When the big game is on, you need snacks that are easy to grab, full of flavor, and sure to please a crowd—and Game Day Cookies Recipe check every box. These chewy, colorful cookies are bursting with chocolate chips, candy-coated crunch, and customizable mix-ins that let you show off your team spirit in every bite. Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a watch party, or just need a sweet snack while streaming the playoffs, this easy recipe delivers a winning performance every time.
Why You’ll Love These Game Day Cookies Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture with golden, crispy edges
- Easy to customize with your team’s colors or favorite flavors
- Perfect one-handed snack—no forks or plates needed
- Quick to make and easy to transport for any game day setting
- Great for sharing, gifting, or batch-baking ahead of time
These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re part of the game day ritual!
Ingredients For Game Day Cookies Recipe
Full measurements available in the recipe card below.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup M&Ms (team-colored for extra flair)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crushed pretzels or potato chips (for sweet & salty contrast)
- Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- Sprinkles in team colors
- Peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows (add during the last 2 minutes of baking)
How to Make Game Day Cookies Recipe
1. Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
6. Add the Fun Stuff
Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and any extra add-ins like pretzels, sprinkles, or nuts.
7. Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and space 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
8. Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later snacking!
Winning Variations
- Color-Coordinated: Use M&Ms and sprinkles in your team’s colors
- Sweet & Salty: Add crushed pretzels or kettle chips
- Stuffed Cookies: Make sandwich cookies with marshmallow fluff or peanut butter
- Over-the-Top: Add toffee bits, caramel chunks, or mini candy bars
- Mini Sliders: Sandwich mini chocolate disks and frosting between two cookies
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave baked cookies for 10 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill for up to 48 hours or freeze for future baking.
How do I match M&M colors to my team?
Look for color-specific M&Ms online or use seasonal/holiday blends that match your team.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure mix-ins are GF-certified.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter too soft or dough too warm can cause spreading. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if needed.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes—just reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate.
What makes these perfect for game day?
They’re handheld, festive, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prep in big batches. Ideal for snacking between plays!
More Delicious Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- Deep Fried Mushrooms: A Crispy Summer Snack
- Grilled Cheese Roll Ups – A Fun Independence Day Snack
- Crispy Potato Balls: The Ultimate Crunchy Snack
Conclusion
Game Day Cookies are the MVP of any sports gathering—chewy, colorful, and completely customizable to your flavor preferences or team pride. Whether you’re feeding a party crowd or just making a few for yourself, these cookies bring sweet energy to every snack table. Bake a batch and get ready to score big with your guests—win or lose, these cookies are always a touchdown!
Game Day Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup M&Ms team-colored for extra flair
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Add the Fun Stuff: Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and any extra add-ins like pretzels, sprinkles, or nuts.
- Scoop & Bake: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and space 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
- Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later snacking!
Notes
- Use candy colors that match your favorite team to make them more festive!
- You can freeze the dough balls for later and bake straight from frozen — just add 2 more minutes to the baking time.
- Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or white chocolate for fun variations.
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