Watermelon Slice Cookies (Print Version)
Fun, fruity-shaped treats perfect for summer parties and family baking activities.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
→ Decoration
09 - Red and green gel food coloring
10 - Mini chocolate chips (for seeds)
11 - 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Beat butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until soft dough forms.
04 - Separate dough into two portions: larger portion (about 2/3) and smaller portion (about 1/3). Tint larger portion with red food coloring, kneading until evenly distributed. Tint smaller portion with green food coloring.
05 - Roll red dough into a 10-inch long, 2-inch diameter log. Roll green dough into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the log. Carefully wrap green dough around red log, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Wrap combined dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Cut each round in half to form watermelon slices.
09 - Place slices on prepared baking sheets. Press mini chocolate chips into red portion of each slice to mimic watermelon seeds.
10 - Bake for 8–10 minutes until set but not browned. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slice and reveal moment when you cut these cookies feels like magic every single time
- Kids go absolutely wild for how real they look and the surprise chocolate chip seeds
- They transport you straight to summer picnics no matter what month it is
02 -
- Rushing the chilling time is the number one mistake people make with these cookies
- Work quickly with the colored dough because the warmth from your hands can make it soft and sticky
- A sharp knife dipped in warm water creates the cleanest slices through the log
03 -
- Adding lime zest to the green dough creates an authentic watermelon rind flavor that surprises everyone
- Chill your baking sheets for 10 minutes before adding the cookies to help them hold their shape