Root Beer Float Cookies

Sometimes nothing beats a good root beer float. Or at least that's what I thought until I tried these Root Beer Float Cookies.  While at first I was not quite sure what to expect, that first bite tasted so familiar.  Then it hit me - these cookies taste like a root beer float!

The dough is very simple to make and takes around 10 minutes. To make it easier to work with, I recommend refrigerating the dough for a couple hours (if you can wait overnight, even better).

There are flecks of root beer barrel candies studded throughout each cookie, adding some texture, color and root beer flavor. They are topped with a simple root beer drizzle and additional crushed candies, if desired.  The best part...each cookie comes in around 70 calories! 


Root Beer Float Cookies
Yields approximately 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup crushed root beer flavored hard candies (approx 8)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon allspice

1 cup powdered sugar
3 to 5 teaspoons root beer (or milk)
additional crushed root beer flavored hard candies (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt cinnamon and allspice.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla, beating until combined.
3. Using a wooden spoon, mix the flour mixture with the butter mixture until just combined.  Stir in crushed candies.  For best results, refrigerate dough for 1 hour to overnight.  
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
5. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart. 
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden brown.  Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet and then move cookies to wire rack to cool completely (at least 20 minutes). 
7. Root Beer Glaze:  Stir powdered sugar and root beer, adding the root beer by the teaspoonful, until desired consistency is achieved. 
8. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candies, as desired.

Nutrition Info
Calories: 72
Carbs: 13g
Fat:  2g
Protein: >1g

Adapted from Eat Better America