Soccer Ball Sugar Cookies
Gluten-free Soccer Ball Sugar Cookies made with almond flour and honey. A simple dough technique creates a realistic soccer ball pattern without the need for icing or complicated decorating. Perfect for soccer birthdays and team parties.
Servings: 6 large cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ghee or melted coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, honey, ghee, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, leaving about one-third of the dough separate.
- Mix the Dutch-processed cocoa powder into the smaller portion until fully incorporated. You should now have one light-colored dough and one chocolate dough.
Step 2: Create the Soccer Ball Pattern
- Roll the dough into small balls approximately ½ inch in diameter.
- For each cookie: Place one chocolate dough ball in the center. Surround it with five light dough balls. Create another ring using five chocolate dough balls. Finish up with an outer ring using 5 light dough balls. This arrangement mimics the classic pattern found on a soccer ball.
Step 3: Flatten and Cut
- Place a sheet of parchment paper over the dough arrangement.
- Using the bottom of a small metal pan or measuring cup, gently press down until all the dough balls flatten and merge together into one piece.
- Use a circular cookie cutter to cut around the design, creating a perfectly round soccer ball cookie.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.