These Christmas Grinch Oreo Balls are a fun and festive holiday treat inspired by everyone’s favorite green character! With a smooth, creamy Oreo filling and a green candy coating, each ball is topped with a red candy heart for that perfect Grinchy touch. They’re easy to make and a great addition to any holiday dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: Bright green coating with a red heart makes these treats extra festive for Christmas.
- No-Bake Dessert: Simple to make without any baking, these are perfect for busy holiday prep.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun for kids to help make, decorate, and, of course, enjoy!
- Great for Gifting: Package them in a festive box or bag for a cute holiday gift.
Ingredients
- 24.4 oz Red Velvet Oreos (about 2 packages)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 oz light green candy melts
- Red candy hearts (or mini Christmas sprinkles)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Crush the Oreos
- Place the Oreos in a food processor and blend until they form fine crumbs.
- Alternatively, place the Oreos in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the crushed Oreos to the cream cheese and mix until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
- Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the Oreo mixture and roll each into a ball.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Chill
- Refrigerate the Oreo balls for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up for dipping.
Step 6: Melt the Candy
- In a double boiler, melt the green candy melts over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, microwave the candy melts in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted.
Step 7: Dip Each Ball
- Remove the Oreo balls from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each Oreo ball into the melted candy, tapping gently to remove excess coating.
- Place the dipped balls back on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Decorate
- While the coating is still wet, place a red candy heart or festive sprinkle on each Oreo ball to complete the Grinchy look.
Step 9: Set
- Refrigerate the finished Oreo balls until the candy coating is fully set, about 20-30 minutes.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Food processor (or rolling pin and ziplock bag)
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Fork or dipping tool
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Arrange the Grinch Oreo Balls on a festive holiday platter, or serve alongside other Christmas treats like sugar cookies or peppermint bark.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These Oreo balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Change the Filling Flavor: Use classic Oreos or mint-flavored Oreos for a different taste.
- Add Crushed Candy Canes: For a holiday twist, mix in a few crushed candy canes for a minty flavor.
- Alternate Coating Colors: Use red or white candy melts for a different look, or drizzle additional green candy melts for texture.
Helpful Notes
- Chill the Balls Thoroughly: Ensure the Oreo balls are well-chilled before dipping to help the coating set quickly.
- Smooth Candy Coating: Melt candy slowly to avoid overheating, which can make it thick. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil if needed to thin the melted candy.
- Use a Fork for Dipping: A fork or dipping tool helps remove excess coating, preventing puddling at the base.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ree Drummond’s Candy Tip: Use a quality food-grade candy melt for the best consistency and smoothest coating.
Martha Stewart’s Gift-Giving Tip: Package Oreo balls in small, festive boxes with tissue paper for a cute, homemade gift that looks professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of Oreo?
Yes, you can use any flavor of Oreos you prefer. Regular, chocolate, or mint Oreos work well.
Why aren’t my candy melts smooth?
Candy melts can sometimes seize if overheated. Try melting slowly, or add a small amount of coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, they can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Do I have to refrigerate the Oreo balls after making them?
Yes, it’s best to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness and keep the chocolate firm.
Can I use food coloring to dye white chocolate green?
Using pre-colored candy melts is easiest, but you can color white chocolate with oil-based food coloring, which won’t cause the chocolate to seize.
These Christmas Grinch Oreo Balls are a festive, fun treat with a deliciously creamy center and crunchy coating. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re a creative addition to holiday parties or a wonderful gift to spread some holiday cheer!
PrintChristmas Grinch Oreo Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Description
These Christmas Grinch Oreo Balls are as delightful to eat as they are festive to look at! With a red velvet Oreo center and a smooth green candy coating, each ball is adorned with a little red heart, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holidays. Their soft, creamy texture and sweet taste make them a hit with both kids and adults, bringing a cheerful, Grinch-inspired touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 24.4 oz Red Velvet Oreos (about 2 packages)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 oz light green candy melts
- Red candy hearts (or mini-Christmas sprinkles)
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Crush the Oreos: Use a food processor to blend the Oreos into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place the Oreos in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the crushed Oreos and blend until fully combined.
- Shape the Balls: Use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll each scoop into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the Oreo balls for at least 2 hours to allow them to set and firm up.
- Melt the Candy: In a double boiler, melt the green candy melts over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip Each Ball: Dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted candy, tapping gently to remove excess coating, and return to the baking sheet.
- Decorate: (Optional) Drizzle additional melted candy on top for a decorative touch. Place a red candy heart or festive sprinkles on each Oreo ball.
- Set: Refrigerate the finished Oreo balls until the coating is fully set.
Notes
- Chill the Balls Thoroughly: Ensure the Oreo balls are well-chilled before dipping to help the coating set quickly.
- Smooth Candy Coating: Melt candy slowly to avoid overheating, which can make it thick. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil if needed to thin the melted candy.
- Use a Fork for Dipping: A fork or dipping tool helps remove excess coating, preventing puddling at the base.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Chill Time: 2 Hours