OREO Penguin Holiday Treats Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Oreo Penguin Treats are a delightful 5-ingredient holiday project perfect for family fun. With just Oreos, candy eyes, and a few simple decorations, you can create an adorable winter scene on your dessert table. For more festive baking inspiration, try the Christmas Cake Recipe Easy Moist Fruit Cake or the rich Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

These adorable OREO Penguin Holiday Treats combine the satisfying crunch of cookies with sweet, creamy coatings and festive candy decorations for a delightful holiday bite.

• Fudge Covered OREO Cookies
• White candy melts
• Candy eyes
• Orange M&M’s or orange candies
• Leaf sprinkles or heart sprinkles
• Black frosting or black candy melts (optional, for details)

Timing

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

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Workspace

Gather all ingredients: OREO cookies, candy melts, candy eyes, orange candy for beaks, and mini marshmallows. Clear a workspace and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Ensure your candy melts are at room temperature for smoother melting. Having everything measured and ready will make assembling these OREO Penguin Holiday Treats much faster.

Step 2 — Separate OREO Cookies Carefully

Gently twist OREO cookies apart to create two halves with cream filling intact on one side. You’ll need one cream-filled half for each penguin body.

Work slowly to prevent breaking cookies. If a cookie cracks, set it aside for snacking and use another—you want intact cookies for the best OREO Penguin Holiday Treats presentation.

Step 3 — Melt Candy Coating

Melt black candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session. Stop when just a few lumps remain and stir until completely smooth.

The coating should be fluid but not hot to the touch (about 90-95°F). Overheating can cause the candy to seize, making it difficult to work with for your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats.

Step 4 — Assemble Penguin Bodies

Dip the cream-filled OREO halves into the melted candy coating, ensuring complete coverage. Place them cream-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

While the coating is still wet, attach candy eyes to the top third of each cookie. Press gently to secure them in place before the coating sets.

Step 5 — Create Penguin Faces and Features

Cut orange candy into small triangle shapes for beaks. Press one beak between and slightly below the eyes on each OREO Penguin Holiday Treat.

For wings, attach mini marshmallows to the sides of each penguin body using a dab of melted candy as adhesive. The marshmallows should be positioned at about the midpoint of each cookie.

Step 6 — Add Final Decorative Touches

Use white candy melts to create belly patches by piping or dabbing a small oval shape on the lower front of each penguin. This distinctive marking completes the classic penguin look.

For festive OREO Penguin Holiday Treats, consider adding small edible accessories like mini Santa hats made from red candy or scarves using fruit roll-ups cut into thin strips.

Step 7 — Allow Treats to Set Completely

Let your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until the candy coating is fully hardened. Avoid refrigerating as condensation can cause the coating to become sticky.

The treats are ready when the coating no longer feels tacky to the touch. Test one carefully before packaging or serving to ensure they maintain their shape.

Step 8 — Store and Serve Your Creations

Store completed OREO Penguin Holiday Treats in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary.

These adorable treats make perfect holiday gifts, party favors, or festive dessert table additions. Display them on a platter surrounded by powdered sugar “snow” for an extra magical presentation.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	160 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein-packed OREO — Use protein-enriched sandwich cookies for a satisfying treat with extra muscle-building benefits.
• Lower-carb cookies — Swap OREO with keto-friendly chocolate cookies to reduce sugar and net carbs.
• Dairy-free candy coating — Melt vegan chocolate wafers instead of candy melts for a creamy, plant-based finish.
• Gluten-free OREO-style cookies — Choose certified gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
• Low-sodium frosting — Prepare homemade cream cheese frosting with reduced-salt ingredients to control sodium intake.
• Natural food coloring — Use beet powder or spinach juice for vibrant orange feet instead of artificial dyes.
• Sugar-free candy eyes — Opt for no-sugar-added decorating eyes to keep your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats diabetic-friendly.
• Nut butter filling — Replace standard filling with almond or peanut butter for added protein and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these OREO Penguin Holiday Treats with a mug of hot chocolate for a cozy winter pairing.
• Create a festive arctic scene by arranging the penguins on a platter with powdered sugar “snow.”
• Serve as a fun, edible craft activity at a kids’ holiday party.
• Offer alongside other holiday cookies for a diverse dessert table.
• Package individual OREO Penguin Holiday Treats in clear cellophane bags as sweet party favors.
• Present on a dark-colored plate or slate to make the white and black penguins stand out.
• Add a sprig of mint or a few red berries for a pop of festive color.

These OREO Penguin Holiday Treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, classroom parties, or as a charming homemade gift. Their playful design brings joy to any winter celebration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm frosting that melts the candy coating. Fix: Chill your frosting before piping to maintain clean, sharp details on your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats.
• Mistake: Applying too much pressure and cracking the OREO cookie. Fix: Handle OREOs gently when separating them and use a light touch for assembly.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before decorating. Fix: Always refrigerate the assembled cookie base for 10-15 minutes to set the structure before adding final details.
• Mistake: Choosing the wrong candy for the beak and feet. Fix: Use orange candy melts or jelly candy slices, which are firm enough to hold their shape without bleeding color.
• Mistake: Overfilling with frosting, causing the penguin to slide apart. Fix: Use a scant teaspoon of frosting as “glue” between cookie layers to prevent oozing.
• Mistake: Placing finished treats in a warm room. Fix: Store your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats in a single layer in the refrigerator until serving to prevent softening.
• Mistake: Using dull knives for precise candy cutting. Fix: A sharp paring knife or clean craft blade creates cleaner cuts for candy eyes and features.
• Mistake: Rushing the candy melt dipping process. Fix: Let excess coating drip off completely to avoid pooled chocolate around the base of your penguin.
• Mistake: Not testing your decorating bag tip size. Fix: Do a practice dot on parchment first to ensure your frosting lines are the perfect thickness for details.
• Mistake: Making treats too far in advance. Fix: Assemble your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats no more than 1-2 days ahead for the best texture and freshness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled OREO Penguin Holiday Treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place the treats in a single layer in a freezer-safe container; they will keep for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: These treats are best enjoyed chilled, but if needed, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

Always store your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats below 40°F for food safety, and avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These adorable OREO Penguin Holiday Treats are the perfect festive dessert to share with family and friends. We hope you enjoy making them! Be sure to leave a comment with your results, and check out our Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Crunch Truffles Recipe for another fun no-bake treat. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious holiday recipes!

Print

FAQs

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

Yes, you can assemble these treats a day in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the candy decorations and frosting firm.

What candy works best for the penguin’s eyes and beak?

Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes are perfect for the eyes, and an orange candy-coated chocolate or a small piece of orange frosting works well for the beak. These details make your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats look adorable.

How do I keep the OREO Penguin Holiday Treats from falling apart?

Use a thick, stable frosting like royal icing or melted chocolate as the “glue” to hold the candy pieces and additional OREO parts together. This ensures your OREO Penguin Holiday Treats stay intact while serving.