Penguin Cookies

These delightful Penguin Cookies are not only cute but also perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to birthday parties. Their soft and chewy texture combined with a luscious homemade buttercream frosting makes them a standout treat. The unique penguin design will surely bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Design: These cookies look like little penguins, making them a fun addition to any dessert table.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a cookie that is perfectly soft and chewy.
• Customizable Frosting: You can easily adjust the colors and designs of the frosting to match your event theme.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Baking and decorating these cookies can be a fun family activity, especially for kids!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just because, these cookies fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather all necessary tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Penguin Cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets/cookie trays
• 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 that light texture.
• Piping bags: Perfect for decorating your cookies with precision, ensuring each penguin is adorable.
• Baking sheets/cookie trays: Essential for even baking; choosing the right size ensures all cookies fit comfortably without overcrowding.

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 Decorating:

• 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). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent your cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix until fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
– Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
Bake for about 13 minutes or until set but still soft in the center. Let cool on trays for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 4: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until fluffy.

Step 5: Decorate Your Penguin Cookies

Using piping bags filled with frosting:
– Start by applying white frosting as a base on each cookie.
Allow it to set slightly before adding details like black sprinkles for eyes and orange candies for beaks.

Enjoy creating these charming Penguin Cookies that are sure to bring joy!

How to Serve Penguin Cookies

Penguin cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the winter months or holiday gatherings. Here are some fun and creative serving ideas to make these cookies even more special.

Fun Holiday Displays

• Cookie Platters: Arrange your penguin cookies on a colorful platter with other festive treats for a visually appealing dessert table.
• Hot Cocoa Bar: Serve these cookies alongside hot cocoa, complete with whipped cream and flavored syrups for dipping.

Creative Pairings

• Milk Dipping Station: Set up small cups of different types of milk (like almond, oat, or regular) for guests to dip their cookies.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two penguin cookies with a scoop of ice cream in between for a delicious twist.

Themed Parties

• Winter Wonderland Party: Incorporate penguin cookies into your winter-themed party decorations, using snowflakes and icy blue colors for an enchanting effect.
• Kids’ Craft Day: Let kids decorate their own penguin cookies with various colored sprinkles and candies as part of a fun activity.

How to Perfect Penguin Cookies

To achieve the best results with your penguin cookies, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Bold Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar.
• Bold Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
• Bold Bake Evenly: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Bold Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cookies to cool fully on wire racks before adding frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Penguin Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your adorable penguin cookies can elevate any dessert experience. Here are some tasty suggestions that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Bold Hot Chocolate – A rich, creamy drink that pairs perfectly with sweet cookies and offers warmth on cold days.
2. Bold Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like oranges and berries adds brightness and balances sweetness.
3. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to warm baked goods, enhancing their flavors.
4. Bold Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream can be dolloped on top of desserts or served as a dip for added indulgence.
5. Bold Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced cider enhances the festive spirit while complementing the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
6. Bold Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can offer a savory contrast that works surprisingly well with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Penguin Cookies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that will bake evenly.

• Skipping the chilling time: If you notice your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure consistent results in your Penguin Cookies.

• Neglecting decoration timing: Decorate your cookies while the frosting is still slightly wet. This allows candies and sprinkles to stick better.

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 cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze them for about 1-2 hours before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Penguin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Penguin Cookies that might help enhance your baking experience.

How can I make my Penguin Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, use room temperature ingredients and be careful not to overbake them. Taking them out when they are just set will keep them chewy.

Can I customize the decorations on my Penguin Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use different colored sprinkles or candies based on your preference or occasion. There are endless possibilities!

What is the best way to transport Penguin Cookies?

Place them in a sturdy container lined with parchment paper. Make sure there’s enough space between each cookie so they don’t stick together during transport.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just remember to thaw it before baking, or bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cook time.

Are there any substitutes for cocoa powder in Penguin Cookies?

You can use carob powder as an alternative to cocoa powder if you prefer a caffeine-free option or want a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Penguin Cookies are not only adorable but also versatile enough for various occasions! Their cute design makes them perfect for parties or festive gatherings. Feel free to customize decorations or flavors according to your taste – everyone will love these delightful treats!