A little anxious about what this February 2nd will predict? Well, we've got the perfect remedy to warm your heart and get you ready for spring. These groundhog day cookies, a homemade and store-bought version, are the perfect recipe to satisfy that sweet tooth and brighten up an otherwise normal day.
If you love this, you will also love our groundhog day cupcakes, groundhog day books for kids, groundhog day party and groundhog pancakes.
Whether you have the time to whip up a batch of simple, comforting no-bake cookies or would rather frost a few macaroons and call it a day, these groundhog cookie recipes will brighten your kiddos day. Perfect for school lunches a sweet treat after school, you can't go wrong with a few chocolate cookies.
After a season of Christmas wreath cookies and Christmas Oreo truffles, it's nice to regroup and relax during the month of January. But boy am I always eager for an early spring which is why I like to do something a little extra for groundhogs day.
You can serve these easy cookies with a cup of festive hot cocoa if you live somewhere chilly or a cranberry mocktail if you live somewhere warm. The simple, yet decadent chocolate cookie pairs well with so many fun drinks.
Why you'll love these adorable groundhog cookies
- They're the perfect way to celebrate the otherwise overlooked holiday
- Depending on what season you're hoping for, customize them with green sprinkles or white sprinkles
- They make the perfect after school treat
- You can get the kiddos involved in the baking or decorating process
- If you're on a time crunch, the macaroons can be done in under 5 minutes
The ingredients
While you only need macaroons, frosting, and teddy grahams for the store-bought version, here's what you'll need for the no bake cookie recipe.
- Cocoa powder - I like to use Hershey's especially dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Peanut butter - Creamy peanut butter works best.
- Milk - Any type of milk will work for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract
- Oatmeal - Quick oats work best. Rolled oats will work in a pinch but you may need to use less liquid.
How to make no-bake groundhog day cookies
Step 1: Boil
In a medium saucepan on medium heat, bring milk, butter, cocoa powder, and sugar to a boil. Let boil for one minute before removing from heat.
Step 2: Mix
Mix in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the peanut butter is melted and smooth. Then, stir in the oats until combined.
Step 3: Shape
Add small amounts of dough to a prepared cookie sheet. Let the dough rest until somewhat set, but still shapeable. Shape the dough into a mound and use a large straw to make a hole in the center.
Step 4: The groundhog
Assemble the chocolate groundhog by tearing off two pieces of a tootsie roll and using them as ears. Stick the ears, along with a black candy ball for a nose, onto the tootsie rolls. Draw in eyes with white and black frosting.
Save this post for later!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
You can make a lot of little groundhogs while the adorable cookies are setting. If you're hoping for an early spring, feel free to decorate with green frosting or green sprinkles for grass.
Step 5: Top
Place the cute little groundhog in the top of the cookie, let set for another 8-10 minutes, and serve.
Pro tip: Chill the dough for a few minutes before shaping into mounds. This will make the shaping process so much easier.
How to make groundhog day macaroons
If you don't have time to make a batch of no bake cookies, feel free to use store bought macaroons instead. It couldn't be easier to throw these cookies together and serve!
Step 1: Frost
Frost each macaroon with chocolate frosting. Using a piping bag makes this much easier.
Step 2: Top
Top each cookie with a chocolate teddy graham and serve!
Pro tip: I like to use chocolate macaroons, but you can use white or green macaroons to represent more weeks of winter or early spring.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cute groundhog day cookies a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and serve on Groundhog's day! Make sure the no bake cookies have set completely before storing.
Storage
Storing - Store both cookies in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. For the macaroons, make sure that the frosting has hardened before storing. For the no bake cookies, ensure they are completely set before storing.
Freezing - You can freeze the no bake cookie dough and thaw in the fridge when you're ready to serve. I recommend shaping them into mounds before freezing to make serving easier.
More recipes you'll love
- Although groundhog day is great, I think the best part about February is Valentine's day and these red velvet cake mix cookies.
- Like these cookies, making a batch of frosted ginger cookies is so much fun
- These Valentine's cake pops are another favorite recipe during the month of February.
- Hosting a groundhog day party has been such a fun tradition these last few years. Brings so much joy to the often overlooked day.
Groundhog Day Cookies
Ingredients
No Bake Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick oats
Macaroons
- 1 package macaroons chocolate or your favorite
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting store bought or homemade will work
- 1 package chocolate teddy grahams
Instructions
No Bake Cookies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside
- Add the butter, sugar, milk and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for roughly one minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until peanut butter is smooth. Then, add the oats until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheets, and let sit at room temperature for roughly 3-5 minutes until someone cooled, but not completely hardened.
- Make a hole the center of each cookie using a large straw. Put the edible groundhog in the no-bake cookie mound. Let the cookies cool like this until set.
Macaroons
- Frost each macaroon using a piping bag.
- Add the teddy graham to the top of the frosting and serve.
Holly says
This was my first year celebrating Ground Hogs Day and I’m hooked! We made the no bake cookie recipe and my kids loved it! Can’t wait to celebrate Ground Hogs Day every year.