Root Beer Float Cookies Recipe

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Published: August 16, 2020Updated: August 14, 2021Author: Camille Beckstrand
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This is one of our absolute favorite cookies! The delicious taste of a root beer float in cookie form! If you love root beer and cookies, you'll be head over heels for these cookies!
Root Beer Float Cookies Recipe

To be honest, we don’t drink a lot of carbonated drinks around here . . . in fact, my kids call carbonated drinks “spicy drinks”. Ha ha! But every once in a while, I just get such a strong craving for Root Beer.

I came across these cookies and knew that I had to try them. They are super soft and moist and the frosting on top is what makes the cookie! It doesn’t use actual soda pop, but instead uses just a little bit of Root Beer extract (or concentrate) and it adds the perfect amount of root beer flavor.

If you love Root Beer, you will love these cookies!

TAKE A LOOK AT THE COMPLETE LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND KITCHEN ITEMS YOU’LL NEED FOR These root beer float cookies:

Root Beer Float Cookie Ingredients:

  1. Butter
  2. Brown Sugar
  3. Eggs
  4. Buttermilk
  5. Root Beer Extract
  6. Flour
  7. Baking Soda
  8. Salt
  9. Powdered Sugar
  10. Milk

You’ll also need these baking items for Root Beer Float Cookies:

  • Mixing bowl set (THIS set has grip and handles)
  • Hand Mixer
  • Baking Sheets (THIS set comes with 3)

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Serves: 36

Root Beer Float Cookies Recipe

This is one of our absolute favorite cookies! The delicious taste of a root beer float in cookie form! If you love root beer and cookies, you'll be head over heels for these cookies!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Print

Ingredients

Cookies:

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon root beer extract
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup butter softened
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon root beer extract

Instructions

Cookies:

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in buttermilk and root beer extract.
  • Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture.
  • Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Remove to wire racks to cool.

Frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all frosting ingredients.
  • Beat until smooth and frost cooled cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 237 kcal · Carbohydrates: 36 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 10 g · Saturated Fat: 6 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 34 mg · Sodium: 189 mg · Potassium: 48 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 25 g · Vitamin A: 302 IU · Calcium: 26 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Adapted from Silver Boxes

