When it comes to creating delightful treats that can charm both kids and adults, Penguin Oreos stand out with their whimsical design and delectable flavors. These adorable little critters are not only tasty but also incredibly fun to make. Imagine the sweet aroma of melted chocolate filling your kitchen, paired with the visual delight of cookie penguins coming to life. They greet you with their chocolate-covered bodies and cute candy details, instantly bringing a smile to your face.
Growing up, I remember making no-bake treats during the chilly winter evenings. My siblings and I would gather around the kitchen, excitedly crafting fun shapes and decorations. Penguin Oreos take me back to those times, where creativity and sweetness collided in joyful, edible expressions. With the holiday season on the horizon, there’s no better way to celebrate than by crafting these festive morsels that are perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying as a family. You’ll find that the joy of creating and sharing these treats is as satisfying as the delicious flavors!
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Why This Is The Best Penguin Oreos Recipe
Let me share why this recipe for Penguin Oreos is simply the best! First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick; you can prepare these delightful treats in just 20 minutes, with another 20 minutes for the chocolate to set. The combination of the rich, creamy chocolate almond bark surrounding the classic Oreo cookie creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will adore. Plus, their charming appearance makes them irresistible on any dessert table, catching the eye of guests in the most delightful way. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packaging them as gifts, or treating your kids to a delightful snack, these penguin cookies fit every occasion perfectly. And just like that, you have a treat that’s not only delicious but also a great conversation starter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
8 ounces chocolate almond bark: This is the star of your penguins! It creates a beautiful coating while adding a sweet, buttery flavor. Opt for high-quality chocolate for the best results.
12 Oreo cookies: Classic Oreos are perfect for this recipe, providing a crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the chocolate coating. You can substitute gluten-free Oreos for a gluten-free version.
12 white candy melts: These will be used to mimic the penguin’s white belly, creating a striking contrast against the dark chocolate. Other candy melts could be substituted, but they may alter the aesthetic.
24 orange M&Ms: These provide the penguins’ cute little feet. Look for the regular size; mini versions will not work as well for this purpose.
24 brown M&Ms: Used for the wings, these add a nice dark contrast and are the right size for the job.
24 candy eyeballs: These create the adorable expression of each penguin. They’re widely available in craft and baking stores.
12 mini orange M&Ms: These small treats serve as the penguins’ beaks, adding just the right amount of color and cuteness!
How to Make Penguin Oreos
Melt and Prep Chocolate
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Melt the chocolate almond bark according to the instructions on the package—usually, you can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between until smooth. This step is crucial as the chocolate needs to be silky and well-mixed to evenly coat the Oreos. If you encounter lumps, don’t be tempted to overheat it; instead, stir gently to help them dissolve.
Dip Oreos into Chocolate
With your chocolate melted and prepared, it’s time to assemble your penguins! Dip one Oreo into the chocolate using a fork, ensuring it’s completely submerged. After a moment, lift it out and gently tap the fork against the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place the cookie on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each cookie, so they don’t stick together.
Add The Penguin Belly
While the chocolate coating is still warm and slightly wet, grab the white candy melts. Press one onto the lower half of the Oreo to create the adorable belly of your penguin. It’s best to do this while the chocolate is still soft, as it will help the candy melt stick better.
Create Wings and Feet
Next, position one brown M&M on each side of the cookie to create the penguin’s wings. They should sit neatly without overlapping the belly. For the feet, position two orange M&Ms at the bottom of the Oreo. This step is all about the details, so take your time to ensure they’re just right!
Finish Off With Eyes and Beak
Now for the fun part: the facial features! Place two candy eyeballs above the penguin’s belly, and then position a mini orange M&M just below them to act as the beak. This is where the personality of each penguin shines through, so have fun with it!
Set in the Fridge
Continue this process for the remaining cookies, then let them sit at room temperature or pop the baking sheet in the fridge until the chocolate is fully set—this usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips for Success
Avoid Overheating: Melt the chocolate almond bark gently; if it gets too hot, it can become thick and unusable.
Double Dip for Thickness: If you want a thicker chocolate coating, you can double-dip the Oreos before adding the decorations. Just let the first layer set first.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your candy melts and chocolates are fresh for the best flavor and appearance.
Cool Diligently: Allow the coated Oreos to set completely, or the excess chocolate may smudge when decorating.
Experiment with Flavors: If you want a fun twist, consider flavoring the chocolate bark with peppermint extract or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added depth of flavor.
Serve It With
To enhance your penguin-loving experience, consider serving these treats with a side of hot cocoa or coffee for dipping. You could also create an adorable dessert table setting with winter-themed decorations, dust them with powdered sugar for a winter wonderland effect, or even assemble a delightful plate alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream. For holiday gatherings, they also make a cute addition to any potluck spread—both charming and delicious!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Room Temperature: These treats can stand at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the fridge where they can last about a week. Always keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Penguin Oreos for up to 3 months. Just ensure you place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: If desired, you can bring them back to room temperature by letting them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating as it could lead to melting or sogginess.
Tips & Variations
Add a Touch of Coconut: For an extra layer of flavor, roll the finished Penguin Oreos in unsweetened coconut flakes before the chocolate hardens.
Try Different Chocolate: Instead of classic chocolate bark, experiment with white chocolate for a lighter flavor or dark chocolate for a more decadent option.
Color Themes: Adjust the candy colors for different holidays or celebrations—red and green for Christmas, pastel hues for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween!
Allergy-Friendly Options: For those with allergies, consider dairy-free chocolate options and gluten-free cookie brands to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Penguin Oreos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these treats a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them to ensure they stay fresh.
What if I can’t find some of the ingredients?
No worries! You can easily adapt this recipe. Use any sandwich cookie instead of Oreos, and feel free to get creative with different colored candy melts, depending on what’s available.
Can I decorate the penguins differently?
Of course! There’s no limit to creativity. You can switch up the candy for different eyes or use food coloring to paint fun details, making each penguin unique!
How do I prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly?
Work in sections by melting smaller amounts of chocolate at a time instead of melting the entire batch, allowing you to keep the work manageable without rushing.
In making these Penguin Oreos, you’re not just creating fun snacks; you’re creating memories—whether they’re gifted to friends or enjoyed at home. These charming treats are bound to spread joy, so I encourage you to gather your loved ones, get creative, and enjoy the process! Happy decorating and happy eating!
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Recipe Card
Penguin Oreos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 penguin cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These adorable Penguin Oreos are easy to make, featuring a delightful blend of chocolate and candies. Perfect for parties or family fun.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chocolate almond bark
- 12 Oreo cookies
- 12 white candy melts
- 24 orange M&Ms
- 24 brown M&Ms
- 24 candy eyeballs
- 12 mini orange M&Ms
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate almond bark according to package instructions.
- Dip each Oreo into the melted chocolate until completely coated.
- Place coated Oreos on the prepared baking sheet.
- While chocolate is warm, press a white candy melt onto the lower half of the Oreo.
- Add brown M&Ms for wings and orange M&Ms for feet.
- Place candy eyeballs and mini orange M&M for the beak on each penguin.
- Let the cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerate until chocolate sets.
Notes
Test the chocolate for smoothness and ensure it’s not overheated.
You can double dip Oreos for a thicker chocolate coating.
Experiment with flavorings in the chocolate for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 penguin Oreo
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
