How to Make Fun OREO Cookie Turkeys in Minutes
Craft cute OREO cookie turkeys for Thanksgiving. Quick, easy, and perfect for kids. Impress your guests with these sweet treats! This post may contain affiliate links.
Why You'll Love It
OREO Cookie Turkeys aren't just another holiday treat; they're a delightful experience that brings joy to any gathering.
These little turkey cookies stand out with their colorful candy corn feathers and googly candy eyes, making them a must-have for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. Let’s explore why these treats will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Easy to Make
Who needs complicated recipes when you can whip these up in just 20 minutes?
- No Baking Required: Save time and effort by skipping the oven.
- Simple Ingredients: With only a handful of common items, you're all set to start decorating.
- Kid-Friendly: Let the little ones join in the fun! This is a perfect chance to spark their creativity.
Deliciously Fun
OREO Cookie Turkeys are not just cute—they're tasty too!
- Chocolatey Goodness: The dark chocolate adds a rich layer that complements the classic OREO crunch.
- Sweet and Salty Mix: Candy corn adds a sweet contrast to the cookie, while Reese’s Pieces provide a salty touch.
- Textures Galore: From crunchy to chewy, every bite is a delightful discovery.
Great for Gifting
Share your creation with others and spread the holiday cheer.
- Personal Touch: Hand-crafted gifts show you care and thought about the receiver.
- Easy Packaging: Stack them in a fun container with some tissue paper, and you’ve got a gift ready to go.
- Long-Lasting: They store well, making them perfect for early planning.
Ingredients Needed
- OREO Cookies (any flavor or variety)
- Candy corn
- Dark chocolate melting wafers
- Candy eyeballs
- Orange Reese’s Pieces
- Red cookie icing
How to Make OREO Cookie Turkeys
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of dark chocolate wafers. Use the low or defrost setting and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each time until it's smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Line a baking tray or cutting board with parchment paper. Carefully take apart the OREO cookies and lay them on top.
Add a bit of melted chocolate to half the cookies. Work with 4-6 cookies at a time so the chocolate doesn’t harden too soon.
Place 5 candy corn pieces on top of the chocolate to look like turkey feathers. Press them down gently. Add extra chocolate if needed to make them stick.
Put the other cookie halves on top of the candy corn feathers.
Use the back of a skewer to dip into the melted chocolate. Dab a little on the cookie where the eyes will go.
Quickly place the candy eyes on the melted chocolate. Press gently to stick them. Do this with the rest of the cookies.
Dip the skewer in chocolate again. Use it to add a tiny dot under the eyes for the beak.
Place half a Reese’s Pieces on top of the chocolate. Do this for all the prepared cookies.
Pipe red icing on one side to make the turkey’s wattle.
Put the finished tray in the fridge so everything sets.
Tips and Tricks
Use the Right Equipment
Having the right tools will make your creation process smoother and more enjoyable. Here's what you'll need:
- Parchment Paper: This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and keep your workstation clean.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Essential for melting chocolate without burning it.
- Small Skewer: Perfect for precision work like attaching candy eyeballs and beaks.
Choose the Best Ingredients
While you can mix and match with different options, selecting the right ingredients helps in achieving great taste and appearance:
- OREO Cookies: Any flavor works, but regular or Double Stuf hold the decorations best.
- Chocolate Wafers: Dark chocolate is a favorite, but feel free to swap in milk or white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Candy Embellishments: Candy eyeballs and Reese’s Pieces add fun details to your turkeys.
Make Setting Easier
To avoid mess and hassle, follow these tips for setting your turkeys:
- Work in Batches: Decorate 4-6 cookies at a time to keep your chocolate from hardening too quickly.
- Refrigerate for Quick Set: Once assembled, pop them in the fridge so the chocolate sets nice and firm.
Perfecting the Feather Arrangement
Getting those candy corn feathers just right can be tricky, but here's how to master it:
- Press Gently: Apply a little pressure to press the candy corn into the chocolate without breaking them.
- Adjust as Needed: If a candy corn feels loose, add a tiny dab of chocolate to secure it.
Storage Solutions
Proper storage ensures your OREO Cookie Turkeys stay fresh and tasty:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
- Refrigeration: This can extend their freshness for up to a month.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.
Variations and Substitutions
Who knew OREO cookies could be transformed into cute turkeys? With a few creative tweaks, you can customize these delightful treats to suit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s explore some delightful variations and substitutions.
