Description

Budget-friendly, kid-approved sugar cookies shaped like footballs with white icing laces. These reliable cookies hold their shape, are make-ahead friendly, and cost pennies per serving.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 to 3.5 cups (375g to 437g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
White icing (store-bought or royal icing) for decoration

Instructions

Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides.
Add the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until a dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter (2-3 inches). Place on baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between them.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are barely golden. Rotate pans halfway through for even browning.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Pipe white icing laces onto the cooled cookies using a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a snipped corner.
Let icing dry for at least one hour before serving or storing.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted to prevent spreading. Do not overbake as cookies continue to cook on the hot pan. Store uniced cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft. Iced cookies should be stored in a single layer or with parchment between layers.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 80
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3.5
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 2

Keywords: football cookies, sugar cookies, game day snacks, kid-friendly recipes, budget baking, party treats, make-ahead cookies