1-First Step: Separate and prep the cookies Start by separating some chocolate sandwich cookies and scraping out the filling. This gives you clean cookie halves to work with. Place one cookie half on a cutting board and use a careful sawing motion to cut three slices from the edge of each cookie half. Go slow here, since a quick back-and-forth motion works better than pressing down hard. If some pieces break, save them for a snack.

2-Second Step: Shape the wings Cut each slice in half to create wings. You will usually get a few wing pieces from each cookie half, which is why this recipe is so handy for batch making. Broken pieces are fine and can be eaten during prep, especially if kids are helping. Try to keep the wing pieces roughly even so the penguins look balanced when attached.

3-Third Step: Melt the white candy Place a small handful of white melting candies into a plastic sandwich bag. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, kneading between each round until the candy is fully melted and smooth. If the candy gets thick, knead it again before reheating for a few seconds. A very small amount of candy works best because it melts faster and is easier to manage.

4-Fourth Step: Create a piping tip Snip a tiny corner off the bag to pipe the melted candy. Keep the opening very small so you have better control when piping the glue-like candy. This helps you place the eyes, beak, feet, and wings without making a mess. If the hole is too big, the candy can spread too quickly and cover the details.

5-Fifth Step: Add the penguin belly Pipe melted candy onto the back of a white melting candy piece and place it near the bottom of a cookie half to form the penguin’s belly. Press lightly so it sticks well. This white center is what gives Oreo Penguins their classic look, and it makes the design easy to recognize right away.

6-Sixth Step: Build the face Attach two candy eyeballs above the belly with melted candy. Then attach one heart sprinkle below the eyes for the beak. For a sweet holiday look, place the heart with the point facing downward. This tiny detail gives the penguin a playful personality and makes the treat extra cute on a dessert tray.

7-Seventh Step: Add the feet and wings Attach two upside-down heart sprinkles at the bottom for feet using melted candy. If you want wings, attach them on each side with a small dab of melted candy. The wings are optional, but they really help the penguins look more finished and fun. This step is also where the broken pieces from earlier can come in handy if you need a few extra wing shapes.

8-Eighth Step: Let them set Let the assembled cookies set undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until the candy is fully set. Place them on parchment paper or a clean tray so they do not stick. Once the candy hardens, the penguins are ready to serve. The total preparation time is about 30 minutes, which makes this a great last-minute holiday treat.