
These Cute Penguin Oreos make a delightful and whimsical treat that brings fun and creativity to any holiday celebration or casual get together. They are simple enough to assemble with kids yet impressive enough to make your guests smile. The combination of crunchy Oreos and smooth chocolate creates a delicious base, while the colorful decorations turn each cookie into an adorable penguin with distinct personality.
Every time I make these penguin Oreos I am amazed at how fast they disappear and how much joy they bring to everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: Use original Oreos for the best coating surface and that classic flavor.
- Chocolate candy melts: These are ideal for coating because they melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish. Choose good quality melts for easier dipping.
- White candy melts: Used for the penguin’s belly each one adds a charming contrast on the black chocolate coating.
- M&M’s or smarties: Brightly colored for the earmuffs they add a playful pop of color. Pick small sizes to fit comfortably on the cookies.
- Candy eyeballs: These bring the penguins to life and make each cookie uniquely adorable.
- Pull and peel or shoelace licorice: The licorice is perfect for creating the earmuff band across the top of the penguins’ heads. Select flexible licorice for easier shaping.
- Orange confetti sprinkles: These tiny sprinkles serve as the beak adding a splash of brightness.
Instructions
- Scoop and prepare the workspace:
- Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet or cooling rack to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Melt the chocolate candy melts:
- Heat the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl at 50 percent power for one minute at first then stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second bursts stirring between each until smooth and fully melted. This slow melting prevents burning and keeps the chocolate silky.
- Coat the Oreos:
- Dip each Oreo fully into the melted chocolate using a fork or candy dipper. Lift carefully allowing the excess to drip off. Place the coated cookie onto the parchment lined surface to set.
- Attach the penguin’s belly:
- While the coating is still soft press a single white candy melt onto the lower half of the cookie. This creates the belly and a nice color contrast.
- Add the eyes:
- Press two candy eyeballs near the top of the cookie above the belly placement.
- Place the beak:
- Below the eyes gently adhere two orange confetti sprinkles to form the beak.
- Create earmuffs:
- Attach two M&M’s or smarties on each side of the cookie for earmuffs. Then use a small piece of licorice to connect them across the top like a headband.
- Let the chocolate set:
- Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature until the chocolate hardens fully before handling.

I have a soft spot for the candy eyeballs on these penguins. They give each cookie so much character it’s hard not to smile looking at them. One winter when I made these as a surprise my niece was thrilled by how each penguin seemed to have its own mood and personality which made the experience all the more magical.
Storage Tips
Keep the penguin Oreos in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat to prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming sticky. They stay fresh for up to a week which makes them great for preparing ahead for parties or gifts. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause condensation on the chocolate.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have candy melts use good quality white and dark chocolate bars which you can melt carefully in a double boiler. For the candy eyes try small chocolate chips or edible sugar decorations. Licorice can be replaced with thin strips of fruit leather or fondant for a different but still effective earmuff design.
Serving Suggestions
These penguin Oreos pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a festive holiday punch. Arrange them on a platter with other homemade treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread cookies to create a cheerful dessert table that delights guests of all ages.

These penguin Oreos are an easy festive treat that delight kids and adults alike. Have fun customizing them for any occasion.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of chocolate is best for coating the Oreos?
Chocolate candy melts work best as they melt smoothly and harden evenly to create a firm coating.
- → Can I use another type of candy for decoration?
Yes, M&Ms, Smarties, candy eyeballs, and licorice enhance the penguin design, but feel free to substitute similar candies to suit tastes or availability.
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Microwave at 50% power in short intervals, stirring frequently until the chocolate is smooth to prevent burning.
- → What’s the best way to assemble the penguin features on the Oreos?
Press candy melts, candy eyes, confetti sprinkles, and candy pieces gently into the soft chocolate coating before it hardens to secure them in place.
- → Can this activity be done with children?
Absolutely! It’s a fun, hands-on project ideal for kids to decorate penguin characters and enjoy a festive treat.