Football Stadium Sugar Cookies

The roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn, and the thrill of the game…football season in Texas is a way of life! And what better way to celebrate game day than with some fun and festive football stadium sugar cookies? I’ve baked these cookies at least a dozen times in my own kitchen, tweaking the recipe until it’s absolutely perfect for little hands to decorate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun activity with the kids, this recipe is sure to score big with your family. Get ready to create edible masterpieces that capture the spirit of the gridiron!

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, as a busy mom of two, I need recipes that are both delicious and practical. These football stadium sugar cookies are a winner because they are:

• Kid-Friendly: The decorating process is a blast for kids of all ages.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the cookies days in advance and store them until you’re ready to decorate.
• Fun and Festive: They are the perfect treat for football parties, tailgates, or just a fun weekend activity.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to press a finger into, but still hold its shape. This is crucial for a tender cookie.

Vanilla Extract: I always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Imitation vanilla extract can have a slightly artificial taste.

All-Purpose Flour: Using too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Measure carefully, or even better, use a kitchen scale for accuracy.

Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a softer texture. Don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale in color and almost doubled in volume. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the cookies rise evenly.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should come together in a ball.

Step 5: Chill the Dough. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. After testing this several times, I learned that chilling the dough is non-negotiable.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use football-shaped cookie cutters or create a stadium shape (rectangle with rounded edges) to cut out the cookies. I found that using a pizza cutter for the stadium shape works great!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite royal icing, sprinkles, and edible markers to create your football stadium designs. My kids love adding little green sprinkles to represent the grass!

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store the baked and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are completely cool before freezing.

Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate. The royal icing can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Dairy-Free: To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Make sure to choose one that is specifically designed for baking.

Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. You could also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate football cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Chilling the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough is the most important step. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Overmixing the dough can also cause the cookies to spread, so be careful not to overmix.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing is the classic choice for sugar cookies. You can use different colors of royal icing to create the football field, end zones, and other details. Sprinkles, edible markers, and even small candies can also be used to add extra flair. Get creative and have fun!

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies (before decorating) and the cookie dough. Wrap the cookies or dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months, and cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Definitely! My kids love helping me make these cookies, especially the decorating part. Just be prepared for a little mess! It’s a great activity for a rainy day or a fun family baking project.

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