Penguin Cookies

These delightful Penguin Cookies are not only a fun baking project but also a perfect treat for various occasions. With their soft and chewy texture, topped with creamy homemade buttercream frosting, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Their charming design makes them an ideal choice for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet surprise. Plus, you can easily customize them for any celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Design: These cookies are shaped like penguins, making them visually appealing and a hit at any event.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of dark cocoa and creamy frosting creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create these delightful treats without stress.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, themed parties, or just because! You can adapt decorations to suit any occasion.
• Fun for Kids: Involve the little ones in decorating these cookies for a fun family activity that sparks creativity.

Tools and Preparation

Before jumping into the cookie-making process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie trays
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• 3-inch circle cookie cutter
• Two large piping bags

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when blending butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
• Cookie trays: Sturdy trays ensure even baking and prevent warping in the oven.
• Piping bags: Perfect for decorating with precision when adding frosting to your cookies.

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 and Baking Sheets

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

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing until well combined.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a 3-inch circle cookie cutter:
1. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
2. Cut out circles and place them on prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 13 minutes until firm but soft.

Step 4: Make Buttercream Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. Beat unsalted butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream; beat until smooth.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely:
1. Spread a layer of buttercream on each cookie using a piping bag.
2. Dust with coarse sanding sugar for sparkle.
3. Use candies and sprinkles to create cute penguin faces.

Enjoy your charming Penguin Cookies at any gathering!

How to Serve Penguin Cookies

These delightful penguin cookies are not only visually appealing but also versatile in their presentation. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your gathering even more special.

Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange penguin cookies on a large platter alongside other holiday treats, like sugar cookies or brownies, for a colorful dessert spread.

Hot Chocolate Bar

• Set up a hot chocolate bar with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles. Serve penguin cookies as the perfect dunking companion.

Kids’ Birthday Party Treats

• Present these cookies at children’s birthday parties. Their cute design will surely be the star of the dessert table.

Winter Wonderland Themed Event

• Use these cookies as part of a winter-themed dessert table with snowflake decorations and other frosty treats.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Host a cookie decorating event where guests can add their own touches to pre-baked penguin cookies using icing and sprinkles.

How to Perfect Penguin Cookies

To ensure your penguin cookies turn out soft, chewy, and perfectly decorated, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain the shape during baking and enhances flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing, resulting in a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

• Sift Cocoa Powder: Sifting dark cocoa powder before mixing it into your dough will help eliminate lumps and create a smoother texture.

• Decorate While Fresh: Frost the cookies while they are still slightly warm for better adhesion 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 to consider.

1. Creamy Hot Chocolate
   Rich hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making it a cozy pairing for winter gatherings.

2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its natural flavors.

3. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes to provide variety alongside your penguin cookies, featuring flavors like vanilla and chocolate.

4. Cheese Platter
   Include a selection of cheeses with crackers for a savory contrast that enhances the overall dessert experience.

5. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
   These offer a fun crunch that pairs well with soft cookies while adding an extra touch of sweetness and saltiness.

6. Milkshakes
   Creamy milkshakes offer an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with cookie desserts, especially for a kid-friendly option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Penguin Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly sweet cookies. Always use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese won’t blend well, resulting in lumpy dough. Remember to bring your dairy items to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for best results.
• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes to maintain their shape.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long will lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are firm but centers are slightly soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Penguin Cookies

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

Reheating Penguin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and warm each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Penguin Cookies:

Can I use different types of cocoa powder for Penguin Cookies?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder if dark cocoa is not available. The flavor will be lighter but still delicious!

How do I decorate Penguin Cookies?

Use homemade buttercream frosting and various sprinkles to create fun designs. Get creative with colors!

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Penguin Cookies are fun and cute, making them perfect for kids’ parties or holiday gatherings.

How do I store leftover Penguin Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

Penguin Cookies are not only adorable but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different frostings and toppings, making them your own delightful creation. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy baking these charming treats!