Oreo Penguin Holiday Treats Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Oreo Penguin Treats are the perfect festive dessert for holiday parties and family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients like Oreos, candy eyes, and orange candy melts, you can create adorable penguin cookies that kids and adults will love. For more holiday dessert inspiration, check out the Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Crunch Truffles Recipe and The Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe.

Ingredients

These adorable OREO Penguin Holiday Treats combine the classic crunch of cookies with sweet candy decorations for a festive and fun dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

• Oreo cookies (regular or fudge covered)
• White chocolate candy melts or giant white chocolate buttons
• Black candy melts
• Edible candy eyeballs
• Orange M&Ms or orange candy pieces
• Ready-made writing icing (black)
• Leaf sprinkles or heart sprinkles

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: These OREO Penguin Holiday Treats assemble about 20% faster than similar decorated cookie recipes since there’s no baking required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Separate and Prepare OREO Cookies

Carefully twist apart 12 OREO cookies, keeping one side with the cream filling intact. Set aside the plain cookie halves for later use as wings.

Step 2 — Create Penguin Bodies

Take the cream-filled OREO halves and stand them upright on their flat edges. These will form the penguin bodies. For stability, you can place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3 — Attach Penguin Heads

Use white candy melts or frosting to attach a chocolate-covered peppermint patty to the top of each upright OREO. Press gently to secure, creating the penguin head. Ensure the candy melts are fully melted for best adhesion.

Step 4 — Add Wings and Feet

Break the reserved plain OREO halves into quarters. Attach two pieces to each side of the penguin body using candy melts to create wings. For feet, attach orange candy-coated sunflower seeds or candy corn to the base with a small dot of frosting.

Step 5 — Create Penguin Faces

Use edible candy eyes or small dabs of white frosting with mini chocolate chips for eyes. For the beak, attach a yellow candy-coated sunflower seed or a small triangle of orange candy with a tiny amount of frosting.

Step 6 — Add Final Decorations

For scarves, use thin strips of fruit roll-ups or fondant wrapped around the neck area. You can also add small candy buttons for added holiday cheer. Press decorations gently to secure without cracking the OREO bases.

Step 7 — Set and Store Properly

Allow your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until decorations are firm. For best results, store in a single layer in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	95mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein-rich filling — Mix Greek yogurt with vanilla protein powder for a creamy, high-protein alternative to frosting.
• Lower-carb cookies — Use almond flour-based chocolate cookies to reduce carbs while keeping the chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-free frosting — Substitute with coconut cream or vegan cream cheese for a rich, dairy-free option.
• Gluten-free OREOs — Swap with certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
• Low-sodium option — Choose unsalted butter or a salt-free spread in the frosting to reduce sodium content.
• Natural sweeteners — Use mashed banana or applesauce to lightly sweeten fillings instead of powdered sugar.
• Nut-free variation — Replace any nut-based decorations with sunflower seed butter or seed-based accents.
• Reduced-sugar cookies — Opt for sugar-free chocolate sandwich cookies to lower overall sugar in your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats with a warm mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for a cozy winter pairing.
• Create a festive arctic scene by arranging the penguins on a platter with shredded coconut “snow” and blue sugar crystal “ice.”
• Serve these adorable treats as a fun, hands-on dessert at holiday parties or family cookie decorating events.
• Add them to a holiday cookie box or dessert charcuterie board alongside other seasonal sweets like gingerbread men and snowball cookies.
• Place individual OREO Penguin Holiday Treats on small plates as festive place card holders or party favors for guests.
• Incorporate them into a kid-friendly holiday baking activity—let children help assemble the penguins for extra festive fun.

For an elegant presentation, display your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats on a tiered stand with white powdered sugar dusted around to mimic a snowy landscape. These charming creations are perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter birthdays, or any festive occasion where a touch of edible whimsy is welcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm frosting that melts the candy coating. Fix: Chill your OREO cookies first and use frosting at room temperature for stable assembly.
• Mistake: Applying too much pressure when attaching candy pieces, causing cracks. Fix: Gently press candies into the frosting; let the adhesive do the work.
• Mistake: Choosing thick, hard-to-cut candy for the beak and feet. Fix: Opt for softer orange candy like candy corn or orange slices that slice easily.
• Mistake: Placing finished penguins in a warm room where they can slump. Fix: Set your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats on a chilled tray until serving to maintain shape.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of securing the head OREO with ample frosting. Fix: Use a generous dab of frosting as “glue” to prevent the head from sliding off.
• Mistake: Using runny or overly thin icing for details, leading to messy faces. Fix: Thicken your icing with powdered sugar so it holds its shape for eyes and buttons.
• Mistake: Assembling penguins hours ahead without proper storage. Fix: Store in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent moisture and softening.
• Mistake: Rushing to separate OREO cookies and breaking the wafers. Fix: Twist slowly and patiently; if one breaks, use it for the body and hide flaws with candy.
• Mistake: Not planning your candy placement before applying frosting. Fix: Lay out all candy pieces first to ensure symmetrical, cute penguin faces every time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Not recommended for these OREO Penguin Holiday Treats, as decorations may melt or soften.

For best texture and appearance, serve your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats at room temperature shortly after assembly.

Conclusion

These adorable OREO Penguin Holiday Treats are a festive, no-bake delight perfect for any winter gathering. We hope you enjoy making them as much as we did! Try the recipe, and please share your photos or leave a comment. For more easy holiday desserts, check out our No Bake Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe and Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Truffles Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun ideas!

Print

Oreo Penguin Holiday Treats

Print Recipe

Cute penguin treats made from Oreo cookies decorated with candy eyes, candy melts, and festive embellishments. A fun and easy activity to make with kids during the holiday season.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 penguins
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies (regular or fudge covered)
• White chocolate candy melts or giant white chocolate buttons
• Black candy melts
• Edible candy eyeballs
• Orange M&Ms or orange candy pieces
• Ready-made writing icing (black)
• Leaf sprinkles or heart sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt white chocolate candy melts according to package directions
2. Dip the top half of each Oreo cookie into the melted white chocolate to create the penguin's belly
3. Place on parchment paper to set
4. Attach two edible candy eyeballs to the white chocolate belly using a small amount of icing
5. Add an orange M&M or orange candy piece below the eyes to create the penguin's beak using icing as adhesive
6. Use black icing to draw a smile or add other facial features
7. Add decorative sprinkles around the penguin if desired
8. Allow all decorations to set completely before serving

Notes

These treats require no baking, making them perfect for quick holiday crafting with children. You can customize the decorations using different colored candy melts, sprinkles, and candies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 14
• Sodium: 95
• Fat: 6
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 3
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 18
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 1
• Cholesterol: 0

FAQs

Can I make these OREO Penguin Holiday Treats ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble these OREO Penguin Holiday Treats a day in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent the candy decorations from softening.

What are the best candies to use for the penguin’s face and feet?

We recommend orange candy-coated sunflower seeds or candy corn for the beak and feet. Use mini chocolate chips or small black candies for the eyes to complete your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats.

How do I keep the candy decorations from falling off?

Use a small dab of melted chocolate or frosting as edible glue. This will securely attach the candy pieces to your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats and help them stay intact.