Homemade Root Beer Float Cookies: A Nostalgic Treat with Classic Flavor!

There’s something truly magical about cookies. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re tiny packages of joy, comfort, and nostalgia. If I had to pick one type of treat as my ultimate favorite, it would undoubtedly be cookies. Their universal appeal stems from their simplicity – easy to bake, even easier to eat, and perfect for sharing with a crowd. Cookies store beautifully, always look inviting, and consistently evoke cherished memories, often of warm kitchens, loving hands, and a tall glass of cold milk waiting nearby.

The culinary possibilities with cookies are truly endless! While most cookie recipes share a foundational set of ingredients—butter (or margarine/shortening), sugar, eggs, flour, salt, and baking soda—it’s the addition of unique flavorings that truly transforms them. These seemingly small additions are what create distinct personalities for each cookie, turning a simple dough into a delightful experience, whether it’s a zesty lemon treat or a rich chocolate delight.

For generations, the secret to many of my family’s most beloved baked goods has been McCormick Extracts. From my earliest memories, my mother and grandmother relied on their consistent quality, and I’ve proudly continued this tradition in my own kitchen. It’s safe to say that this trust in McCormick products extends back through many generations of bakers in my family. Perhaps I have a slight obsession with their wide array of extracts, but for good reason!

(This is my cherished stash of McCormick flavorings, proudly displayed from my baking cabinet!)

McCormick has an impressive history, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year! As the largest producer of extracts not just in the US but globally, their commitment to quality and innovation has been unwavering. As you can clearly see from my personal collection, I’ve always been a devoted supporter of their brand, a testament to their enduring excellence.

It’s remarkable how a mere teaspoon of extract can completely transform a recipe. A plain vanilla cookie can become a vibrant orange delight, or a standard chocolate chip cookie can be elevated into a refreshing mint chocolate experience. These concentrated flavors are the secret to unlocking a world of culinary creativity.

One of McCormick’s most iconic innovations is their Root Beer Concentrate, originally developed in 1889. This incredible product sparked a nationwide sensation in the early 1900s, fueling the immense popularity of root beer floats and inspiring countless households to brew their own root beer. It’s fascinating to consider the rich history behind many of the everyday products we use. I never truly pondered the origins of brands like McCormick; I simply knew them as trusted names, passed down through the generations, synonymous with quality and consistent results.

When I was invited to help McCormick celebrate their significant anniversary, I knew I wanted to create something that honored their heritage and one of their earliest, most impactful products. I aimed for a recipe that would harken back to the very beginning, to the days when Willoughby McCormick himself was selling his innovative products door-to-door, with their Root Beer Extract being among the first to capture the public’s imagination. The answer was immediate and clear: Root Beer Float Cookies.

Recreating a Classic: The Root Beer Float in Cookie Form

These cookies offer the perfect flavor combination – a rich, root beer-flavored cookie base paired with a luscious, creamy vanilla filling, perfectly mimicking the beloved root beer float drink. Each bite transports you back to a sunny day, sipping a fizzy, sweet root beer float. It’s a delightful blend of chewy cookie and smooth, sweet cream that truly captures the essence of the classic beverage. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about recreating a sensory experience and a beloved memory.

Tips for Perfect Root Beer Float Cookies

Achieving the perfect cookie, especially one with such a distinct flavor profile, involves a few key steps. Firstly, always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a lighter, more evenly textured dough. When adding your McCormick Root Beer Concentrate, don’t be shy – it’s the star of the show! Make sure to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Overmixing flour can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.

For the vanilla cream filling, the key is to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Using both softened butter and shortening creates a wonderfully stable and creamy texture. Gradually adding the powdered sugar and then the cream or milk gives you control over the final consistency, allowing you to make it as thick or thin as you prefer. A piping bag can make filling the cookies even easier and neater, but a small spoon works just as well.

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Root Beer Float Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Root Beer Concentrate
• 3 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Buttercream Filling

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons shortening (Crisco)
• 2 Cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Vanilla Extract
• 1-2 tablespoons cream or milk

Instructions

1. Using a mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time and then McCormick Root Beer Concentrate, making sure to scrape down sides of the bowl.
2. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add flour mixture to your batter until all combined.
3. Drop by spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. (I use a 1 tablespoon Cookie Scoop)
4. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 8 minutes. Let cool on tray for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare filling. Cream together butter and shortening until smooth. Add in McCormick Vanilla extract. Slowly add in powdered sugar, then add in cream until desired spreading consistency is reached.
6. Spread filling on the bottom of one cookie, then place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.

Notes

Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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My Favorite Baking Tools for Perfect Cookies Every Time

To help you create these delightful Root Beer Float Cookies and all your other baking adventures, here are some of my go-to products that ensure consistently perfect results:

Craving More Deliciously Flavored Treats?

If you’ve enjoyed the unique flavor of these Root Beer Float Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of my other fantastic recipes that celebrate bold flavors and comforting textures:

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: The Best Cookies You’ll Ever Taste!

Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti: An Elegant Treat for Coffee Lovers.

Cream Cheese Squares: Simple, Rich, and Irresistible.

Cinnamon Pecan Butter Cookies: Aromatic and Buttery Bliss.

50 Vanilla Recipes: Explore the Versatility of Vanilla.

This post was sponsored by McCormick, but all opinions expressed are genuinely my own and reflect my long-standing appreciation for their quality products.

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