Penguin Cookies

These delightful Penguin Cookies are perfect for any occasion, bringing charm and sweetness to your dessert table. With their soft, chewy texture and adorable decorations, they make a fantastic treat for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a fun party, these cookies will surely be the star of the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Appearance – Shaped like penguins, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit at parties.
• Delicious Flavor – The combination of rich cocoa and creamy frosting creates a flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasions – Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any festive event, these cookies suit all celebrations.
• Easy to Decorate – Simple decorating techniques allow even novice bakers to create stunning results.
• Fun Activity – Baking and decorating these cookies can be a fun bonding activity for families and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for the perfect texture.
• Cookie sheets – Ensure even baking while providing enough space for multiple cookies.
• Piping bags – Make frosting easy and precise for decorating your penguin cookies beautifully.

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Ingredients

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

For the Cookies:

• 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 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: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, dark cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a 3-inch circle cookie cutter:
1. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface.
2. Cut out circles and place them on prepared cookie sheets about two inches apart.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 13 minutes or until edges are set. Allow cooling completely on wire racks before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In another large bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and salt while mixing well.
3. Pour in heavy cream to reach desired consistency — light and fluffy.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cookies are cool:
1. Use piping bags filled with frosting to decorate each cookie as a penguin.
2. Add coarse sanding sugar for sparkle.
3. Place halved candies for eyes and use sprinkles for added detail.

Enjoy your charming Penguin Cookies, perfect for impressing guests or sharing with friends!

How to Serve Penguin Cookies

Serving Penguin Cookies can be a delightful experience, perfect for gatherings or festive occasions. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look adorable on any dessert table. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your presentation stand out.

Fun Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter for a vibrant display. Add some fresh fruits or whipped cream for extra flair.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

• Serve with warm mugs of hot chocolate. The rich cocoa flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Kids’ Party Treats

• These cookies are a hit at children’s parties! Set them up in fun, themed packaging that kids will love to explore.

Holiday Gift Bags

• Package Penguin Cookies in cute gift bags with ribbons as homemade gifts. They make charming presents for friends and family during the holidays.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with extra frosting and sprinkles. Let guests customize their own cookies for added fun!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two Penguin Cookies. This creates a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Penguin Cookies

To ensure your Penguin Cookies turn out amazing every time, follow these helpful tips for baking perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help it hold its shape better while baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out.

• Add Texture: Experiment with different types of sprinkles or toppings to give your cookies unique textures and flavors that enhance their appeal.

• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Penguin Cookies

Penguin Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavor and presentation. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds a healthy touch and balances the sweetness of the cookies with natural sugars and acidity.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies, making for an interesting combination.

3. Milk or Dairy Alternatives
   Serve chilled milk or plant-based milk options alongside the cookies for a classic pairing that enhances their flavor profile.

4. Yogurt Parfaits
   Layered yogurt with granola and fruits create a delicious parfait that pairs well with dessert treats like penguin cookies.

5. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate to add variety without overwhelming sweetness.

6. Coffee or Tea Service
   Providing coffee or tea can elevate your dessert experience, offering guests something warm to sip while enjoying their cookies.

7. Nut Mixes
   A small bowl of nut mixes adds crunchiness that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of penguin cookies while also providing some healthy fats.

8. Popcorn Bar
   Set up a popcorn bar with various seasonings and toppings as an interactive side dish that brings fun into your dessert spread!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Penguin Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing Dough: Mixing the dough too much can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft and chewy result.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookie consistency. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a tray can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Penguin Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Penguin Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating Penguin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for about 2 minutes per side, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I decorate my Penguin Cookies?

You can use homemade buttercream frosting and sprinkles to create adorable penguin designs. Be creative with colors!

Can I use different flavors of frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavorings in your buttercream frosting, such as lemon or almond extract.

What if I don’t have dark cocoa powder?

You can substitute with regular cocoa powder, but your cookies will have a lighter color and milder chocolate flavor.

How can I customize my Penguin Cookies?

Add colorful sprinkles or candies to match any occasion or theme! You could even try different shapes.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Yes! These Penguin Cookies are fun and safe for kids to enjoy, and they make great activities when decorating together.

Final Thoughts

These Penguin Cookies are not only cute but also versatile, perfect for parties or holiday celebrations. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors according to your taste preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy making these fun treats!