Name: Chocolate Penguin Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 10 pieces cookies and cream biscuits (e.g., Oreos); 200 g milk chocolate or dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa/cacao), broken into pieces and melted; 10 pieces small white chocolate buttons; 20 pieces edible eye cake decorations; 10 pieces orange candy-coated chocolate buttons

Chocolate Penguin Bites are delightful mini treats that bring a playful touch to any gathering. Their charming appearance combined with delicious flavors makes them a favorite among kids and adults alike. With a creamy chocolate coating and fun decorations, these snacks are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a special afternoon treat.

Creating these adorable penguins is surprisingly simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. That’s right; you don’t need to be a master baker to whip up these tasty bites. The infusion of iconic cookies and cream biscuits gives the penguins a delightful crunch, while the melted chocolate adds a rich creaminess that perfectly complements the textures. With a bit of creativity and a few minutes of your time, you can produce a batch of sweet treats that will surely impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more.

Why make this recipe

Chocolate Penguin Bites are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to customize for any occasion. Their cute design can be adapted for birthdays, holidays, or even themed parties; you can change the decorations and colors to suit your preferences. Furthermore, these treats allow for creativity, especially when involving children in the decoration process. Little hands will love placing the eyes and beaks, allowing for a fun, interactive experience. The combination of crunch from the biscuits and smooth chocolate makes each bite a delightful experience that’s perfect for sharing.

Additionally, this recipe embraces the versatility of chocolate. Depending on personal preference, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. The ingredients are simple yet provide a decadent experience. Best of all, they sit comfortably in your pantry for snacking, making them an available option when that sweet tooth arrives unexpectedly. They are simple enough to be whipped up in a hurry while still delivering smiles and satisfaction to those lucky enough to enjoy them.

How to make Chocolate Penguin Bites

Making Chocolate Penguin Bites involves a straightforward process that is easily manageable, even for novice cooks. It starts with the beloved cookies and cream biscuits, which serve as the base for these delightful chocolate-covered treats. These biscuits lend their creaminess as well as a slight crunch, creating an excellent foundation for the subsequent layers of chocolate and decoration.

As you coat the biscuits in the melted chocolate, it’s essential to let any excess drip off. This ensures a smooth finish without the mess. The strategic placement of the white chocolate button for the penguin’s belly adds character to your creations. As you arrange the edible eyes and candy-coated buttons, take the time to ensure they are well-positioned. While working with chocolate can get a bit tricky, a short chill in the fridge can help the decorations stick better. After chilling, your penguins will be ready to dazzle and delight everyone.

Ingredients

10 cookies and cream biscuits (e.g., Oreos)
200 g (7 oz) milk chocolate or dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa/cacao), broken into pieces and melted
10 small white chocolate buttons
20 edible eye cake decorations
10 orange candy-coated chocolate buttons

Directions

Set a cooling rack over a sheet of baking paper, or line a baking tray (sheet pan) with nonstick baking paper.
Using 2 forks, coat each biscuit in the melted chocolate, let the excess drip off, then transfer to the prepared rack or tray.
While the chocolate is still warm, place 1 white chocolate button on the centre-bottom of each biscuit (belly). Add 2 edible eyes above it, then place 1 orange candy-coated chocolate button between the eyes for the beak. If decorations slide, chill the biscuits for 1–2 minutes to slightly set, or dab a little melted chocolate on the backs to help them stick. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or leave to set at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Baking Time: 0 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Rising Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 10

How to serve Chocolate Penguin Bites

Serving Chocolate Penguin Bites is as fun as making them. Arrange these adorable treats on a festive platter, perhaps garnished with a sprinkling of shredded coconut to resemble snow, enhancing their wintery look. They can be enjoyed as part of a dessert table or served as a centerpiece for a children’s party, where their colorful features will undoubtedly catch the eye.

For an engaging presentation, consider packaging individual Penguin Bites in clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbons, making them perfect take-home treats for guests. This simple but stylish addition elevates the experience, making them feel extra special. Pair these bites with hot chocolate or milk for a delightful treat that invites a festive atmosphere, bringing a cheerfully cozy vibe to any gathering.

How to store Chocolate Penguin Bites

To maintain the freshness and deliciousness of Chocolate Penguin Bites, proper storage is essential. Once they have set, place the bites in an airtight container. This will keep them well-preserved and prevent moisture from making the chocolate unappetizing. Store them in a cool, dry place, avoiding heat or direct sunlight, which can cause the chocolate to melt or become sticky.

They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, though it’s best to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to make Chocolate Penguin Bites

Crafting the perfect Chocolate Penguin Bites involves a few handy tips that can help elevate your experience. For starters, ensure that your chocolate is adequately melted for a smooth coating; microwave in short bursts if you’re using a microwave, or opt for a double boiler for even melting. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before dipping the biscuits to avoid any sogginess.

When decorating, work quickly to place your embellishments before the chocolate begins to set too much. If you’re trying to achieve a more personalized design, consider using purpose-made edible markers to add features on the chocolate once set. Above all, don’t hesitate to add your personal twist with colors or additional decorations.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use different cookies for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Any type of biscuit with a similar shape would work well.

Q: How do I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute the cookies with gluten-free versions available in stores.

Q: Can I freeze Chocolate Penguin Bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to store in an airtight container.