Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs

If you’re looking for a fun, festive dessert that’s sure to impress on game day, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs are a touchdown every time. With eggless, edible cookie dough shaped into mini footballs, coated in rich chocolate, and decorated with little white chocolate laces, these treats are as adorable as they are delicious.

Perfect for football parties, tailgates, or just a sweet snack, these no-bake treats combine the nostalgia of cookie dough with the indulgence of chocolate—without the worry of raw eggs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eggless & safe: Enjoy cookie dough safely with no raw eggs.
• Fun & festive: Perfect for football-themed parties or sports celebrations.
• No-bake convenience: Minimal oven time, just chilling and chocolate dipping.
• Customizable: Use milk, dark, or white chocolate for coating.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be prepared a day in advance for easy party prep.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields approximately 25 cookie dough footballs.

Cookie Dough

• ¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (158 g) light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (52 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1–2 tbsp water, if needed
• 1 ½ cups (211 g) mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Coating & Decoration

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

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Toothpicks
• Small to medium microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle for white chocolate laces
• Cookie sheet or plate for chilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). You’ll notice the color change—the mixture will look paler and airy.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
3. Add heat-treated flour and salt. Mix until combined. If the dough feels crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, just enough to bring it together.
4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips using a silicone spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape the Footballs

5. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough.
6. With your hands, shape each portion into a small football shape. Place them on a plate or cookie sheet while shaping the rest.
7. Refrigerate the shaped dough for 1–2 hours until firm. You can also prep a day ahead.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

8. Melt the chocolate according to package instructions. Use a bowl deep enough to dip the footballs completely.
9. Prepare parchment paper to set the dipped footballs.

Step 4: Dip the Footballs

10. Insert a toothpick into the long side of each football. Dip fully into the chocolate, tapping gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess.
11. Place dipped footballs onto parchment paper. Twist the toothpick gently to release.
12. Use the toothpick to create a small line between chocolate excess on parchment and the football for clean removal once dry.
13. Allow chocolate to fully harden.

Step 5: Add the Laces

14. Melt the white chocolate and place it in a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
15. Pipe football laces on top of each chocolate-covered football.
16. Let the chocolate dry completely. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips & Variations

• Heat-treated flour: Heat your flour in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to ensure safety.
• Chocolate coating options: Try milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate for variety.
• Shape hacks: Rolling the dough in a slightly elongated oval makes shaping easier.
• Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
• Serving tip: Let chilled footballs sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t too firm.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Smooth, soft cookie dough inside with crisp chocolate shell.
• Taste: Sweet, buttery cookie dough with mini chocolate chips and rich chocolate coating.
• Visual appeal: Shaped like mini footballs, making them festive and fun for parties.

Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside a fruit platter or mini desserts for a game day spread.

Nutritional Overview

• Serving Size: 1 football
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 28.7 g
• Fat: 16.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39.2 g
• Protein: 2.1 g
• Cholesterol: 15.3 mg
• Sodium: 51.9 mg

Dietary Notes: Egg-free, can be made gluten-free with a suitable flour replacement.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Store fully coated and decorated footballs in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Best served at room temperature so chocolate is slightly soft and cookie dough is tender.
• Cookie dough can be shaped and chilled ahead of time for easy party prep.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of melting chocolate?
Yes, but the coating may not be as smooth. Melting chocolate gives a glossy, even finish.

2. Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, use heat-treated gluten-free all-purpose flour.

3. How long will these keep?
Up to 1 week in the fridge, in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze after chocolate hardens. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. Can I make them vegan?
Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate to make a plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a platter at your football party with napkins.
• Pair with mini brownies, cupcakes, or other bite-sized desserts for variety.
• Great for school parties or tailgating events.

Pro Tips

• Chill the dough long enough; this prevents it from breaking during dipping.
• Use a toothpick for easy dipping and clean removal of excess chocolate.
• Practice piping on parchment first if you want perfect laces.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs are a fun, festive, and indulgent game-day treat that will wow both kids and adults. With edible cookie dough, rich chocolate coating, and adorable white chocolate laces, they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat.

Prep ahead, chill, dip, and decorate for a sweet touchdown every time. They’re perfect for parties, school events, or anytime you want a playful, delicious dessert that steals the show.

Print