Basketball Cookies
Basketball Cookies are a fun and tasty treat, perfect for any basketball fan or anyone who loves a little sporty flair in their snacks. These cookies usually come with orange…
Tip: save now, cook later.Basketball Cookies are a fun and tasty treat, perfect for any basketball fan or anyone who loves a little sporty flair in their snacks. These cookies usually come with orange dough and chocolate lines that look just like a basketball, making them a playful and delicious way to celebrate game day or just enjoy a sweet treat with a sporty twist.
I love making Basketball Cookies when there’s a big game on TV because they add a bit of excitement and cheer to the snack table. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to decorate, so I find it’s a fun project to do with kids or friends. The combination of a soft, buttery cookie with a little chocolate is always a hit. I’ve found that using a small piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works great for drawing the basketball lines without any fuss.
These cookies aren’t just tasty; they’re a real conversation starter. I like to bring a batch to parties or family gatherings where there’s a basketball game happening because they bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re great alongside a glass of milk or just on their own when you need a quick sweet pick-me-up. To me, Basketball Cookies are a simple way to have some fun, celebrate a favorite sport, and enjoy a homemade treat all at once.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives your cookies a nice tender crumb. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but expect a slight texture change.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness and flavor. You can swap for margarine or dairy-free spread if you need a vegan option.
Royal Icing: The orange, black, and white royal icing helps create the basketball look. You can use store-bought icing or homemade. For a quicker fix, colored candy melts can sometimes replace royal icing for decoration.
How Do I Get Smooth, Evenly Colored Icing on Basketball Cookies?
Flooding cookies with royal icing can be tricky but is key for that smooth basketball surface. Here’s how to nail it:
- First, thin your royal icing with a little water till it flows easily but isn’t too runny.
- Use a piping bag to outline the cookie’s edge with icing—this acts as a dam to hold the flood icing.
- Fill the center with thinned icing and gently spread or tap the cookie so icing levels out smoothly.
- Let the icing set completely (1-2 hours) before adding details so colors don’t mix or run.
Patience here really pays off, and the smooth orange base lets your black and white icing details pop perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your cookie dough ingredients easily and cleanly.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar smooth and fast.
- Rolling pin – to roll your cookie dough evenly to the right thickness.
- Round cookie cutters – essential for cutting out perfectly shaped basketball cookies.
- Baking sheets with parchment paper – prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Piping bags with small round tips – lets you draw clean, precise basketball lines and net details with icing.
- Wire rack – cool cookies evenly without sogginess before decorating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note that complements the orange icing.
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a slightly nutty twist that brightens the flavor.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a little sweet surprise inside each cookie.
- Use colored sugar sprinkles on the plain dough before baking to add extra sparkle and texture.
How to Make Basketball Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Decoration:
- Orange royal icing (store-bought or homemade, tinted orange)
- Black royal icing for basketball lines
- White royal icing for basketball net design (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough, 8–10 minutes to bake the cookies, and 1 to 2 hours for the royal icing to dry after decorating. Plan for some extra time if you’re adding detailed piping designs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll your cookie dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out basketball-shaped rounds. Place the cookie rounds about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Decorate the Cookies:
Once your cookies have fully cooled, spread or flood the top with orange royal icing to create the basketball’s base color. Let the icing dry for 1 to 2 hours or until it is firm to touch. Using black royal icing and a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, draw the basketball lines: one horizontal, one vertical, and two curved lines to mimic the pattern on a basketball. If you like, add a white royal icing net design on the bottom half for an extra sporty touch. Allow all icing to dry completely before serving or packaging.
Enjoy your fun and festive Basketball Cookies for your next game day or sports party!
Can I Use a Different Cookie Dough for Basketball Cookies?
Yes! While this recipe uses a classic sugar cookie dough for sturdy shapes, you can also use gingerbread or shortbread dough. Just ensure the dough holds shape well when baked for best decorating results.
How Do I Store Basketball Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or smudging of the icing.
Can I Make the Dough or Decorated Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before rolling and baking. Decorated cookies can be stored and kept fresh for several days as mentioned above, making it great for party prep.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Royal Icing?
If royal icing isn’t available, you can try using thickened powdered sugar glaze tinted with food coloring for flooding. For the lines, melted chocolate or black decorating gel works well too, though detail may be less precise.