Penguin Cookies

These delightful Penguin Cookies are a perfect blend of fun and flavor, making them ideal for various occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a birthday party, or simply enjoying a cozy baking day with family, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Their soft and chewy texture combined with homemade buttercream frosting makes them truly unique and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Appearance: These penguin-shaped cookies are not just tasty; they are also visually appealing, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these charming treats without hassle.
• Versatile Decorations: Customize your penguins with different colors and designs using sprinkles and candies for any occasion.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich cocoa flavor paired with creamy frosting creates a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends and family; they make wonderful gifts or party favors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Penguin Cookies, gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets/cookie trays
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• 3-inch circle cookie cutter
• Large piping bags

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets/cookie trays: Essential for even baking, allowing your cookies to spread properly without sticking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier while ensuring perfectly baked cookies.
• 3-inch circle cookie cutter: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.
• Large piping bags: Perfect for decorating your cookies with frosting, giving you control over the design.

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 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 Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

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, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scooper:
1. Scoop out portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
2. Flatten each scoop slightly into rounds using your hands or the bottom of a glass.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake for about 13 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are still soft. Allow cooling on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Decorate Your Penguin Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Use piping bags filled with frosting to create penguin shapes on each cookie.
2. Use coarse sanding sugar as snow on top of each cookie.
3. Place half orange candies as beaks and decorate eyes with black sprinkles.

Enjoy your delightful Penguin Cookies!

How to Serve Penguin Cookies

Penguin cookies are not only delightful to eat but also fun to serve. Whether for a festive gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies will impress your guests with their cute designs and delicious taste.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Cookie Stands: Arrange your penguin cookies on a tiered stand for an eye-catching display.
• Themed Party Plates: Use themed plates featuring winter motifs to enhance the holiday spirit.
• Gift Packaging: Package cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful party favors.

Fun Serving Suggestions

• Hot Chocolate Pairing: Serve alongside warm cups of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful dessert twist.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a DIY decoration station where guests can add their own toppings and sprinkles.

How to Perfect Penguin Cookies

To ensure your penguin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour, preventing dense cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Penguin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with penguin cookies can elevate your dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavors.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate with dippable items like strawberries and pretzels for an interactive dessert experience.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix adds texture and balances the softness of the cookies.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes offer a creamy counterpart that pairs wonderfully with penguin cookies.
6. Milkshakes or Smoothies: Creamy milkshakes or fruity smoothies make for a fun drink option alongside these delightful treats.
7. Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai complement the rich cocoa flavor of the cookies perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Penguin Cookies can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy dough. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.

• Boldly overlook measuring accurately: Too much or too little flour can affect the cookie’s texture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements or spoon and level your flour.

• Boldly ignore chilling the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thick. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• Boldly forget about oven temperature: An oven that is too hot can burn the cookies while leaving them raw inside. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

• Boldly skimp on frosting: A lack of frosting can make your Penguin Cookies less appealing. Don’t be afraid to generously frost for both taste and decoration!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Penguin Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Penguin Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last for up to three months.

Reheating Penguin Cookies

• Boldly use the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Boldly try the Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Boldly consider the Stovetop: Cover with a lid in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Penguin Cookies.

How do I make my Penguin Cookies more festive?

You can customize your Penguin Cookies with different colored sprinkles or by using various candies for decorations!

Can I use different flavors of frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, or even fruit-based frostings to switch things up.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, you may need to add extra flour gradually until it reaches a workable consistency.

How do I know when my Penguin Cookies are done baking?

Cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue cooking slightly as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Penguin Cookies are not only adorable but also versatile and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, you can easily customize them with different toppings and flavors. Try this delightful recipe today and impress your friends and family with these charming treats!