Basketball Cookies are a fun treat that I love to bake, especially during basketball season. They are perfect for game day gatherings or just as a sweet snack while watching the game.
I remember making these cookies with Dad, James, in the kitchen. He said it was all about the right technique, especially when decorating them. Those memories make baking even more enjoyable!
Your Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups royal icing
- Orange and black food coloring
My Go-To Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Wire racks for cooling
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate cookies with royal icing. Use orange and black food coloring to create basketball designs. Enjoy!
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition. You can also use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a different flavor and a bit more fiber. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
Serve these Basketball Cookies with milk or a fun fruit punch during game day parties. They also look great on a platter with some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Don’t forget to use matching orange and black plates to keep the theme alive!
Getting It Just Right
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture. Keep an eye on the cookies while baking so you don’t miss that perfect golden color. Let the cookies cool enough before decorating, or the icing may run!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Enjoy Every Moment
Baking is a wonderful way to bond with family and friends. Each Basketball Cookie you make brings a bit of joy and a sweet memory. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen, and have fun decorating!
A Few Common Questions
How do I make Basketball Cookies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour in the recipe. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to help with texture.
Can I use other colors for decorating?
Absolutely! While orange and black give the basketball look, feel free to use your favorite colors. You can create different designs or themes for birthdays or holidays.
How can I make the royal icing?
To make royal icing, mix powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder and a bit of water until you get a thick, spreadable consistency. Adjust it with more sugar to thicken or more water to thin out as needed.
Print
Basketball Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun Basketball Cookies perfect for game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups royal icing
- Orange and black food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate cookies with royal icing using orange and black food coloring to create basketball designs.
Notes
For a healthier twist, substitute some all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or use coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: basketball cookies, game day snacks, baking, desserts, family recipes