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  1. Cupcake Crazy Gem says:
    April 30, 2012
    Oh man, root beer is pretty much my favourite thing ever! It's the number one reason I want to move to America, no jokes! We don't get it here in England which is just awful! However I do have a little bottle of root beer extract in my baking cupboard, that my sisters kindly brought me back from a trip to California, and it's screaming out for me now to use it in these cookies!! and since I'm procrastinating my dissertation I might just have too! thanks for sharing!!
    Reply
    • PineappleGirl says:
      August 9, 2012
      No root beer in England??? That is pretty much the saddest thing I have ever heard!
      Reply
    • Candis says:
      April 22, 2015
      Sasparilla is there is it not, I am the 1st Gen born in North America the rest of our clan is for England. Gram used to make us ginger beet and Sasparilla , I found it quite similar. Nothing is the same as a good Barks root beer though.
      Reply
  2. Jocelyn says:
    April 30, 2012
    These sound really good!!!! My kids just love root beer so I will have to try these...for them:-) I love the new blog design...super cute!!!
    Reply
    • Cindy F Lee says:
      August 19, 2020
      Where can I find the nutritional information? Diabetics in the family.
      Reply
      • Cyd Adamson says:
        August 27, 2020
        Here is the link with the nutritional info on the Root Beer Float Cookies. https://www.myrecipemagic.com/root-beer-float-cookies-2500598547.html
        Reply
  3. Jackie says:
    April 30, 2012
    What is icing sugar? Is it the same as powdered sugar?
    Reply
    • It's A Wonderful Life says:
      May 1, 2012
      Yes, icing sugar is powdered sugar.
      Reply
  4. Kathryn says:
    April 30, 2012
    Is icing sugar the same as powdered sugar? I'm a baking dummy :)
    Reply
  5. amanda.l.ellis says:
    April 30, 2012
    These sound so amazing!!I can't wait to make them. My family just loves root beer floats so I know will be a hit :) Thank you for such a fun recipe!
    Reply
  6. Aimee says:
    April 30, 2012
    I just made root beer float cookies this weekend, up on the blog later this week or next! So so delish! Love your version with frosting!!!
    Reply
  7. Denise says:
    April 30, 2012
    Looks yummy, will try. You girls all look so much alike
    Reply
  8. BeckyA59 says:
    April 30, 2012
    Thanks for the recipe. I don't drink soda any more, but woke from a dream the other night CRAVING a root beer float! After a trip to the store I am making these for sure!
    Reply
  9. Heather Painchaud says:
    April 30, 2012
    Whao!! Shut the front door these look awesome!! Thanks for sharing ~ pinned!!!
    xo
    heather
    Reply
  10. Becky says:
    April 30, 2012
    This looked like something that I needed to pin, so I actually had to look up your web address from your picture. The only pictures on Pinterest, that I found, linked to the picture but not to your website. This looks like an amazing recipe for a summer party!
    Reply
  11. Ashley's Cooking Adventures says:
    April 30, 2012
    Root beer has been one of my biggest pregnancy cravings and these cookies are making me CRAZY! They look delicious!!
    Reply
  12. jenessa jenkins says:
    May 1, 2012
    Does anyone know where you can find root beer extract?
    Reply
    • It's A Wonderful Life says:
      May 1, 2012
      You can find it in the baking aisle next to the vanilla flavoring.
      Reply
    • Unknown says:
      June 21, 2012
      Not all supermarkets carry it, I found out the hard way! Wal-Mart has it though, with their vanilla extract, almond extract, etc.
      Reply
    • Kelly Miller says:
      June 27, 2012
      I found it at hobby lobby
      Reply
    • Deb says:
      October 14, 2013
      Walmart
      Reply
    • Sherrill says:
      February 13, 2015
      My husband and I like to cook and bake. We use a lot of different extracts for a new twist to our dishes. We sell Watkins, Yes the products our grandma's use to use. I would love to share a long list of different extracts and seasonings with you.
      Reply
  13. Jennie says:
    May 1, 2012
    I baked these today, and they taste pretty good, but I did not get the same root beer color that you did. Can you tell me what brand of extract or concentrate you used? I would like to get the same color, my icing didn't take on any sort of color at all. Not very root-beer-floatish or as pretty as yours!
    Reply
    • Jen says:
      May 5, 2012
      I added a bit of vanilla extract on top everything else to the icing. Changed the colour a bit. I also learned there isn't such a thing as too much root beer concentrate (I used Watkins)
      Reply
  14. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says:
    May 1, 2012
    Yum! I have been dying to bake with root beer forever. These cookies look delicious!
    Reply
  15. Try It With Carmella says:
    May 1, 2012
    this idea is so cool! i'm pinning it right now so i can remember to try it. i loveee root beer.
    Reply
  16. Unknown says:
    May 3, 2012
    Love root beer floats! So excited to try these. Is there anything I can use to substitute buttermilk as I never buy it to drink?
    Reply
    • luv2quilt says:
      May 5, 2012
      There is a buttermilk powder usually on the baking aisle. Just add a little water & you're ready to go. I've never had any trouble using it instead of actual buttermilk. :-)
      Reply
    • Kelly Miller says:
      June 27, 2012
      I'm lactose intolerant, I just used soy milk...and they turned out fabulous! I bet you could just use regular milk!
      Reply
    • Jason & Kelli West says:
      July 4, 2012
      for every cup of milk add either a Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice...that works for a substitute!
      Reply
  17. Hanunyah says:
    May 5, 2012
    Cute blog! I have 7 sisters, and we have 4 brothers. A big family is so fun!
    Reply
  18. Jen says:
    May 5, 2012
