Description
A beginner-proof sugar cookie recipe that holds its shape, perfect for game day. These cookies are crisp on the edges, chewy in the middle, and can be decorated with team-colored icing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3–4 tbsp milk (for icing)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
- Brown, white, and black gel food coloring
Instructions
- Cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Fold with a spatula to ensure no flour streaks remain.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide dough in half. Roll one half out to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out football shapes using a cookie cutter and place on baking sheets 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely set and slightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make icing. Tint brown for the base.
- Spread brown icing on cooled cookies and let set for 5 minutes.
- Use white icing to draw laces and black icing for eyelets.
Notes
Do not scoop flour directly from the bag; spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid dry cookies. Chill the dough to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing without altering consistency. Cookies can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Protein: 2
Keywords: football cookies, sugar cookies, game day treats, beginner baking, easy cookies, sports party food