Description

Chewy, buttery sugar cookies with a subtle smoky depth, designed for game day parties. These sturdy cookies hold intricate royal icing designs and can be baked in the oven or smoked on a grill for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory or applewood)
4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons meringue powder
6–8 tablespoons water
Gel food coloring (red, blue, white, black, yellow)

Instructions

In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides.
Reduce speed to medium. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing until combined. Add vanilla extract and liquid smoke; mix for another minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. With mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or grill to 275°F (135°C) for indirect heat. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden, or smoke on the grill for 12-15 minutes.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat meringue powder with 6 tablespoons water until frothy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating on low then high for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Divide icing into bowls and mix with gel food coloring. Transfer to piping bags.
Pipe details onto cooled cookies. Let icing dry for at least 4 hours or overnight until hard.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the icing. Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness. Do not freeze iced cookies as the icing will become soggy.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 120
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 28
Protein: 2

Keywords: football cookies, game day dessert, sugar cookies, grill smoked cookies, royal icing, party treats, chewy sugar cookies