Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and utterly adorable treat to wow your friends or delight your family, I can’t recommend this Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe enough. These little penguin-shaped goodies are a breeze to make and secretly so impressive—the perfect combo of chocolatey, crunchy, and cute that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe (and maybe eating more than one!). Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find they’re as much fun to create as they are to devour.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly matched ingredients. Each element plays a role—from the crunchy cookie base to the smooth melted chocolate that creates their “feathers,” and finally the bright candies that bring these penguins to life. I always recommend grabbing the highest quality melting wafers for easy dipping and shiny finishes.

• Nutter Butter cookies: They’re the perfect oval “body” shape and have a peanut butter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
• Dark chocolate melting wafers: Choose good quality wafers that melt smoothly, so your dipping process is clean and mess-free.
• White candy melts: These act as the penguin’s white belly and add a cute contrast—make sure they’re fresh so they set well.
• Regular Orange M&Ms: Bright and bold, these serve as the penguin’s cute little feet.
• Mini Orange M&Ms: These tiny ones make excellent beaks right between the eyes.
• Edible candy eyes: They really bring your penguins to life, so don’t skimp here—choose expressive and well-made eyeballs for max charm.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap out candies and colors based on the season or your pantry stash to make it truly your own. Play around with what you’ve got or what you love—the penguins are charming no matter what!

• Halloween Version: Swap the orange M&Ms for green or black ones and try spooky eyeballs to turn these into creepy critters.
• Holiday Style: Use red and green candies for the feet and add tiny candy canes for scarves—my kids love this Christmas twist.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute Nutter Butters with similar-shaped vanilla cookies if allergies are a concern, just keep the theme!

How to Make Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melting the Chocolate Smoothly

Start by breaking your dark chocolate melting wafers into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between so the chocolate melts evenly without seizing up. I’ve found patience here pays off—rushing can lead to clumpy chocolate, which makes dipping frustrating. Aim for a shiny, smooth, pourable texture.

Step 2: Dipping the Nutter Butters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this is where your penguins will chill and set. Grab each Nutter Butter cookie and dip it into the melted chocolate, gently tapping the side of the bowl to shake off excess. Don’t rush the drip-off step, or you’ll have messy puddles! Set the dipped cookie onto the sheet and repeat until all cookies are coated.

Step 3: Adding the Belly and Feet

While the chocolate is still wet, press one white candy melt onto the bottom center of every penguin’s belly. Then, place two orange M&Ms at the bottom edge of the cookie—these are your penguin’s adorable feet! I love how these bright candies add personality with minimal effort.

Step 4: The Face—Eyes and Beak

Top off each penguin with two edible candy eyes near the top of the cookie. Right between and slightly below them, press a mini orange M&M to mimic the penguin’s beak. The tiny detail makes such a big difference, turning simple cookies into these charming little critters that my family goes crazy for.

Step 5: Letting Them Set

Pop your baking sheet into the fridge or leave in a cool spot for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set and firm. This sets the shape perfectly so your penguins don’t smudge when you pick them up. Patience is key—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the presentation simple so each penguin shines on its own, but sometimes I add a little powdered sugar snow dust around them on the serving plate. It creates a cute wintery feel that really impresses guests! If it’s a party, scatter some mini candy canes or snowflake sprinkles nearby for an extra festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a chilled glass of milk, perfect for snack time or dessert. For holiday gatherings, I sometimes serve them alongside a fruit platter or simple vanilla cupcakes decorated in matching colors—it makes for a whimsical sweets table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get creative by arranging your Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguins on a “ice floe” made of coconut flakes or blue-tinted sugar glass candy shards. For kids’ parties, placing them inside little paper cups decorated with snowflakes adds charm and helps with serving. I even tried stacking a few with toothpicks for a penguin “family” centerpiece once—adorable and edible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover penguins in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or sunlight. They stay crunchy and fresh for up to 5 days—I usually hide them so they don’t disappear too fast around here!

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen these too often, they freeze well if wrapped individually in parchment and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before serving to keep the chocolate from sweating or cracking.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want the chocolate a bit softer, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes—perfectly manageable without melting your decorations.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Nutter Butter Penguin Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to treats when I want something quick, cute, and crowd-pleasing. I love how it turns simple ingredients into a delightful wintery masterpiece with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking with friends, prepping for the holidays, or just craving something sweet and festive, these penguins won’t disappoint. Give them a try—you’ll enjoy the smiles they bring as much as the taste!

Print