I wasn’t always the biggest football fan. In fact, back in school, I would’ve rather spent game night curled up with a book than sitting in the stands.

I didn’t get the hype, and the most exciting part of game day for me was probably the snacks. Fast forward to a few years ago, and things took a turn.

I found myself actually caring about who won and who lost, and maybe even jumping up in excitement during a good play. Now, I look forward to every game—and let’s not forget, the food that comes with it!

I mean, who can resist the mix of salty, sweet, and everything in between when the game is on?

And that’s when I had the genius idea to create the perfect game day treat: chocolate peanut butter football cookies.

These cookies are a touchdown in themselves—packed with peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a fun football shape to boot.

They’re easy to whip up, and trust me, you’ll want to make a batch (or two) every time you watch the game. Ready for a snack that scores big? Let’s get baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

For The Cookies

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

For The Frosting

• 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk (use any plant-based milk if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make The Cookies

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 45 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop dough into small balls and gently flatten them into an oval shape. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Don’t over-bake them!

Make The Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until it starts to come together, though it may still look a bit dry.
2. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting becomes smooth.
3. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the frosting and set it aside to use for the “laces” on your cookies.
4. Add the cocoa powder to the rest of the frosting, mixing until smooth and chocolaty.
5. Use an offset spatula to frost the cookies, and use the small amount of reserved frosting in a piping bag to create laces on top.

Tips For Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Cookies

Making chocolate peanut butter football cookies is easy, but there are a few key steps to ensure they come out just right. Here are some tips to help you get the best results every time:

• Use soft, room temperature butter and peanut butter: To create a smooth dough, make sure your butter and peanut butter are soft. This helps them blend together easily and creates a consistent dough that’s not too thick or sticky.
• Chill the dough before shaping: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape, especially if you’re shaping them into footballs.
• Shape them carefully: When shaping the dough into footballs, roll the dough into even-sized balls, then gently elongate them into ovals. Use a fork to lightly press down the middle and add lines to mimic the laces on a football.
• Watch the baking time: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them!
• Let them cool completely before frosting: Allow the cookies to cool down completely before adding the chocolate frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures that it stays neat and smooth on the cookies.

How To Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Cookies?

After baking, you’ll want to store your chocolate peanut butter football cookies properly to keep them fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature storage: For up to 4 days, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigerate for longer freshness: If you want to store them for more than 4 days, keep them in the fridge. Just place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can stay in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze for long-term storage: For longer storage, freeze your cookies. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them into an airtight container or zip-lock bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature.
• Avoid stacking too soon: If you stack your cookies, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together, especially if they have frosting on them.

What Happens If I Don’t Refrigerate My Sugar Cookie Dough?

Skipping the chilling step might seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to some problems:

• Cookies will spread too much: Without refrigeration, the dough will be too soft, and your cookies may spread too thin while baking. This can result in flat, misshapen cookies.
• Less control over shape: If you don’t chill the dough, it won’t hold its shape well. This is especially important if you’re using cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
• Texture problems: Chilling the dough allows the flour to fully absorb the moisture, which gives the cookies a better texture. Without chilling, the dough may not bake properly, resulting in cookies that are too soft or even too dry.