Name: Little Debbie Football Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: For the brownies:; 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or nuts, for added texture; For the icing:; 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

My kitchen transformed into a mini stadium when I decided to whip up a batch of homemade treats inspired by the beloved Little Debbie Football Brownies. Nothing brings the thrill of the game right to your table like these charming, football-shaped delights. Perfect for die-hard sports fans and sweet tooth enthusiasts alike, these brownies are delicious and fun to make and serve.

Table of Contents

How to make Little Debbie Football Brownies

Little Debbie Football Brownies are a seasonal treat made by the Little Debbie brand. They’re typically available around football season, which is often around fall. These brownies have a distinctive football shape and are usually decorated with white icing laces to resemble a football.

Ingredients

To replicate the delight of Little Debbie Football Brownies, we’ll need the following ingredients for the brownies and the decoration:

For the brownies:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or nuts, for added texture

For the icing:

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment:

Football-shaped cookie cutter (If you don’t have one, you can freehand the football shapes or use a template.)

Instructions

Baking the Brownies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
Cool the mixture slightly, then beat in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the cocoa mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the football-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. If you don’t have a cutter, you can draw a football shape on a piece of cardboard, cut it out, and use it as a stencil.

Decorating the Brownies:

Prepare the icing by slowly mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until it reaches a thick yet pipeable consistency. Add more powdered sugar or milk as necessary to achieve the right texture.
Fill a piping bag (or a small zip lock bag with the corner snipped off) with the icing. Pipe the laces of a football onto each brownie.
Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Football Brownies

Getting the Right Consistency: When making the icing, it’s important to get a thick but pipeable consistency. If it’s too thin, the laces won’t hold their shape, and too thick, it will be difficult to pipe.
Cutting Brownies: Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter dipped in hot water to make clean cuts through the brownies. Wipe the cutter clean between cuts for the neatest shapes.

What to serve with

Pairing your Little Debbie Football Brownies with the right accompaniments can turn your game day or sports-themed party into an unforgettable feast. Here are some delicious ideas that complement the rich, chocolatey goodness of your homemade brownies, ensuring your table is as exciting as the game on screen.

Sweet Pairings

Vanilla Ice Cream: Simple yet classic, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a brownie creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. The cold, creamy sweetness of the ice cream balances the dense, chewy richness of the brownie, making for a perfect match.
Berry Compote: If you’re looking to add a bit of tartness to counter the brownie’s sweetness, a berry compote made from raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries can be a fantastic accompaniment. The natural acidity and fruitiness can elevate the overall tasting experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a light, airy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the robust chocolate flavor of the brownies without overpowering it.

Savory Pairings

Salted Nuts: Offering a variety of salted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or peanuts, can provide a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the brownies’ soft, chewy texture. The saltiness also enhances the chocolate flavor, making it even more irresistible.
Cheese Board: Surprisingly, certain cheeses pair exceptionally well with chocolate. A cheese board featuring milder options like Brie, Camembert, or even a mild Cheddar can offer guests an unexpected yet delightful pairing opportunity.

Beverage Pairings

Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee make it a natural pairing with chocolate. Whether it’s a strong black coffee or a creamy latte, the roasted notes can enhance the chocolate taste of the brownies.
Milk: Sometimes, sticking with the classics is best. A cold glass of milk alongside a chewy chocolate brownie is a timeless combination that appeals to guests of all ages.
Port Wine: For an adult gathering, offering a selection of Port wines can elevate your dessert course. The sweet, rich profile of Port complements the depth of the chocolate, making for a sophisticated pairing.
Craft Beer: For a more casual or unexpected pairing, select a range of craft beers, particularly stouts or porters with chocolate or coffee notes. The complexity of these beers can match well with the brownies, offering a unique tasting experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Little Debbie Football Brownies are a packaged snack, so if you want to make a homemade version or simply run out of some ingredients when making your own brownie recipe, here are some common substitutes for typical brownie ingredients:

Flour: If you’ve run out of all-purpose flour, you can use an equal amount of pastry flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re catering to dietary restrictions. In a pinch, cake flour can also work, although it might change the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: If you need a substitute for unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened baking chocolate, chocolate chips, or carob powder.
Sugar: Brown sugar can replace white granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio to add a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also be used — you’ll want to use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of sugar and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly.
Eggs: There are several alternatives for eggs in brownie recipes, such as applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), mashed bananas (1/4 cup per egg), or a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened). Each of these will change the texture somewhat, often making the brownies denser and moister.
Butter: Butter can be substituted with equal amounts of coconut oil or a 1:1 butter replacement like margarine. Some people substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or pureed avocado for a healthier version.
Liquid Ingredients (Milk/Water): If your brownie recipe calls for milk and you don’t have any, you can use water, almond milk, soy milk, or even coffee to add depth to the chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Extract: If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can use an equal amount of maple syrup or almond extract for a different underlying note. Or, you can simply omit it; while you’ll lose some depth of flavor, the chocolate is still the dominant flavor in brownies.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Little Debbie Football Brownies is a delightful way to bring some homemade love to game day or any sports-themed party. This easy recipe and decoration guide will help you create a dessert that will win over any crowd.

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