Hockey Sticks and Pucks Cookies: A Winning Treat!
The roar of the crowd, the crisp scent of the ice, the smack of the puck against the boards—hockey has always been a huge part of my family. When my little nephew, Max, turned six, all he wanted was a hockey-themed birthday party. So, naturally, I volunteered to create a special treat. These hockey stick and puck cookies were a total hit, and are now a beloved tradition we bring out every hockey season. The perfect combination of simple, sweet, and undeniably fun, they’re sure to score big with any hockey fan!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, I recommend Granny’s Sugar Cookies
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 24 Junior Mints
- 1 cup icing, I recommend Sugar Cookie Icing
Equipment Needed
- Cookie sheets
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Piping bag or Ziploc bag
- Freezer
Instructions
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Lightly grease your cookie sheets. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. You can use cooking spray or a light coating of butter or shortening.
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Let the sugar cookie dough stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from cracking when you shape it.
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In a large bowl, combine the dough and flour. Knead until well blended. The flour helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and gives them a slightly firmer texture. Don’t over-knead. You want the flour to be fully incorporated without toughening the dough.
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Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. This will ensure that all of your cookies are roughly the same size and bake evenly.
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Shape each piece into a 6-inch-long rope. You can roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to achieve this shape.
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Place the ropes on the prepared cookie sheets. Bend the ropes about 1-3/4 inches from the ends to form hockey stick shapes. This step is crucial to get that iconic hockey stick form. Try to make them uniform for the best visual appeal.
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Freeze the shaped cookies for about 10 minutes. This helps the cookies to hold their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too thin. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, resulting in a less greasy and more structured cookie.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure that the oven is fully preheated before baking the cookies.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
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While the cookies are still hot, place one Junior Mint on the bottom part of each cookie to act as the “puck”. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, helping the mint to adhere.
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Cool completely on cookie sheets. Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet prevents them from breaking or sticking.
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Decorate with icing as desired. You can use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to create fine lines and intricate designs. Get creative with your decorations!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Even Baking: For consistent results, rotate the cookie sheets halfway through the baking time.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
- Icing Perfection: For a smoother icing, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before using. To achieve a more vibrant colour, use gel food colouring instead of liquid.
- Mint Placement: Gently press the Junior Mint onto the warm cookie to ensure it adheres properly.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked cookies for up to a month. Simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These hockey stick and puck cookies are best served at room temperature. They make a perfect addition to any hockey-themed party, bake sale, or just a fun snack for hockey enthusiasts.
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. If the icing gets a little soft after thawing, you can pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up again.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 102 kcal | 5% |
| Total Fat | 4.4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 6.2mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 89.8mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.5g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2g | 0% |
| Sugars | 4.6g | 18% |
| Protein | 1.2g | 2% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie dough and a gluten-free flour blend for kneading.
- Dairy-Free: Look for dairy-free sugar cookie dough and use a dairy-free icing.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate Sticks: Use chocolate sugar cookie dough for a richer flavor.
- Different Pucks: Substitute the Junior Mints with other round candies, like chocolate-covered caramels or even small cookies.
- Team Colors: Use different colors of icing to match your favorite hockey team!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough will work just as well, if not better. Just make sure it’s a sturdy dough that holds its shape well during baking.
Q: Why do I need to freeze the cookies before baking?
A: Freezing helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too thin. This is especially important for detailed shapes like hockey sticks.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Decorate them closer to the serving time to keep the icing fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have Junior Mints?
A: You can use any round candy that’s about the same size as a Junior Mint, like chocolate-covered caramels or small cookies.
Q: How can I prevent the icing from running?
A: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before icing them. You can also chill the iced cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes to help the icing set.
Final Thoughts
These Hockey Sticks and Pucks Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a fun and creative way to celebrate the spirit of the game. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they are sure to be a hit with hockey fans of all ages. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to score big with this winning recipe! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different icing colors and decorations to make them your own. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) these fun cookies as much as I do. And be sure to share your creations with me – I’d love to see your unique takes on this classic hockey treat!