Turn store bought treats into adorably cute Snack Cake Penguins. They are super fun treats to serve at Christmas, for a zoo themed party, or a wintertime event. Kids will love them.
O.K. I really don't celebrate Christmas in the summer, but I just couldn't keep this idea to myself and thought that aΒ Christmas in July post was the perfect excuse for me to share these silly snack cake penguins with you.
Recently I sat with a box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls and contemplated the edible craft possibilities. I studied the shape of the cakes and quickly realized that they look like paper towel rolls. So I did a quick internet search for crafts made using these cardboard tubes. One of my favorite ideas, transformed the rolls into penguins.
I figured if you can make a penguin using a cardboard tube, paper and glue, I could create an edible version using a snack cake, candy and frosting.
People ask me all the time how my mind works...this is it =)
Once this idea was conceived, it took me mere minutes to turn my Swiss Roll into a penguin with orange slice feet, a marshmallow Β belly, Tootsie Roll wings, candy eyes, and an orange slice beak. I even added licorice feathers on one penguin's head. Don't ya just love 'em?
This project is as easy as the paper tube version, and if an adult cuts out the candy, even a young child could have fun creating his/her own sweet little penguin snack cake.
Snack Cake Penguins

- 1 chocolate roll snack cakes Little Debbie Swiss Rolls or something similar
- 1 orange slices/orange gumdrops
- 1 marshmallows
- 1 Tootsie Rolls
- 2 edible eyes
- frosting or use Nutella, peanut butter or melted chocolate
- optional black licorice laces
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Flatten an orange slice into an even ΒΌ" thickness.
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Cut two feet and a beak.
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Cut a thin slice from each end of a marshmallow.
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Flatten a soft Tootsie Roll then roll it out thin.
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Cut two wings from the Tootsie Roll.
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Attach the candy decorations to the snack cake with frosting.
Supplies:
kitchen shears or a knife
rolling pin
optional: mini egg shaped or oval cookie cutter
optional: toothpick
Instructions:Β
Flatten an orange slice into an even ΒΌ" thickness. Using kitchen shears or knife, cut two feet and a beak from the orange slice.Cut a thin slice from each end of a marshmallow. Eat the center piece or save for your hot cocoa.
Soften a Tootsie Roll in the microwave on high for 5 seconds. (This wont be necessary if you are fortunate enough to have really soft candies.) Roll your candy out thin. Cut two wings out using a cookie cutter, kitchen shears or a knife. Stretch the oval into a longer curved wing.
Attach all of the candy decorations to the snack cake with frosting making sure the orange slice feet go all the way to the back edge of the snack cake or your penguins will topple over. Add licorice feathers by poking pieces of black licorice laces into the penguins head. You can poke holes with a toothpick first if you need to.
Keep your penguins stored in an airtight container. While most penguins like the cold, these little guys prefer a nice balmy 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep them out of your refrigerator.
Nestle your penguins in a snowy scene, by sprinkling sugar onto a serving platter.
Items used to create this project can be purchased on Amazon.com (commission received for purchases)

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Heather - Chickabug
Great photos! I love the one that shows all the parts ready for assembly. I can't wait to make these cute little guys! : )
beth
Are you feeling a little like Christmas in July! It's so hot here that those penguins sitting in the snow look very appealing to me. These are definitely a fun and easy project to do, and I hope you enjoy making them.
Daysinwiththekids
I love these! Will definitely try to make them this Christmas! Thanks!
http://livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com/
Oh my gosh I love these and all of your cute ideas! So clever!
Anonymous
I teach 3rd grade and this week's story is a nonfiction penguin selection and these are so adorable I think we'll have to make them Friday! Thanks for sharing. The kids will love these!!!
Tiffany@Fizzy Party!
Adorableness! I'm so glad you shared these now. LOVE the one with the hair.
Jess@Coxs Corner
I am in love with these! They are SO cute! I'm so pinning them so I can find them later! π I'm also your newest follower! I LOVE your ideas and can't wait to see more!
Kelly Rowe
Hi Beth! We didn't get a chance to actually meet at the St. Louis Food Media Forum. Thanks for the PB Starfish and the little attached tag. That's how I was able to find you π Are you in St. Louis?? Look forward to connecting. Have a fabulous week!
Beth Jackson Klosterboer
Hi Kelly, I sure wish I could have had a chance to meet everyone but it was a jam packed weekend. I had a great time and really learned a lot. I'm glad you enjoyed the starfis. I can't wait to find time to visit everyone's blog.
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com)
Beth, these are darling! Seriously these are super cute! Thanks for sharing them at TGIF!
Beth =-)
Sue
So cute! The things you do with snack cakes:)
Trish
BETH! I'm totally making these! Swiss Rolls just got added to my grocery list π Sharing on Facebook now! Oh yeah, and pinning of course π
Michelle
Aww, how fun! These would be cute for a winter themed birthday party!