Preparation Steps

• Cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 1 minute. Add egg, vanilla, milk, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined. Slowly add flour and mix until dough just comes together, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and optional nuts.
• Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Press dough evenly into the pan.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the cookie dough for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool completely before continuing.
• To shape the football, make two cuts in the cookie cake about 1 inch apart on each side of the center, removing the 1-inch center piece.
• Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips with vegetable oil or shortening in the microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring between each until smooth.
• Spread some melted chocolate inside the cut halves of the cookie, press them together to seal, and let chocolate harden to hold the football shape.
• Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top and spread evenly. Chill to set the chocolate, then pipe on the laces with white frosting or melted white chocolate.