Sugar Cookie French Fries

At first glance, they look like a basket of crispy golden fries straight from a diner. But take a bite and you’ll discover they’re actually buttery sugar cookies, lightly sweet with a tender crunch — dipped in fruity jam or icing that looks just like ketchup. Welcome to the fun and whimsical world of Sugar Cookie French Fries!

This novelty dessert is an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, school bake sale, April Fool’s Day trick, or just want a playful twist on classic sugar cookies, these faux fries are surprisingly easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

And don’t worry — the “dipping sauce” is nothing more than warmed strawberry jam or bright red royal icing, completing the fast-food illusion with sweet satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Fries (Makes ~30–40 cookie fries):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: a few drops yellow food coloring (to mimic fry color)

For the “Dipping Sauce”:

Option 1:

• ¼ cup strawberry jam or raspberry preserves, warmed and strained for smoothness

Option 2:

• ¼ cup red royal icing or store-bought red frosting

Preparation

1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated.
4. If using, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the wet mixture to mimic golden French fries.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30–60 minutes.

❄️ Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to cut.

2: Roll and Cut the Fries

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into thin rectangular strips (about ¼–½ inch wide and 3–4 inches long), mimicking the size of French fries.
4. Arrange strips on baking trays, spacing slightly apart.

3: Bake the Cookie Fries

1. Bake for 9–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
2. Remove and let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔥 For extra realism, bake a few minutes longer to achieve a golden “crisped” edge.

4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Option A: Jam

• Warm strawberry or raspberry jam in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds.
• Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired.

Option B: Red Icing

• Use red royal icing or store-bought frosting warmed slightly for dipping consistency.

5: Serve Your Sweet Fries!

• Arrange cooled cookie fries in paper fry boxes, cupcake liners, or a shallow bowl.
• Serve with a small ramekin or dipping cup of your jam or frosting.
• For extra flair, dust lightly with granulated sugar or sanding sugar to mimic salt.

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle Fries:

• After baking, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or milk chocolate for a candy-like version.

Rainbow Fries:

• Tint the dough with different food colors before slicing for colorful “funfetti” fries.

Cinnamon Sugar Fries:

• Toss warm cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately after baking for a churro-like effect.

Strawberry Shortcake Fries:

• Serve fries layered with whipped cream and macerated strawberries.

Tips

• Keep dough chilled when cutting for the cleanest “fry” shape.
• Use a crinkle cutter to make waffle fries or ridged fries!
• Want crunchier cookies? Roll thinner and bake slightly longer.
• Add a tiny sprinkle of sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage

• Store cooled cookie fries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Store jam or frosting in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in mini takeout containers, paper cones, or fast food fry baskets for full effect.
• Pair with milkshake shooters, cupcakes, or other mini treats for a playful dessert platter.
• Use paper ketchup packets filled with frosting or jam for a quirky twist!

Fun Fact

Did you know that cookie fries were inspired by the trend of “illusion food”? This fun culinary trend makes savory foods look sweet and vice versa — like cupcakes that look like burgers, or cakes shaped like pizza!

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes (plus chilling)

Bake Time:

• 10–12 minutes

Total Time:

• ~45 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per 5 Cookie Fries + 1 Tbsp jam – approx.)

• Calories: 190
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 24g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g

Values may vary based on jam or frosting used.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! Chill for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q: Do I need to use food coloring?

A: Not at all. The cookies will still look authentic when baked, especially with a golden edge.

Q: Can I freeze the finished cookies?

A: Yes, freeze in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?

A: Absolutely! For a shortcut, use ready-made dough and follow the cutting and baking steps.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a party, looking for a quirky bake sale idea, or simply want to surprise your friends and family, Sugar Cookie French Fries are the ultimate playful dessert. With a buttery bite, creative presentation, and a ketchup-style dipping sauce that’s actually sweet, this recipe is as much fun to make as it is to eat.

So roll up your sleeves, get creative with your cookie cutter, and enjoy the sweet side of fast food — no fryer required!

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