. Can I use store-bought icing instead?

Yes, but homemade royal icing creates the best smooth, professional finish.

These Football Sugar Cookies are the perfect game day dessert—fun, festive, and delicious! Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or tailgate, these cookies will be the MVP of your snack table. Try them today and enjoy a winning treat! 🏈🍪

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