Football Sugar Cookie Bars

So you want a dessert that’s festive, crowd-friendly, and doesn’t require rolling dough for 45 years? Same. Football Sugar Cookie Bars are here to save game day. They’re soft, buttery, topped with frosting, and shaped like bars—because slicing rectangles is way easier than cutting out cookies shaped like tiny footballs.

These are the kind of treats people grab “just one” of… and then quietly come back for another. And another.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

First, bars > cookies. No chilling dough, no cookie cutters, no baking in batches.

Second, they’re soft and thick, not those sad, crunchy sugar cookies that feel like a chore to eat.

Third, the football theme is easy but effective. A little brown frosting and white lines, and boom—game day vibes.

And lastly, they’re perfect for a crowd. Big pan, easy slices, zero drama.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cookie base

• Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened) – Room temp is your friend
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Keeps it classic
• Eggs (2) – Structure, people
• Vanilla extract (1½ tsp) – Don’t skip this
• All-purpose flour (2½ cups) – The foundation
• Baking powder (½ tsp) – Softness insurance
• Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness

For the frosting

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened) – Again, room temp
• Powdered sugar (2–2½ cups) – Adjust to taste
• Milk or cream (2–3 tbsp) – For spreadability
• Brown food coloring or cocoa powder – Football color
• White icing or gel – For the laces

Bold tip: Line your pan with parchment paper. Easy removal = clean slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep.
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
   Beat until light and fluffy. This step matters for soft bars.
3. Add eggs and vanilla.
   Mix until smooth and combined. Scrape the bowl if needed.
4. Combine dry ingredients.
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix it all together.
   Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Spread the dough.
   Press evenly into the prepared pan. It’ll be thick—totally normal.
7. Bake.
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, until edges are set and center looks just done.
8. Cool completely.
   This is non-negotiable. Warm bars + frosting = chaos.
9. Make the frosting.
   Beat butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Tint it brown.
10. Decorate like footballs.
    Spread frosting evenly. Pipe white laces across the top.
11. Slice and serve.
    Cut into bars and watch them disappear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking. Dry sugar cookies are a crime.
• Frosting warm bars. Rookie mistake.
• Overmixing the dough. Tough bars = sad outcome.
• Using too much food coloring. Brown doesn’t need to be that intense.
• Skipping parchment paper. Just don’t.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Chocolate sugar cookie base? Add cocoa powder to the dough.
• Cream cheese frosting? Extra tang, extra delicious.
• Store-bought dough? It works in a pinch—no judgment.
• Mini bars? Bake in a sheet pan and cut smaller pieces.
• Sprinkle-free version? Clean and classic.

IMO, these taste even better the next day.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make them a day in advance and store covered.

How long do they stay fresh?
Up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.

Can I freeze them?
Freeze unfrosted bars, then decorate later.

Do I need gel coloring?
Not required, but it gives better color with less product.

Why are my bars dry?
You baked them too long. Keep an eye on them.

Can kids help decorate?
Absolutely. The laces don’t need to be perfect.

Final Thoughts

Football Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward game-day dessert. They’re soft, sweet, festive, and easy enough to make without losing your sanity.

Bake a pan, frost it like a football, and enjoy your well-earned dessert MVP status. Game day just got way sweeter.