Name: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients: 12 oz. Wilton orange candy melts; 1/4 C. Wilton black candy melts; 1 package of chocolate sandwich cookies; 1 small sandwich bag; Scissors

March Madness Recipe: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies are the ultimate game-day treat that will have everyone cheering for more! As the excitement of the tournament builds, what better way to fuel your fandom than with a batch of these incredibly simple yet undeniably delicious cookies? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful embodiment of the thrill of the game, perfect for parties, watch gatherings, or just a fun afternoon snack. What makes them so beloved? It’s their perfect balance of sweet, buttery goodness and that satisfying crunch, all wrapped up in a visually appealing basketball design that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’re talking about a recipe so straightforward, even a novice baker can achieve slam-dunk status in the kitchen. Get ready to dribble, shoot, and score big with these irresistible March Madness Recipe: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies – they’re sure to be the MVP of your dessert table!

Ingredients:

12 oz. Wilton orange candy melts
¼ C. Wilton black candy melts
1 package of chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo)
1 small sandwich bag (for piping)
Scissors (for snipping the sandwich bag)

Preparing Your Cookie Canvas

Step 1: Melt the Orange Coating

Begin extract by preparing your orange candy melts, which will form the vibrant base of your basketball cookies. You’ll want to melt these gently to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. The easiest and safest way to do this is using a microwave. Place the 12 oz. of Wilton orange candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval. Continue this process until the candy melts are completely smooth and there are no visible lumps. Be patient; overheating candy melts can cause them to seize or become grainy, so low and slow is the key. If you prefer, you can also melt them using a double boiler method on the stovetop, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of your melting bowl. Once melted, set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Basketball Cookies

Now, let’s get your chocolate sandwich cookies ready to become basketballs. Carefully separate each chocolate sandwich cookie. You want to keep the creamy filling attached to one of the cookie halves. This filling will act as an adhesive for your dipped cookie, helping it to stand upright later if you choose. Gently place one cookie half (with the cream intact) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll be dipping the flat side of the cookie half into the melted orange coating. Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper or wax paper, as this will prevent the dipped cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup. Have your separated cookies ready and within easy reach of your melted orange coating.

Dipping and Designing Your Slam Dunk Cookies

Step 3: Dip the Cookies in Orange Coating

This is where your cookies start to transform into miniature basketballs! Take a separated cookie half (cream side up) and carefully dip the flat side into the melted orange candy melts. Use a fork or a dipping tool to help coat the cookie evenly. Ensure the entire surface of the cookie half is covered in the vibrant orange coating. Gently lift the cookie out of the melted candy and allow any excess to drip back into the bowl. You can lightly tap the fork on the side of the bowl to encourage drips. Place the coated cookie half back onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process for all of your cookie halves, ensuring each one has a smooth, even layer of orange. If your candy melts start to thicken, you can gently re-warm them in the microwave for short bursts, just as you did in Step 1.

Step 4: Create the Basketball Lines

Once all your cookies are dipped in orange and the coating has started to set (they should be mostly firm but not completely hardened), it’s time to add the signature basketball details. Take your ¼ C. of Wilton black candy melts and place them into the small sandwich bag. Seal the bag tightly. You can microwave the bag on 50% power for 15-second intervals, gently squishing the bag between intervals, until the black candy melts are smooth and pourable. Be very careful not to overheat these small amounts, as they can seize quickly. Once melted, snip a very tiny corner off the sandwich bag with your scissors. This will create a fine tip for piping thin lines. Carefully and artfully pipe the classic basketball lines onto each orange-coated cookie. You’ll want to create two curved lines that meet at the top and bottom, and a smaller curved line in the middle, mimicking a basketball’s seams. This step requires a steady hand, but don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform – handmade cookies have charm!

Finishing Touches and Setting

Step 5: Allow the Cookies to Set Completely

After you’ve meticulously piped the black lines onto your basketball cookies, the most important part is patience. You need to let the black candy melts harden completely. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes at room temperature, but it can be sped up slightly by placing the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid placing them in the freezer, as this can cause condensation and affect the candy coating. Once the black lines are fully set and no longer feel soft or sticky to the touch, your March Madness Recipe: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies are ready to be admired and devoured! Ensure they are completely hardened before attempting to move them from the parchment paper to prevent gin extract smudging or damage to your hard work.

Conclusion:

You’ve made it to the end, and hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to whip up some March Madness Recipe: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies for your next game day gathering! These cookies are not only adorable with their basketball theme but are incredibly simple to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Their delicious buttery flavor and fun decoration are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, adding a festive touch to any March Madness celebration.

For serving suggestions, these cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot beverage. They’re also a perfect addition to any dessert table alongside other game-day treats.

When it comes to variations, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can experiment with different colored icings to represent your favorite team’s colors, or even add edible glitter for extra sparkle. For a chocolatey twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the cookie dough itself.

So go ahead, preheat your ovens, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful March Madness Recipe: Easy Slam Dunk Basketball Cookies. They’re a guaranteed win!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The baked and fully cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This makes them a great make-ahead option for parties.

What kind of orange icing works best for the basketball effect?

For the best basketball look, a simple royal icing or a buttercream frosting tinted with orange food coloring works wonderfully. Royal icing provides a smoother, more professional finish, while buttercream offers a creamier texture.