Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Football cookies are the perfect treat for any game day, whether it’s the Super Bowl, college tailgates, or a local football game. These soft, chocolaty cut-out sugar cookies are not only adorable but also simple to make, topped with a rich chocolate icing and white chocolate laces for a true football look. They’re the ultimate dessert to bring to a party or enjoy with friends and family while watching the game.

Football Cookies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the icing:

3 cups confectioners’ sugar
4-5 tablespoons hot water
¾ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
White chocolate wafers

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until combined. The dough should be slightly soft but not sticky.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a football-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the icing, melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave. In a separate saucepan, bring the corn syrup and water to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the melted chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla.
Spread the icing on the cooled cookies using an offset spatula. Let the icing set for about an hour.
Melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 15 seconds. Transfer the melted white chocolate to a piping bag and pipe the football laces onto the cookies. Allow the white chocolate to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes

Variations

Skip the chocolate icing: If you prefer, you can skip the chocolate icing, as the cookies themselves already resemble footballs. Simply drizzle the white chocolate for the laces.
Make cookie sandwiches: Spread chocolate buttercream between two cookies for a fun twist.
Add some sprinkles: To add some extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles or brown sanding sugar onto the wet icing before it sets.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the icing is fully set before stacking the cookies, and use parchment paper between layers to preserve the decorations.
Freezing: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap (groups of 4 or 5 cookies) and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic, and thaw it in the fridge before using.

FAQs

How can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa?

Dutch-process cocoa is preferred in this recipe because it has a smoother flavor and less acidity, which works well with baking powder. If you use regular cocoa powder, the flavor will be slightly different, but the recipe will still work.

Do I need a football-shaped cookie cutter?

While a football-shaped cookie cutter is ideal for this recipe, you can use any shape you like. If you’re in a pinch, round or oval cookie cutters can also work, though they won’t have the football design.

How do I store these cookies?

Store your football cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the icing has fully set before stacking them.

Can I make these cookies without the white chocolate laces?

Yes! The cookies still look like footballs without the white chocolate laces. You can simply skip that step for a simpler look.

How long should I let the icing dry?

The chocolate icing should dry for about an hour before you pipe the white chocolate laces. Let the cookies dry completely after decorating with the white chocolate, which usually takes another hour.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

Milk chocolate will work in place of bittersweet chocolate, but it will be sweeter. If you like a more intense chocolate flavor, stick with bittersweet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic, and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, defrost it in the fridge overnight.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the icing?

You can use store-bought frosting in place of the homemade icing if you’re looking for a quicker option. However, the homemade chocolate icing adds a richer flavor that complements the cookies perfectly.

Conclusion

These football cookies are a fun, festive treat that’s sure to be a hit at any game day gathering. With their rich chocolate flavor, simple ingredients, and football design, they’re perfect for tailgates, Super Bowl parties, or any football-themed event. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are a must-try for any football fan!