Why Make This Recipe
Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies are perfect for celebrations like birthdays, winter festivities, or any playful occasion. Their adorable design and vibrant colors make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also look stunning on any cookie platter.
Baking these cookies can be a fun family activity, letting everyone get creative in decorating. Whether you’re a skilled baker or a beginner, making these charming cookies is all about having fun and getting a little messy in the kitchen.
Equipment Needed for Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need some specific tools. Here’s what you should gather:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (penguin shape)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Piping bags
- Small round piping tips
- Offset spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
What You Need to Make Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
To create the Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies, you’ll require the following ingredients:
- Sugar Cookie dough
- Royal Icing
- Black icing (medium consistency)
- White icing (medium consistency and thick consistency)
- Purple icing (medium or flood consistency and thick consistency)
- Pink icing (medium or flood consistency and thick consistency)
- Orange icing (thick or detail consistency)
- Pink luster dust
- Small dry paintbrush
- Decorative items (bows, scarves, hats, or earmuffs)
- Snowflake-shaped sprinkles (optional)
How to Cook Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies Step by Step
First, begin by baking a delicious batch of sugar cookies. Roll out your sugar cookie dough on a lightly floured surface to around a quarter-inch thick. Use a penguin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling can happen one to three days before you plan to decorate, allowing you plenty of time to prepare the icing.
Next, prepare your Royal Icing in various colors and consistencies. It’s best to separate the icing into different bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve the vibrant pink, purple, and other colors needed for your penguins. Mix well until the icing is smooth and ready to use.
Start decorating by outlining and filling in your cookies. For instance, if you want a purple background, use the purple icing to outline the cookie first. Carefully flood the outlined area with the same purple icing and use a spatula to smooth it out if needed. Let this base layer set for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure it hardens properly.
After the base is set, grab the black icing to outline the shape of the penguin. Be sure to let this outline set as well for 1-2 hours so you can fill it in without mixing colors. Once the black outline has set, take your white icing and fill in the penguin’s body. This part takes around 6-8 hours to dry completely.
Once the body is dry, it’s time to add the final touches. Use black icing to create little eyes and an orange beak. For a cute blush effect on the cheeks, take some pink luster dust and lightly brush it onto the white icing.
Now, let your creativity shine! You can dress up your penguins with small bows, scarves, hats, or earmuffs using the decorative items on hand. If you choose, sprinkle some white dots or snowflake-shaped sprinkles around the perimeter of the cookies to create a winter wonderland effect.
How to Make Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
These cookies require a bit of preparation, but they are worth every minute spent. Start with your sugar cookie base, ensuring they are thick and sturdy enough to hold the icing. The royal icing should be prepared according to the consistencies specified for each icing color.
Take your time when outlining and flooding the cookies; this process is about patience. Wait for each layer to set before moving on to the next step. A single mistake can ruin the whole cookie, but don’t worry too much; you can always smooth things over or get creative in hidden ways.
How to Serve Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
These charming cookies can be served in various fun ways. Place them on a festive plate or arrange them in a cookie box tied with a ribbon for gifts. They can be displayed on a dessert table at parties to add a whimsical touch.
You could also consider presenting them alongside warm beverages like hot chocolate or winter-themed punches. Not only do they look appealing, but they also taste delightful with these drinks, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
What to Serve with Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
To create a celebratory atmosphere, pair your Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies with a variety of delightful options. Sugar cookies go nicely with hot chocolate or even an assortment of teas. You could also serve them alongside cupcakes or a winter-themed cake to keep the festive vibe alive.
For a full winter wonderland theme, consider also adding some candy canes or cocoa-dusted marshmallows. This will not only complement the cookies but also create a charming display that guests will appreciate.
How to Store Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
To keep your Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container. It’s best to keep them at room temperature, away from humidity.
If you’ve built a stack of decorated cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They can typically be stored this way for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them before icing. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
To ensure your cookie-making venture is a success, here are a few handy tips. Always give your cookies enough time to cool completely before starting your decorating process. Icing on warm cookies can lead to runny designs and mixed colors.
When making royal icing, use a kitchen scale for the best accuracy in proportions. This will help you achieve the right consistency more easily. If you’re using gel food colors, remember that a tiny amount can go a long way, so add them gradually until you reach your desired shade.
Consider preparing your royal icing in advance and covering it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work. It can save you time and hassle during the decorating process.
Variation
While the pink and purple colors are fun and festive, there’s room to experiment with alternate color themes. You could switch to blue and green for a summer version or stick with classic black and white to make penguins with a more traditional look.
Additionally, you might try using different shaped cookie cutters to add variety to your cookie collection. Creating a mixed batch of desserts can be a delightful surprise for your guests.
Best Time to Make Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies
The best time to make these adorable Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies is during the winter holiday season. They fit perfectly with holiday themes and are great for parties or gatherings.
However, any time of the year is a good time to whip up some fun cookies! Birthdays, classroom parties, or even a good rainy day are perfect occasions to make these cheerful treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whilst baking and decorating your Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies, be cautious of a few common mistakes. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, while not letting the icing set properly will result in drippy designs that lack definition.
Another common mistake is using too much food coloring, which can alter the icing consistency. Use small amounts and gradually add more until you’ve reached the perfect shade. Lastly, ensure your decorating tools are clean and free of old icing to avoid unwanted discoloration.
Nutritional Notes
These cookies are not only fun to bake and decorate, but they are also manageable in terms of nutrition. Sugar cookies can be high in calories and sugar, so moderate your serving sizes if you are keeping an eye on your nutrition.
Experimenting with alternative flour or sugar substitutes can lead to healthier options, allowing for a delightful treat without overindulging in sugars.
FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and chill the cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze it for longer.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies can remain fresh for up to one week.
Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes, decorated cookies can be frozen, but do so carefully. Make sure the icing is completely dry, and then freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container.
Conclusion
Making Pink and Purple Penguin Cookies is a delightful way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy time in the kitchen with family and friends. With simple ingredients and basic tools, you can craft these adorable treats that are sure to bring smiles.
Remember, the key is to have fun and express your creativity throughout the decorating process. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let the fun of cookie baking begin! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones. Happy baking!
