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    Home » Cookies

    Modified: May 10, 2025 · Published: Aug 3, 2015 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Clam Shell Cookies

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    My twins turned 7 last month and to celebrate, we threw a mermaid themed party for them and their girlfriends. You may have seen our Sea Shell Craft and today I will be sharing how to make these adorable Clam Shell Cookies. This is one of our easier cookie recipes since I used pre-made cookies to make them.

    Having a mermaid party or an ocean themed party? Try these Clam Shell Cookies. You guests will be amazed. This cookie recipe is easy to make and will have your guests impressed!

    Clam Shell Cookies

    You will need:

    • Shell shaped cookies and round shortbread cookies
    • Vanilla frosting
    • Blue food coloring
    • Cupcake decorating kits with bags and tips
    • Sixlets white candies

    shell cookie recipe

    I went to many stores and on my third attempt found these brown butter rum cookies from Pepperidge Farm. I realized that I didn't need a fancy cookie for the bottom of the cookie so I found a big package of Sandies which were cheaper and used those for the bottoms. Make sure to get enough packages of the brown butter rum cookies since some were broken and unusable.

    Lay out the bottoms of the cookies on a tray.

    cookies

    Now it's time to mix your frosting. Just mix in enough blue food coloring to get your desired color. Mix thoroughly before you put it into your frosting bag so that there are no steaks in the frosting.

    making blue frosting

    I used a spoon to get the frosting into the bag. The tip that I used for these cookies was open star. Round tips and closed star tips would work as well.

    blue frosting in a piping bag

    Pipe the frosting onto the cookies in a circular fashion then add a white sixlet near the bottom for a pearl.

    clam shell cookie

    Now it is time to add your top cookie. You will want to place it on so that it stays open. This just involves getting it onto the frosting at an angle and holding it there for a few seconds.

    clam shell cookies

    How cute are these clam shell cookies? They were such a big hit at the party! For more party food ideas check out:

    Paint Palette Cookies               

    Circus Popcorn Cupcakes

    FAQs For Clam Shell Cookies

    Can I use a different type of cookie?

    Yes! Any flat, round cookie will work. Vanilla wafers are easiest, but shortbread or sugar cookies would be fun too.

    Do these need to be kept in the fridge?

    Not unless it’s really warm in your kitchen. You can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days.

    Can I make these ahead for a party?

    Absolutely. You can assemble them a day in advance - just wait to add any decorations (like the candy pearl) until close to serving so they stay fresh.

     

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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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