Football season brings with it a flurry of excitement, friends gathering, and, of course, delicious food! If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert to impress your guests while celebrating the big game, look no further than this delightful Football Cookie Cake. With its rich peanut butter flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and a fun football design, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious treat!
Reasons to Love How to Make a Football Cookie Cake
- Easy to Make: This cookie cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to personalize this dessert!
- Fun Presentation: Decorating the cookie cake to resemble a football adds a festive touch that everyone will appreciate.
- Deliciously Indulgent: With peanut butter, chocolate chips, and a soft, chewy texture, this dessert is a treat for any sweet tooth.
The Essentials
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich base for the cookie cake.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the cake moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to achieve the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent.
- 1 ½ cups flour: The main structure of the cookie cake.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: For that melty, chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup chopped peanuts (optional): For added crunch and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening: For greasing the pan.
- 1 tablespoon white frosting or melted white chocolate: For decorating the football design.
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for mixing your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugars smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in chocolate chips and peanuts.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: The perfect size for your cookie cake.
- Parchment Paper: To line the cake pan for easy removal.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the cookie cake to cool evenly.
- Decorating Bag or Ziplock Bag: For piping the white frosting or chocolate.
Cook How to Make a Football Cookie Cake Like This
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookie cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil or shortening. For added ease, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper as well.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peanuts
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cookie Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cookie cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cookie Cake
Once the cookie cake is completely cool, use white frosting or melted white chocolate to pipe on the football laces. You can create a simple design by piping a straight line down the center and adding small cross lines to mimic a football.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your adorable football cookie cake into wedges and serve at your next game day party. Watch as your friends devour this delicious creation!
Seasonal Serving Ideas
- Serve at Super Bowl parties for a festive touch.
- Pair with ice cream for a delicious dessert à la mode.
- Cut into small squares for tailgate gatherings.
- Decorate for other sports seasons with different colors and designs.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate, for a unique flavor twist. Using creamy or crunchy peanut butter will also change the texture and taste of your cookie cake. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting!
Shelf Life & Storage
This Football Cookie Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Quick Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookie cake.
What can I substitute for the egg?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a vegan substitute for the egg.
Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookie cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate and serve.
How do I make this cookie cake gluten-free?
Substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe!
Serve with These
See You at the Table
This Football Cookie Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and creativity that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delightful treat. Happy baking!
How to Make a Football Cookie Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Spatula
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling rack
- Decorating Bag or Ziplock Bag
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped peanuts optional
For Pan Preparation and Decoration
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening for greasing the pan
- 1 tablespoon white frosting or melted white chocolate for decorating the football design
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookie cake bakes evenly.
- Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil or shortening. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper as well.
Mixing the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until fully combined.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts until evenly distributed.
Baking and Decorating
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, use white frosting or melted white chocolate to pipe football laces: a straight line down the center and small cross lines to mimic a football.
- Slice into wedges and serve at your next game day party. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for unique flavors.
- Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter to adjust texture and taste.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
