Let’s be real—game day snacks are half the reason we show up for football season (the other half being the commercials, right?). And if you’re hosting or heading to a tailgate, you want something that’s easy to share, a breeze to make, and guaranteed to score points with everyone. Enter: football brownies.
These adorable, fudgy brownies are rich, chocolatey treats dressed up to look like mini footballs. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the snacks, this recipe brings the win. Plus, they’re so cute, even your pickiest eaters will tackle a second helping.
Why You’ll Love These Football Brownies
- They start with a simple box mix, but no one will know thanks to some secret upgrades.
- The hot coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee—just trust me.
- The ganache glaze? Total game changer.
- Fun to decorate and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- ½ cup oil (120 ml)
- ⅓ cup hot coffee (80 ml)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips (170 g)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (80 ml)
- ⅓ cup white chocolate chips (60 g)
How to Make Football Brownies
- Prep & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. For thicker brownies, use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan.
- Mix it Up: In a large bowl, whisk together brownie mix, oil, hot coffee, and egg until smooth. Pour into your pan.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. Let them cool completely.
- Cut into Footballs: Use a football-shaped cookie cutter. For clean edges, freeze the brownies for 10–15 minutes first.
- Ganache Time: Put the chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. Pour over chips, cover, wait a few minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Dip & Chill: Dip the top of each brownie into the ganache. Let set in the fridge.
- Decorate: Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring between. Pipe on football laces. Chill again until set.
Tips for the Best Fudgy Brownies Ever
- Use hot coffee, not water – it makes the chocolate flavor richer without adding coffee taste.
- Freeze before cutting – sticky brownies are way easier to shape when they’re cold.
- No football cutter? Use a knife to shape ovals freehand. Imperfection = homemade charm.
- Don’t skip the ganache – it adds that professional finish and a soft, silky bite.
- Let the kids help with the white chocolate piping. Lopsided laces? Just call it “rustic.”
A Little Story From My Kitchen to Yours
The first time I made these football brownies was during a Super Bowl party where I totally forgot to prep dessert. I threw these together during halftime, and you’d think I brought a 7-layer cake from a bakery with how everyone reacted. The ganache was a happy accident—I had leftover cream, and the result was a total upgrade. Now, they’re a game day staple at our house. Even my daughter, who couldn’t care less about football, gets excited to help pipe on the “laces.”
What to Serve with Football Brownies
These brownies are rich and indulgent, so pairing them with lighter, salty snacks creates a perfect balance. Think:
- A big bowl of popcorn
- Classic chips and guac
- Sparkling water or cold brew iced coffee for the adults
- Milk for the kids (because what’s a brownie without milk?)
They also sit pretty on a party tray next to some football-themed sugar cookies or mini cheesecakes if you’re going for the full spread.
How to Store Your Chocolate Treats
Once decorated, place the brownies in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with wax or parchment paper.
They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Planning ahead? Freeze them undecorated for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, add ganache and laces, and serve. The ganache sets better when chilled, so refrigeration is your friend here!
FAQs About Football Brownies
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Yes, but coffee really deepens the flavor. You won’t taste it—promise!
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! Use a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Can I use homemade brownie batter?
Of course! If you have a favourite fudgy brownie recipe, go for it.
Can I skip the ganache?
You could, but why would you? It’s the literal icing on the brownie.
Final Whistle: Time to Tackle These Football Brownies
Whether you’re cheering for your team or just showing up for the snacks, these football brownies bring the flavour, the fun, and the touchdown-worthy presentation. They’re a simple twist on a classic chocolate treat that feels festive without the fuss. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a party dessert tradition. Game on, friends!
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Football Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12–16 football-shaped brownies (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Football Brownies are fudgy, rich chocolate treats made with a box mix upgrade and topped with luscious ganache. Shaped and decorated like mini footballs, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day. With a secret flavor boost from hot coffee and fun white chocolate “laces,” these brownies are festive, easy to make, and guaranteed to score big at your next football party.
Ingredients
-
1 box brownie mix
-
½ cup (120 ml) oil
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⅓ cup (80 ml) hot coffee
-
1 egg
-
1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips
-
⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
-
⅓ cup (60 g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan (or smaller for thicker brownies) with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together brownie mix, oil, hot coffee, and egg until smooth. Pour into prepared pan.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until set. Let cool completely.
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Optional: Freeze the brownies for 10–15 minutes to make cutting easier.
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Use a football-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut brownies into football shapes.
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For ganache: Heat heavy cream in microwave for 30–45 seconds, pour over chocolate chips, cover, let sit, then whisk smooth.
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Dip tops of brownies in ganache. Refrigerate to set.
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Melt white chocolate chips in short bursts and stir until smooth. Pipe football laces onto brownies. Chill again to set.
Notes
Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
Freeze brownies briefly before cutting for cleaner shapes.
Don’t skip the ganache—it adds a glossy, delicious finish.
No piping bag? Use a zip-top bag with a snipped corner.
Store decorated brownies in a single layer or separated by parchment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American