Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs

When it comes to game day snacks, nothing is quite as fun and crowd-pleasing as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs. These little edible treats combine everyone’s favorite indulgence—eggless chocolate chip cookie dough—with a festive football shape, a rich chocolate coating, and cute white chocolate laces. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a backyard football game, or just want a fun dessert, these cookie dough footballs are guaranteed to wow your friends and family.

This recipe is a no-bake delight, making it perfect for warm days or when you don’t want to fire up the oven. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create perfectly shaped cookie dough footballs that are almost too cute to eat—but trust me, they disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs aren’t just another sweet treat—they’re a game day showstopper. Here’s why you’ll want to make them:

• No-Bake Fun: No oven required! Just mix, shape, and dip.
• Eggless and Safe to Eat: Perfect for kids or anyone who loves edible cookie dough.
• Customizable Decorations: White chocolate laces make them festive, but you can get creative with team colors.
• Portable Party Treat: Easy to serve individually on platters.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Classic chocolate chip cookie dough coated in rich chocolate is universally loved.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make 25 cookie dough footballs:

Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (158g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (52g) sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated (measured correctly)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1–2 tbsp water, if needed
• 1 1/2 cups (211g) mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Coating & Decoration

• 16 oz chocolate melting chocolate
• 3 oz white melting chocolate

Serving Size: 1 football

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these cookie dough footballs, gather:

• Large mixing bowl
• Mixer (hand or stand)
• Silicone spatula
• Cookie scoop (1 ½ tablespoon size)
• Plate or cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small to medium bowls for melting chocolate
• Toothpicks (for dipping)
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle for white chocolate laces
• Refrigerator

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream 3/4 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup sugar on medium speed until light in color and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the color change and texture—it should look airy and smooth.

2. Add Vanilla

Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined.

3. Incorporate Flour and Salt

Add 2 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until combined. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tbsp water as needed to help it come together. It will be slightly crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed into balls.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Add 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips. Use a silicone spatula to fold evenly into the cookie dough.

5. Shape the Footballs

Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough. Roll and shape each portion into a football shape with your fingers. Place on a plate or cookie sheet as you go.

6. Chill the Dough

Refrigerate shaped cookie dough footballs for 1–2 hours, or until firm. You can also prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to dip.

7. Melt Chocolate

Melt 16 oz chocolate according to package directions in a small or medium bowl. Ensure the chocolate is deep enough for dipping. Line a sheet with parchment paper for drying.

8. Dip the Footballs

Insert a toothpick along the long side of a football. Dip completely into the melted chocolate, tapping gently on the bowl to remove excess. Place on parchment paper. Twist the toothpick gently to remove, using it to clean up excess chocolate around the hole if needed.

9. Let Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate to fully dry. Lift footballs from parchment and remove any excess chocolate. Transfer to a clean sheet or parchment paper.

10. Add White Chocolate Laces

Melt 3 oz white chocolate and pour into a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Pipe football laces across each chocolate-covered football. Allow chocolate to dry completely.

11. Serve or Store

Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Best served at room temperature so the chocolate coating isn’t too firm.

Tips & Variations

• Heat-Treating Flour: This is essential for safety in eggless dough. Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes, or microwave in 30-second increments until reaching 160°F.
• Chocolate Options: Use milk, dark, or semi-sweet melting chocolate. Adjust sweetness to your taste.
• Add Flavors: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even espresso powder for a twist.
• Team Spirit: Tint white chocolate with food coloring for team colors.
• Storage Tip: Keep separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These cookie dough footballs are:

• Sweet and Buttery: Classic chocolate chip cookie dough flavor shines.
• Rich Chocolate Finish: Coating adds a slightly firmer texture that contrasts with the soft center.
• Textured Bite: Mini chocolate chips add subtle chocolate bursts in each bite.

Serving Ideas: Perfect for a dessert platter at football parties, snack tables, or as fun gifts for sports fans.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1 football):

• Calories: 311
• Protein: 2.1 g
• Fat: 16.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39.2 g
• Sugar: 28.7 g
• Sodium: 51.9 mg
• Cholesterol: 15.3 mg

Dietary Considerations: Eggless, vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy, nut-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Dough Prep: Cookie dough footballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before dipping.
• Chocolate Prep: Chocolate can be melted and kept warm in a double boiler while dipping.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These footballs freeze well for 2–3 months. Wrap individually in parchment and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Why do I need heat-treated flour?
Heat-treating flour ensures that any potential bacteria is eliminated, making the dough safe to eat raw.

2. Can I make these without chocolate coating?
Yes! You can skip the chocolate and serve as plain edible cookie dough footballs.

3. Can these be made vegan?
Use vegan butter and plant-based milk if desired. Make sure your chocolate is dairy-free.

4. Can I shape them without a scoop?
Yes, rolling dough by hand works perfectly, just try to keep sizes consistent.

5. How long do they last?
Refrigerated, up to 5 days; frozen, 2–3 months. Serve at room temperature.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Dough	15 minutes
Chill Dough	1–2 hours
Melt & Dip Chocolate	20–30 minutes
Add White Chocolate Laces	10–15 minutes
Total Time	3 1/2 hours

Serving Suggestions

• Display on a festive platter at your next football watch party.
• Pair with small bowls of popcorn for a snack table mix.
• Serve in gift boxes for friends, neighbors, or teammates.

Recipe Variations

1. Peanut Butter Footballs: Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the dough.
2. Double Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chunks in addition to chips.
3. Caramel Drizzle: Add a caramel drizzle over the chocolate before adding laces.
4. Nutty Twist: Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butter

• Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough.
• Room temperature butter is easier to cream and incorporates air for a lighter texture.

Chocolate Chips

• Mini chips are ideal for evenly distributed bursts of chocolate.
• Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chill dough before shaping for easier handling.
• Use toothpicks carefully to prevent breaking the dough.
• Gently tap excess chocolate off to avoid drips.
• Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating footballs.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months, individually wrapped. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Chocolate Coating: Keep at cool room temperature to avoid condensation.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	311
Protein	2.1 g
Carbs	39.2 g
Fat	16.1 g
Sugar	28.7 g
Sodium	51.9 mg
Cholesterol	15.3 mg

Dietary Notes: Eggless, vegetarian-friendly, nut-free, contains dairy.

Expanded Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of fun, flavor, and creativity. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a unique treat for friends and family, they combine classic chocolate chip cookie dough with a festive, chocolate-covered presentation.

Shaping, dipping, and decorating takes a little patience, but the result is a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you keep them simple or add your own twists, these footballs are guaranteed to be a hit every time. Make a batch, gather your friends, and enjoy the perfect game day indulgence!

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