Delicious Chocolate Penguin Cookies to Delight Everyone

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Chocolate Penguin Cookies are charming, soft, and chewy cookies made with rich chocolate dough and decorated to resemble adorable penguins. These delightful treats are perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also add a whimsical touch to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Penguin Cookies

These Chocolate Penguin Cookies are a hit for many reasons. First, they are easy to make, perfect for baking with kids or for parties. The delightful penguin shape brings a smile to everyone’s face, making them ideal for celebrations. Additionally, they are versatile; you can customize the decorations based on the season or occasion. Furthermore, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously rich in flavor, thanks to the dark cocoa powder. They also offer a unique twist with the creamy buttercream frosting, making them a standout dessert. Lastly, they are a fantastic way to indulge your inner child while impressing your guests.

Ingredients for Chocolate Penguin Cookies

Gather these items:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
1/2 cup or 4 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temperature (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)
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)
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
Round, flat, pink sprinkles
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Large baking sheets/cookie trays
3 inch circle cookie cutter
2 large piping bags

How to Make Chocolate Penguin Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream together the unsalted butter and full-fat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until a dough forms.
Step 3: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out rounds with a 3-inch cookie cutter and place on baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake for 13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool cookies completely on trays.
Step 7: Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add heavy cream until smooth. Divide frosting and mix cocoa powder into one portion.
Step 8: Transfer frosting into piping bags. Sprinkle sanding sugar on cookies. Pipe buttercream to form penguin features.
Step 9: Use candy halves for beaks or feet, black sprinkles for eyes, and pink sprinkles for cheeks.
Step 10: Allow cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Penguin Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the dough is chilled to prevent cookies from spreading.
Use an edible marker to color white sprinkles black if needed.
Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
Experiment with different decorations for seasonal themes.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Penguin Cookies

These fun Penguin-Shaped Chocolate Cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Consider arranging them on a platter for a party or packaging them as gifts for friends and family. They also pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or milk, making them a perfect treat for cozy evenings. Another fun idea is to use them as a centerpiece for winter-themed events, bringing joy to both kids and adults alike!

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Penguin Cookies

After making your Chocolate Penguin Cookies, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. These cookies are also great for meal prep, allowing you to have delicious treats ready to go whenever you need them!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Penguin Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Penguin Cookies?

The secret lies in chilling the dough properly before baking. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much, helping maintain their adorable penguin shape. For the best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature, which aids in achieving the perfect texture.

Can I make Chocolate Penguin Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for freshness. Just add the decorations before serving for a fun presentation.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Penguin Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and cocoa powder. Another tip is to ensure your baking sheets are lined and that your oven is preheated. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for maintaining the cookie’s shape.

Variations of Chocolate Penguin Cookies You Can Try

If you’re feeling creative, here are some variations of Chocolate Penguin Cookies to try. You can create Chocolate Biscuit Penguins by using less cocoa and more vanilla, giving them a lighter flavor. Another fun twist could be making Chocolate-filled Penguin Cookies by adding a chocolate ganache filling. For festive occasions, consider using peppermint extract in the frosting for a holiday touch. Lastly, you could make mini penguin cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gatherings.

For more fun baking ideas, check out our Frankenstein Cupcakes or Ghost Brownies Recipe. If you’re interested in other cookie recipes, you might enjoy our Salted Caramel Cookies or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking.