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.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
2 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3 In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, honey, ghee, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4 Divide the dough into two portions, leaving about one-third of the dough separate.
5 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
7 Roll the dough into small balls approximately ½ inch in diameter.
8 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
14 Place a sheet of parchment paper over the dough arrangement.
15 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.
16 Use a circular cookie cutter to cut around the design, creating a perfectly round soccer ball cookie.
17 Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 4: Bake
19 Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
20 Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
21 Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
