Adorable Cute Penguin Oreos

These Cute Penguin Oreos are a delightful nobake treat that combines creativity with simplicity. They bring so much festive fun to any gathering while being easy enough to make with kids. Each penguin is unique and so charming you’ll have a hard time eating them before everyone else snatches them up.

I discovered this recipe during a busy holiday and it became an instant favorite for my kids and their friends who love how whimsical they look

Ingredients

• Regular Oreo cookies: about 36 cookies to form the penguin base – choose classic flavor for best results
• Chocolate candy melts: 1 and a half cups to coat the cookies fully and create the penguin’s black body – pick a high quality brand for smooth melting
• White candy melts: 36 pieces to make the penguin’s belly – they should be firm and bright white for contrast
• M&M’s or Smarties: 72 pieces for the penguin’s earmuffs – colorful and sturdy candies work well here
• Candy eyeballs: 72 pieces to bring the penguins to life – wider choice of sizes depending on preference
• Pull and peel or shoelace licorice: to create the earmuff band – fresh licorice holds its shape best
• Orange confetti sprinkles: 72 pieces as little beaks – tiny and vibrant for perfect detail

Instructions

Place the parchment paper:

Line a cookie sheet or cooling rack with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy clean up once the penguins are done

Melt the chocolate:

Place the chocolate candy melts in a microwave safe bowl then heat at 50 percent power for 1 minute stir thoroughly. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals at 50 percent power stirring after each until the chocolate is completely melted and velvety smooth which may take about 5 minutes depending on your microwave

Coat the Oreos:

Using a fork or candy dipper carefully dip each Oreo cookie into the melted chocolate until fully coated making sure to cover evenly. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated cookie back onto the parchment paper for setting

Decorate the penguin's belly and face:

While the chocolate coating is still soft gently press one white candy melt onto the lower half of the cookie to form the belly. Add two candy eyeballs near the top positioning them to create an adorable face. Place two orange confetti sprinkles just below the eyes to serve as the beak

Add the earmuffs:

Attach two M&M’s or Smarties on the sides of the cookie for earmuffs then use a short piece of pull and peel or shoelace licorice to connect them across the top acting as the earmuffs band

Let the penguins set completely:

Allow the decorated cookies to rest at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is fully hardened and firm to the touch

I love using the candy eyeballs because they give these little penguins so much character it always reminds me of how my niece giggles while making them especially when creating silly faces

Storage tips

Store your Cute Penguin Oreos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the chocolate from sweating. Avoid refrigeration if you can as moisture may cause the candy melts to bloom or lose their shine. If you want to keep them longer consider freezing the cookies wrapped individually then thaw gently before serving

Ingredient substitutions

Use any brand of sandwich cookies if Oreos are not available but darker cookies work best for the penguin effect. Semi sweet or dark chocolate chips can be substituted for the candy melts but require tempering for best results. Small chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can replace the candy melts for belly but be sure they are bigger than the eyes so they stand out

Serving suggestions

These penguins are perfect as a party favor or festive dessert on a holiday platter alongside hot cocoa. Pair them with other nobake treats like peppermint bark or marshmallow snowmen for a themed winter spread. They also make cheerful gifts packed in clear bags tied with ribbon for neighbors or coworkers

These Cute Penguin Oreos are an easy festive treat that’s fun for kids and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of cookies work best for these treats?

Regular Oreo cookies are ideal due to their size and flavor, providing a perfect base for the chocolate and candy decorations.

→ How do I melt the chocolate candy melts properly?

Use a microwave at 50% power, heating in 1-minute plus 30-second increments, stirring often until smooth and fully melted.

→ Can I use different candies for decoration?

Yes, feel free to substitute candy eyes, M&M’s, or sprinkles with similar items to create unique penguin personalities.

→ How long do these treats stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Is it necessary to use licorice for earmuffs?

Licorice gives a stretchy and colorful detail, but similar thin candy strings or fruit leather strips can work as alternatives.