Grinch Oreo Balls: Easy Holiday Treat Recipe
Introduction
Grinch OREO Balls are a fun and festive holiday treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Combining crushed OREO cookies and cream cheese, these bite-sized sweets are coated in vibrant green candy melts and topped with a festive red heart. Perfect for holiday parties or festive gifts!
Ingredients
- 36 OREO cookies (1 standard 14.3 oz package)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 12 oz green candy melts or white chocolate + green gel coloring
- Red heart sprinkles or red M&M minis, heart-shaped
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the OREOs into fine crumbs using a food processor. There is no need to remove the filling.
- Step 2: Add the softened cream cheese to the crushed OREOs and pulse until fully combined, forming a sticky dough.
- Step 3: Scoop the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Step 4: Melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Step 5: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip the chilled balls into the melted green coating. Place them back on the tray and quickly add a red candy heart before the coating sets.
- Step 6: Allow the coated balls to set by chilling them in the fridge or letting them rest at room temperature until firm.
Tips & Variations
- If green candy melts are unavailable, melt white chocolate and color it with green gel food coloring for a similar look.
- Use heart-shaped candies or small festive sprinkles to personalize the decoration.
- For easier rolling, lightly wet your hands or use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly.
Storage
Store the Grinch OREO Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them chilled or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie instead of OREOs?
Yes, you can substitute the OREO cookies with any chocolate sandwich cookies, but the classic OREO flavor is what makes these treats special.
What should I do if my candy melts seize or get grainy?
Try stirring in a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to smooth out the candy melts. Be careful not to add too much, as it can alter the coating consistency.
Print
Grinch Oreo Balls: Easy Holiday Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 36 OREO balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these fun and festive Grinch OREO Balls! Made with crushed OREO cookies mixed with cream cheese, dipped in vibrant green candy melts, and topped with red heart sprinkles or candies, these no-bake treats are perfect for parties or gift-giving. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they combine rich chocolate and creamy textures with a playful holiday twist.
Ingredients
OREO Mixture
- 36 OREO cookies (1 standard 14.3 oz package)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Coating and Decoration
- 12 oz green candy melts or white chocolate with green gel food coloring
- Red heart sprinkles or red M&M minis (heart-shaped)
Instructions
- Crush OREOs: Place all the OREO cookies into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. The filling of the cookies does not need to be removed and adds to the flavor and texture.
- Mix with cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the crushed OREOs in the food processor. Pulse until fully combined, forming a sticky, dough-like mixture.
- Shape and chill: Scoop the mixture by tablespoonfuls and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
- Melt candy coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the green candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt white chocolate and tint with green gel coloring.
- Dip and decorate: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled OREO ball completely into the green candy coating. Set back onto the parchment-lined tray and promptly add a red candy heart on top before the coating sets to create the festive Grinch look.
- Let set: Allow the coated balls to chill in the refrigerator or rest at room temperature until the coating is firm and fully set. Store the finished OREO balls in the fridge to keep fresh until serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth dough.
- If green candy melts are unavailable, melt white chocolate and add green gel food coloring for the coating.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Feel free to customize decorations with other holiday-themed sprinkles or candies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grinch OREO Balls, holiday treats, no-bake dessert, Christmas snack, candy-coated, festive recipe, OREO dessert
