Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

Name: Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies You’ll Love!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Royal icing (for decoration); Orange and black food coloring (for basketball design)

Posted on December 27, 2025

DESSERT

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Introduction to Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

As a busy mom, I know how important it is to find quick and delightful treats that can bring a smile to my family’s faces. That’s why I absolutely love making Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies! These cookies are not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate sports events or just enjoy a sweet moment together. With their vibrant orange and black designs, they’re sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of days. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

These Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies are a game-changer for busy days! They’re quick to make, taking just about 40 minutes from start to finish. The taste? Absolutely heavenly! With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Trust me, these cookies will become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients for Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect fluffy bite.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for that rich, creamy taste and helps achieve a tender cookie.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ lovely golden color.
Large egg: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to your cookies.
Almond extract: This optional ingredient adds a delightful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with vanilla.
Royal icing: Essential for decorating, this icing hardens beautifully, allowing you to create those iconic basketball designs.
Food coloring: Orange and black food coloring will help you achieve that classic basketball look. Feel free to use gel or liquid, depending on your preference.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies. Each step is designed to guide you through the process, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie success!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential for creating a uniform cookie base. Whisking helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder and salt. It’s like giving your cookies a little pep talk before they hit the oven!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming is important because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that delightful texture. You want them to melt in your mouth, right?

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the extracts bring a lovely depth of flavor. It’s like a flavor party in your bowl!

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; otherwise, your cookies might turn out tough. You want a soft, pliable dough that’s ready to be rolled out. Think of it as a gentle hug for your ingredients!

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin for an even thickness. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top. The right thickness is key for achieving those perfect cookie shapes. Too thin, and they’ll burn; too thick, and they won’t bake through!

Step 7: Cut Out Cookie Shapes

Using a basketball-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. It’s like giving them room to breathe!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden, while the centers should look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Trust your instincts; you’ve got this!

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial before decorating with royal icing. If you decorate too soon, the icing will melt and run off the cookies. Patience is key here, but the wait will be worth it when you see those beautiful basketball designs come to life!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to roll out.
Use a clean, floured surface to prevent sticking while rolling.
Test a cookie for doneness by checking the edges; they should be lightly golden.
Let royal icing dry completely before stacking cookies to avoid smudging.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet works well, but a silicone baking mat can prevent sticking.
Parchment paper: Use this to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy for mixing ingredients.
Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a clean wine bottle can do the trick!
Cookie cutter: A basketball-shaped cutter is ideal, but any round cutter will work in a pinch.

Variations

Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Decorative Icing: Use edible glitter or sprinkles on top of the royal icing for an extra festive touch!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea for a delightful treat.
Serve them at sports-themed parties alongside popcorn and fruit skewers for a fun snack table.
Display the cookies on a vibrant platter, garnished with mini basketballs or themed decorations for added flair.

FAQs about Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies

As you embark on your baking journey with these Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.

How do I store the decorated cookies?

Once your royal icing has dried completely, store the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Can I use different colors for the royal icing?

Of course! While orange and black are perfect for basketballs, feel free to get creative. You can use any colors that match your theme or occasion. Just remember to use gel food coloring for vibrant hues!

What if my royal icing is too runny?

If your royal icing is too runny, it might not hold its shape well. To fix this, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.

Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?

Absolutely! While a basketball-shaped cookie cutter is fun, you can use any shape you like. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.

Final Thoughts

Making Classic Royal Icing Basketball Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories with your loved ones. The joy of rolling out dough, cutting out shapes, and decorating together brings laughter and connection to the kitchen. These cookies are perfect for celebrating sports events or simply enjoying a sweet treat after a long day. With their vibrant colors and delightful taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, invite your kids to help, and let the fun begin. Happy baking, and may your cookies always be a slam dunk!