Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a straightforward approach that delivers delicious results. With its comforting blend of flavors from the chocolate chip and sugar cookies, it balances sweetness and richness perfectly. The ease of using refrigerated cookie dough means you can whip up these Football Double Decker Cookies without too much fuss, making it a practical option for everyday baking or special celebrations.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cookie cutter (football-shaped)
Ingredients
- 16 oz pkg refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (richness)
- 9 oz pkg Pillsbury Football shape sugar cookie dough (sweetness and fun)
How to Make Football Double Decker Cookies
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to ensure your oven reaches the right temperature to achieve even baking. Take the time to let it fully preheat, as this affects how the cookies rise and set. You can check the heat by using an oven thermometer, but most conventional ovens signal readiness when the preheating light goes off.
Step 2
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and allows for easy removal of the cookies once baked. Make sure the parchment paper is flat and covers the full surface of the baking sheets; this will keep the bottoms of the cookies from burning. If you don’t have parchment paper, greasing the pan lightly can also work.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, take the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough and scoop out portions. You’ll want to create small mounds of dough, using about a tablespoon for each cookie. This will help each cookie achieve an even size when they spread during baking. The dough’s soft and slightly sticky texture makes it easy to work with, but if it feels overly firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Step 4
Form each mound of chocolate chip cookie dough into a slightly flattened round shape. This ensures they will bake evenly and gives them a good starting shape to rise from. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. Pay attention to keep them uniform for consistent baking. Once shaped, place them on one of the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space in between each cookie as they will spread.
Step 5
Now, take the Pillsbury Football shape sugar cookie dough. Remove the desired amount from the package and, similar to the chocolate chip dough, form it into small football shapes. This adds a fun thematic element to your cookies. Make sure to handle the dough gently to keep their shape intact.
Step 6
Place a football-shaped sugar cookie on top of each chocolate chip cookie mound. Gently press down to slightly merge their edges, ensuring they adhere together during baking. It’s important not to squish them too hard; just enough to secure their connection will do. This layering technique creates the delightful double-decker effect.
Step 7
Once all cookies are assembled on the baking sheets, it’s time to bake them. Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the edges should start to turn a light golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. Ovens can vary, so checking at the 10-minute mark can help you avoid overbaking.
Step 8
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set properly, without losing their shape. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling. It’s crucial not to rush this step, as cooling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the textures to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
Football Double Decker Cookies are versatile for various occasions. Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat with coffee or as an afternoon snack alongside milk. They’re perfect for dessert at family meals or as a fun addition to any game day gathering. Consider packing them in lunchboxes or serving them at picnics; leftovers can easily be shared with friends or family.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
- Use room temperature dough for easier handling.
- Space the cookies apart to avoid them sticking together during baking.
- Don’t overbake; they should remain soft in the center.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with decorating the tops with icing for a fun touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Preheating: Failing to preheat results in unevenly baked cookies. Always allow your oven to reach the required temperature before baking.
- Overworking Dough: Excessive handling makes the dough tough. Use gentle techniques to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Ignoring Cookie Size: Making cookies too large can lead to uneven baking. Consistent sizing ensures uniform results.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Not using parchment can lead to sticking and burnt bottoms. Always line your baking sheets to simplify cleanup.
- Not Letting Cool: If cookies are moved too soon, they may fall apart. Cool them properly to set and prevent breakage.
- Baking Too Long: Overbaking leads to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden, while the center stays soft.
Variations & Substitutions
You can tweak this recipe by using different flavored cookie doughs, like peanut butter or oatmeal raisin, for unique tastes. For a creative twist, consider using colorful icing or sprinkles for decoration. Mix in chocolate chunks or nuts for added texture inside the chocolate chip layer.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you prefer longer-term storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. For freezing, stack between layers of parchment and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to keep that fresh-baked softness.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cookies ahead of time. Form the dough and either refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. Just allow extra time for thawing before baking.
- How long does it last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, the cookies can last up to a week in the fridge. They will stay fresh for several days, maintaining their texture and taste.
- Can I freeze this recipe? Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies or the formed dough. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Baked cookies will maintain their quality for about three months.
- What can I substitute for one ingredient? If you need a variation, consider swapping in different cookie dough flavors, such as peanut butter or snickerdoodle. Just ensure any swaps still match the overall flavor profile and texture.
- Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected? Various factors can affect cookie results, including oven temperature and dough handling. If cookies spread too much, they may have been overworked or baked at too low a temperature. Adjust your method if things don’t turn out right in the first try.
Final Thoughts
Making Football Double Decker Cookies is both enjoyable and rewarding, blending charming flavors and fun shapes effortlessly. These cookies serve as a delightful treat for any occasion, inviting companionship and joy as they’re shared. Remember, it’s perfectly fine if they aren’t picture-perfect. The experience of creating and enjoying them is what truly matters, bringing comfort and smiles to your table.

Football Double Decker Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 16 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough Richness
- 9 oz Pillsbury Football shape sugar cookie dough Sweetness and fun
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, scoop out portions of the chocolate chip cookie dough, using about a tablespoon for each cookie.
- Form each mound of chocolate chip cookie dough into a slightly flattened round shape, about half an inch thick.
- Remove the desired amount of the Pillsbury Football shape sugar cookie dough and form it into small football shapes.
Assembly
- Place a football-shaped sugar cookie on top of each chocolate chip cookie mound and gently press down to merge their edges.
Baking
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.