    Wow, just made these for a dinner party, they are AMAZING! Like someone else said above I didn't get the brown colour that you did, however I did add some vanilla to the icing for fun. They were a hit! Thanks!
    Reply
  19. The 'Rents says:
    May 6, 2012
    I never buy buttermilk anymore. Just add a TBSP of white vinegar to a cup of milk (whatever you have in the house, we use skim). Let it sit for 5 minutes and you have buttermilk!
    Reply
    • Kevin says:
      May 21, 2016
      I've made these a good number of times. They're always a huge hit, and everybody wants the recipe. I do make a buttermilk substitute with milk and vinegar. And the icing's always white when I make it. I thought that might be the difference between the extract and the concentrate, but I've tried them with both.
      Reply
  20. Jo and Sue says:
    May 7, 2012
    These were amazing! Love the cake-y texture. My sister and I did a blog about them on our blog if you'd like to have a peek. Thanks for sharing these! http://joandsue.blogspot.ca/2012/05/rootbeer-float-cookies.html
    Reply
  21. SayNotSweetAnne says:
    May 8, 2012
    My mom and I used to LOVE rootbeer barrels! I've nver even thought about a root beer cookie! Thats such a great find! Thank you so much for sharing, I'm going to have to put this one on my to do list. =D I'd love it if you would link up to Sweet Sharing Monday: http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-4/
    Reply
  22. twelve-O-eight says:
    May 9, 2012
    I will be making a triple batch. One to share, one to stash, and one for mama! These look so delicious :) I am a new reader, creating over at http://www.twelveoeight.blogspot.com/ - Tanya :)
    Reply
  23. Kurgan Nazzir says:
    May 24, 2012
    I just came across this on Pinterest and all I can say is: oh my god, this sounds so delicious!
    Reply
  24. Dani Wierenga says:
    May 24, 2012
    Can you use actual root beer for "root beer extract or concentrate"?
    These look amazing!!
    Reply
    • Camille says:
      May 27, 2012
      I have not tried them without the root beer extract . . . I think that the actual root beer might not give them as strong of a root beer taste (because the extract is so concentrated). If you try it, let us know!
      Reply
  25. MissUnlucky says:
    June 21, 2012
    Tried the recipe and did not find it pleasing. It turned out cake-like and the icing didn't become thick. You couldn't taste the rootbeer in either of them. :(((
    Reply
    • Rachel G. says:
      August 27, 2012
      I have the exact same problem. Mine also turned out cakey (which I don't prefer) and I can't taste any rootbeer. I haven't even made it to the icing step, lol
      Reply
    • Dcher says:
      March 1, 2015
      Same here. Mine puffed up and are cakey. Will add more extract if i make again. Icing them soon!
      Reply
  26. Erin says:
    June 22, 2012
    Oh boy! Yum!!! I can't wait to make these! Thanks!
    Reply
  27. bononers says:
    June 24, 2012
    I just discovered your blog recently, and I can't believe how many similarities there are! I'm one of six incredibly crafty sisters as well! and my kids always say that pop is spicy! totally feel like I'm looking into a parallel universe right now!
    Reply
  28. Tina B says:
    June 29, 2012
    There are two things in this world my Grandma loves: root beer and cookies. I made her a batch of these for her 90th birthday and she can't stop raving about them! She absolutely loved the idea of combining the two..
    Thank you so much for posting the recipe!!
    Reply
  29. Shanna says:
    July 6, 2012
    After reading the comments, I added an extra teaspoon of root beer extract and these were a huge hit with my family!! Not sure why some of the other commenter's cookies didn't turn out brown...ours area lovely shade of root beer ;)
    Reply
  30. Felisa Leisinger says:
    July 13, 2012
    I made these cookies yesterday, used 2% milk and half wheat flour. I used a root beer extract that would be used to actually make root beer (because I'm 9months pregnant, and we do....). I don't have the box the extract came in, but the bottle says "Homebrew" "Old fashioned recipe, Root beer" and it's from our local homebrew store. I imagine it's more potent than what is available at Walmart or the grocery store. While we haven't perfected making our own root beer, these cookies are delicious. I did not make the icing because I'm freezing the cookies, but imagine it would be an amazing treat, but only for people who really like root beer. My husband tried the cookies, and said "Well, they taste like root beer" :-)
    Reply
  31. Melia says:
    August 10, 2012
    I made these tonight, because root beer is my favorite! They were so yummy! I actually got 6 dozen out of them and they were each about 3-4 inches across. Delish! And THANKS!
    Reply
  32. Jana says:
    August 11, 2012
    I make these a lot we love them... My favorite is to make them smaller and with the frosting on the bottom you can make them sandwickes!! So good. My recipe does call for rootbeer extract tho. Yum can't wait to make them soon.
    Reply
  33. Jensen: Dana and Ruth says:
    August 21, 2012
    The cookies were OK. I may have miscounted because I had to add about an extra cup of flour after my first batch ended up like cookie soup. But the frosting is AMAZING! I will be using that again :-D
    Reply
  34. Krystin Robinette says:
    September 28, 2012
    Can u get root beer extract anywhere?
    Reply
    • Six Sisters says:
      September 28, 2012
      Walmart carries it and most grocery stores. Check by the vanilla extract!
      Reply
  35. Cam M says:
    January 30, 2013
    I make these for my boyfriend all the time, he loves them very much. Just made some today. Turned out yummy as always. Thank you for sharing such a great and easier recipe.
    Reply
  36. food lover says:
    February 1, 2013
    Haha. I rarely allow my kids to drink carbonated drinks and they call it "spicy" too. It must have something to do with how seldom they get it.