Cookie Options
The type of OREO you choose can set the stage for your turkey cookies. Want something different? How about:
- Flavors: Try Mint, Birthday Cake, or even Golden OREOs for a unique twist.
- Stuf Levels: Regular and Double Stuf work best, but stay away from Mega Stuf to avoid a sticky mess.
Chocolate Alternatives
If dark chocolate isn't your favorite, fear not! There are plenty of substitutes:
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Offers a similar richness with a touch of sweetness.
- Milk or White Chocolate: Perfect for a creamier, sweeter alternative.
Candy Corn Swaps
Candy corn gives these turkeys their feathers, but you can also try:
- Fruity Candies: Use colorful gummy candies for a fun pop of color.
- Pretzel Sticks: For a less sugary option, these can work as whimsical feathers.
Eye-Catching Options
Candy eyeballs are adorable, but you can also try:
- Mini Chocolate Chips: These can be stuck on with a dab of chocolate for a cute look.
- Edible Eyes: Available in many baking aisles, they add a quirky character.
Beak Tweaks
Reese’s Pieces are the classic choice, but there are other tasty ideas:
- M&Ms, Chocolate, or Peanut Butter Chips: Add a different flavor profile.
- Candy Corn Tips: Just snip the tips off for a perfect beak size.
Wattle Wonders
For the signature touch, pipe the wattle with something sweet:
- Red Frosting or Candy Melts: Transfer into a piping bag and create the wattle with ease.
- Fruit Leather Strips: Cut into thin strips for a chewy, fruity addition.
FAQs About Making OREO Cookie Turkeys
What Types of OREO Can I Use?
You might wonder if you need a specific type of OREO for these adorable turkeys. The truth is, any flavor or variety works! Whether you prefer the classic OREO, Golden OREO, or even Mint OREO, all are welcome. Just keep in mind that Mega Stuf might be a bit too messy since the cream tends to ooze out.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Absolutely, flexibility is part of the fun! If you don't have dark chocolate melting wafers, feel free to use:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Milk chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
Similarly, if you're out of Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms or chocolate chips work great for the turkey's beak. Remember, creativity in the kitchen often leads to scrumptious surprises.
How Long Will They Keep?
Wondering how to store these delightful treats? It's quite simple.
- Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container, and they'll be fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Refrigerator: Stored airtight, they can last up to 4 weeks.
- Freezer: For an extended shelf life, freezing is also an option. Just thaw them properly before serving.
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Set Properly?
Using chocolate to hold everything together can be tricky, but patience is key. Melt the chocolate gently in short intervals to avoid burning. Allow it to cool slightly before application, which helps it solidify better when placed in the refrigerator.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- The Best Turkey Charcuterie Board to Make For Thanksgiving
- Add Nutter Butter Acorns To Your Autumn Agenda
- 12 Amazing Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving
OREO Turkey Cookies
Craft cute OREO cookie turkeys for Thanksgiving. Quick, easy, and perfect for kids. Impress your guests with these sweet treats!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of dark chocolate melting wafers on a low or
defrost setting in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until
smooth. Set aside and let cool for a few minutes. - Line a baking tray or cutting board with parchment paper, then carefully separate
the OREO cookies and place them on top - Add a small amount of melted chocolate to the top of half of the cookies. It’s best to work in batches of 4-6 cookies at a time to prevent the chocolate from setting before you finish
decorating. - Place 5 candy corn pieces on top to create the turkey's feathers and gently press
them down to help them stick. If necessary, add a small amount of additional
chocolate on top to help hold everything together. - Place the remaining cookie halves on top of the feathers. Using
the back of the skewer, dip into the melted chocolate and dab a little on the cookie to adhere
the eyes. - Immediately place the candy eyeballs on top of the melted chocolate and gently press down
to adhere it. Repeat on the remaining cookies. - Dip the skewer into the melted chocolate once more and use it to add a small dab of
chocolate underneath the two eyes to create the beak. - Quickly place a Reese’s Pieces
half on top. Repeat with the remaining prepared OREO Cookies - Pipe the red decorative icing onto one side to create the turkey's wattle or snood.
- Transfer the completed OREO Cookie Turkey tray over to the refrigerator to finish setting.
Nutrition Information
Yield 24 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 173Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 67mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 1gSugar 22gProtein 1g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.