Description

These grilled sugar cookies feature a subtle smoky flavor and are decorated with chocolate royal icing to look like footballs, making them the perfect portable and festive dessert for game day.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
3 tbsp (25g) meringue powder (for icing)
1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips (for icing)
4–6 tbsp (60-90ml) water (for icing)

Instructions

Cream the butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl using a mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the grill for indirect heat: for charcoal, arrange coals on one side; for gas, light only one side and turn burners to medium (approx. 350°F/175°C).
Roll chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into football shapes.
Place cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again for 10 minutes before grilling.
Place the baking sheet on the indirect heat side of the grill, close the lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Cool cookies completely on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool 100%.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring in between.
Whisk confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder, then gradually add melted chocolate and water to create a smooth royal icing.
Pipe the chocolate icing onto cooled cookies and add white laces using a #2 round tip piping bag.

Notes

Ensure the grill is set up for indirect heat to prevent burning. Chill the dough thoroughly before grilling to maintain shape. Cookies must be 100% cool before icing to prevent melting. Royal icing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 120
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 28
Protein: 2

Keywords: football cookies, grilled desserts, game day treats, sugar cookies, royal icing, tailgate food, outdoor baking