    Reply
  37. Amber Weber says:
    April 12, 2013
    My kids call soda "spicy" drinks as well!! :) Can't wait to try these for my hubby!
    Reply
  38. Amber Weber says:
    April 12, 2013
    My kids call soda "spicy" drinks as well!! :) Can't wait to try these for my hubby!
    Reply
  39. Kim says:
    June 14, 2013
    Is there a substitute for root beer extract? Can you perhaps boil down root beer soda to a glaze consistency?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      June 17, 2013
      We googled it and there are some recipes out there using root beer instead of the extract. You would have to study up on how to change the ingredient amounts.
      Reply
  40. Emily says:
    July 12, 2013
    Does the icing harden so that these cookies can be stacked? If not, I think I'll make sandwich cookies out of them.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      July 17, 2013
      It sets up pretty good. But if stacked, it will mash the frosting slightly.
      Reply
  41. Joyce arvig says:
    July 24, 2013
    I made them but I didn't think there was enough root beer flavor. Next time I will add more extract.
    Reply
  42. Amy says:
    September 9, 2013
    These are a hit in my family!! I got 5 dozen out of them. My cookies were a nice light brown, but my frosting stayed pretty white - which I actually think makes them look more "float" like. Vanilla ice cream is white after all! :) I was just wondering if you store these in a cookie jar or in the fridge seeing as there is butter and milk in the frosting?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      September 11, 2013
      We eat them within the same day they are made, so never had to store them for too long. If you have some left after the first day, put them in an airtight container in the fridge.
      Reply
  43. Jerusha says:
    September 9, 2013
    We don't have root beer extract here in Guatemala :( and whenever we do get the soda I buy several cans to last me for months. Is there a way I can make the extract myself?
    Reply
  44. Roxanne says:
    September 10, 2013
    My boyfriend goes crazy for these cookies...and so do I. They are soft moist and incredibly delicious. I got the rootbeer extract out of the Wilkins catalogue in Canada. I am sure they sell online as well.
    Reply
  45. Rachel says:
    October 10, 2013
    The cookies are dry and very cake-like. The icing is way too sweet!
    Reply
  46. Sara says:
    May 6, 2014
    Tried this recipe at home. The icing was wonderful but turned out to be more of a glazed icing. The cookies are kind of flavorless though, not very sweet. Needs more sugar, root beer extract and probably some vanilla extract as well.
    Reply
  47. Jenifer says:
    June 27, 2014
    I love that your kids call soda spicy! Mine do too. Thought I was the only one. I love root beer but don't care for the bubbles. So looking forward to trying these. Probably for the 4th! Thanks!
    Reply
  48. Connie says:
    July 8, 2014
    These taste really good, but the cookie part is very cake like--- is that how they should be? I guess the ingredients sound kind of cake like!
    Reply
  49. purplegr3mlin says:
    July 19, 2014
    Aww poop. Maybe it's because I over-mixed, but mine came out like a biscuit, lol. The taste is fantastic, but... biscuit. :(
    Reply
  50. Carissa says:
    August 9, 2014
    I love these cookies! I freeze them single layer in a ziplock bag. I pull a couple out at a time and let them sit almost to room temperature before devouring them!
    Reply
  51. Christa says:
    August 16, 2015
    I loved the idea of these cookies, however the cookie was more like a dry cake. They didn't have enough root beer flavor and were dull. The icing was good after I doubled the amount of Watkin's concentrate. They were not well liked at he potluck I took them to either.
    Reply
  52. Rachelle says:
    September 23, 2016
    These didn't turn out and I followed the recipe! There puffed up and didn't go flat and they barely had any rootbeer flavour. I don't know what went wrong but won't mane again
    Reply
  53. Cheryl T. says:
    September 23, 2017
    Let me share the history of these cookies. I married my husband in 1987 and these cookies were his favorite. I tease him that the recipe was my dowry for marrying him. In the late 90's, before Pinterest, I was part of an email recipe group called World Wide Recipes. The manager sent out a call for cookie recipes and I submitted my root beer cookie recipe. My email was swamped with a ton of replies. The cookies were a huge hit. A few years later I was sorting through junk mail and I came across my recipe in an ad selling cookbooks. Now they are all over the place. My cookies are famous. The recipe originally came from a church cookbook from Hyde Park, Utah in the 70's. I love seeing that so many people are enjoying them.
    Reply
  54. Tonya says:
    October 20, 2019
    I’m just wondering if you can use root beer?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      October 23, 2019
      The root beer extract is what you will need for these Root Beer Float Cookies.
      Reply
  55. Lois says:
    December 19, 2019
    I love this cookie. It is soft which I like. I made the mistake in sifting my flour. Which is a no no. I love Root Beer so I tried this recipe. It is very good.
    Reply
  56. Sarah says:
    August 17, 2020
    Has anyone made this recipe with gluten free flour? Wondering if it would turn out or not.
    Reply
  57. Marge says:
    May 21, 2021
    I'm sorry to say these cookies tasted like .. nothing. The texture was great, soft like gingerbread, but the cookie had no flavor - not root beer, not sugar, nothing. I didn't bother with the frosting, though I still might. More likely I'll dump the remaining dough, start over and use 1.5 tsps of extract (which I confirmed was not past expiration). I still have hope, but less optimism
    Reply
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