Get ready to shoot some hoops with your tastebuds! These Basketball-Themed Sugar Cookies are perfect for game nights or sports-themed parties. They're not just fun to make, but also a slam dunk with kids and adults alike.
Butter is the backbone of these cookies, providing richness and a tender crumb. Opt for unsalted to control the saltiness of your dough. Granulated sugar sweetens up the deal and helps with the structure. The egg adds moisture and binds everything together, while vanilla extract brings a lovely aromatic flavor. Baking powder gives a slight lift, making the cookies light and airy. All-purpose flour is the base that holds everything; use it to get the right texture. A touch of salt balances the sweetness. Orange food coloring is essential to give these cookies the basketball look. Finally, black icing lets you draw those iconic basketball lines.
These cookies are a hit at game day gatherings paired with a pitcher of fresh lemonade. They also make a delightful gift wrapped in cellophane bags tied with a basketball-themed ribbon.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this is your foundation for a smooth dough. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the baking powder, flour, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. It's important to add a bit at a time to avoid a flour explosion and to ensure everything integrates smoothly.
Add the orange food coloring to your dough and knead it until the color is evenly distributed. This is where the fun begins! Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness — not too thin or thick, just right for baking.
Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The smell alone will make you want to dig in immediately, but resist! Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use black icing to draw the lines of a basketball on each cookie. This is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine — even if the lines aren't perfect, they’ll still taste amazing!
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