Penguin Cookies

These delightful Penguin Cookies are not only adorable but also make for a fun baking activity with friends and family. The soft and chewy texture combined with homemade buttercream frosting creates a treat that is perfect for various occasions, from holiday celebrations to birthday parties. With their unique penguin design, these cookies will impress guests of all ages while bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Design: These cookies are shaped like cute penguins, making them a hit for kids and adults alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cocoa and cream cheese provides a rich taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treats: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just as a fun dessert at home—these cookies fit any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these charming treats without stress.
• Customizable Decoration: Use different candies and sprinkles to personalize each cookie according to your theme or preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Penguin Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Gathering your supplies ahead of time will help the baking process go smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• 3-inch circle cookie cutter
• Piping bags

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy buttercream frosting, ensuring your cookies are perfectly decorated.
• Cookie sheets: Using good-quality sheets helps ensure even baking, preventing cookies from burning or undercooking.
• Piping bags: Ideal for applying precise amounts of frosting and decorations, making it easier to create the penguin design.

Ingredients

These adorable penguin cookies bake up soft and chewy and are decorated with the most delicious homemade buttercream frosting.

For the Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
• 1/2 cup or 4 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temp (113g)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (310g)
• 2/3 cup dark or black cocoa powder (65g)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (8g)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (2g)

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or 1 lb. box)
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (60g)

For Decoration

• 1/3 cup dark or black cocoa powder – to be added later (33g)
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream – to be added later (30g)
• 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
• 48 orange sweetheart or conversation heart candies – cut in half
• Round, flat, black sprinkles – I color the white sprinkles black with an edible marker
• Round, flat, pink sprinkles

How to Make Penguin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies

1. Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll into balls.
2. Flatten each ball slightly before placing on prepared cookie sheets about two inches apart.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 13 minutes or until set but still soft in the center.
4. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 4: Make Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing at low speed until incorporated.
3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream; beat on high speed until fluffy.

Step 5: Decorate Your Penguin Cookies

1. Divide frosting into two bowls; mix one with dark cocoa powder for the penguin’s body color.
2. Use piping bags to apply frosting onto cooled cookies—black for bodies and white for bellies.
3. Decorate using sanding sugar for texture; place orange candies for feet and eyes using black sprinkles.

Enjoy your delightful Penguin Cookies! They are sure to be a favorite treat at any gathering!

How to Serve Penguin Cookies

These delightful penguin cookies can be enjoyed in various creative ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family night, serving them can be both fun and stylish.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange the penguin cookies on a decorative platter with other holiday-themed treats. This colorful display will catch everyone’s attention and enhance your dessert table.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Pair your penguin cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor complements the cookies and creates a cozy winter experience.

Kid-Friendly Treats

• Serve these cookies at children’s parties or playdates. Their cute design makes them irresistible to kids, providing a sweet treat that they will love.

Lunchbox Surprise

• Include penguin cookies in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. They bring joy to school lunches and make for an exciting mid-day snack.

Winter Celebrations

• Feature them as part of your winter celebration spread. They make excellent additions to holiday parties, bringing cheer and whimsy to any gathering.

How to Perfect Penguin Cookies

Achieving the perfect penguin cookies requires some tips and tricks to elevate their taste and appearance.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing, leading to a smoother dough.

• Chill the Dough: After preparing the cookie dough, chilling it for at least an hour prevents excessive spreading during baking.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. This ensures the right texture remains soft and chewy.

• Bake in Batches: Bake on multiple sheets if you have a large batch. This helps maintain even baking temperatures across all cookies.

• Decorate After Cooling: Always let your cookies cool completely before frosting them. This helps maintain the shape and prevents melting of the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Penguin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your penguin cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances sweetness while adding a vibrant color contrast that complements the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses provides savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies, making for an enjoyable snack pairing.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate offers a fun dipping option for cookie lovers looking to indulge even more while enhancing flavor combinations.

4. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts adds crunch and protein, rounding out your dessert table while providing guests with a satisfying snack alternative.

5. Mini Cupcakes: Offering mini cupcakes in various flavors creates an appealing variety alongside your penguin cookies, perfect for sharing among friends.

6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in small cups for a healthy yet sweet addition that contrasts nicely with the rich cookie flavors.

7. Ice Cream Sundaes: Create ice cream sundaes topped with sprinkles or chocolate syrup as an indulgent treat that pairs well with your decorated penguins.

8. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks that complement both drinks and cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making penguin cookies can be a delightful experience, but several common mistakes can hinder your success. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough before baking can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that is too hot can burn the cookies. Always preheat and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Neglecting to use parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store penguin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Penguin Cookies

• Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Penguin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but watch closely so they don’t become tough.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making penguin cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How do I make my Penguin Cookies look more appealing?

To enhance the look of your penguin cookies, consider using colorful sprinkles or decorative candies. A drizzle of melted chocolate adds flair as well.

Can I customize my Penguin Cookies?

Absolutely! You can change the colors of the frosting or use different candy toppings to match any occasion or theme.

What is the best way to store Penguin Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use other flavors instead of chocolate?

Yes! You can substitute dark cocoa with vanilla extract or other flavorings in both the cookie and frosting recipes.

What are some fun variations of Penguin Cookies?

Try adding flavored extracts like almond or citrus zest into your dough or frosting for unique flavors!

Final Thoughts

Penguin cookies are not only adorable but also versatile and customizable. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a fun treat at home. Feel free to experiment with colors and flavors—your creative twists will make these cookies even more special!