If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday treat that combines rich, creamy indulgence with vibrant festive flair, look no further than the Grinch Balls: Festive Red Velvet Oreo Candy Coated Treats Recipe. These irresistibly delicious bites marry the chewy crunch of red velvet Oreos with the smooth tang of cream cheese, all wrapped in a glossy, candy-coated shell of bright green goodness. Topped with adorable red candy hearts, they’re guaranteed to delight guests and spread holiday cheer with every bite. Getting a batch ready is easier than you’d think, making them the perfect festive centerpiece for your cookie platter or holiday party snack table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these delightful Grinch Balls, you only need a handful of simple yet vital ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that signature festive color that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 24.4 ounces Red Velvet Oreos: These cookies provide the deep red color and rich red velvet flavor that give the treat its iconic look and taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, cream cheese adds creamy moisture and helps bind the Oreo crumbs into smooth, moldable balls.
- 15 ounces light green candy melts: The candy coating gives the final Grinch Balls their festive green exterior, sealing in all the deliciousness and adding a sweet, glossy finish.
- Red candy hearts: These fun, bite-sized toppers create a charming contrast and add a pop of extra holiday spirit with their bright red color.
How to Make Grinch Balls: Festive Red Velvet Oreo Candy Coated Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. Having everything organized upfront will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Crush the Red Velvet Oreos
Place the Red Velvet Oreos in a food processor and pulse until you achieve fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, pop the cookies into a sturdy zip closure bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. The finer your crumbs, the smoother your Grinch Balls will be.
Step 3: Soften and Whip the Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy. This step ensures that your mixture will bind together perfectly without lumps.
Step 4: Combine Oreo Crumbs and Cream Cheese
Slowly mix in the Oreo crumbs with the whipped cream cheese until fully combined. Aim for a consistent, malleable dough that holds together easily when pressed.
Step 5: Form the Balls
Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it with your hands into smooth balls. Place these on your parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them evenly.
Step 6: Chill the Balls
Pop the tray into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up the balls. Chilling is crucial for them to hold their shape during the candy coating process.
Step 7: Melt the Candy Coating
Reserve about half a cup of the green candy melts for decorating later. Melt the remaining candy melts in a double boiler over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Be cautious with the heat and avoid any water getting into the candy, as it can seize up and become unusable.
Step 8: Dip the Grinch Balls
Lift each chilled ball using a fork or toothpick, dip it fully into the melted candy, and tap off any excess as you transfer it back onto the parchment paper. This coats each ball in a smooth, vibrant green shell.
Step 9: Add Drizzle and Candy Hearts
If you want that extra flourish, melt the reserved ½ cup of candy melts slowly in short bursts in the microwave using a piping bag, then drizzle over the coated balls. Before the drizzle sets, top each ball with a red candy heart for that festive pop of color and charm.
Step 10: Let Them Set Completely
Return the decorated Grinch Balls to the refrigerator until the candy coating firm to the touch. Then they’re ready to wow your guests!
How to Serve Grinch Balls: Festive Red Velvet Oreo Candy Coated Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra red candy hearts around your serving plate for an extra splash of holiday cheer. You can also add edible glitter or sugar crystals to enhance the festive sparkle of these treats.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet bites with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint coffee to highlight their creamy, rich flavors. They also complement a cheese board nicely, especially with mild cheeses and fresh fruit for a balanced palate experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Grinch Balls in a festive holiday box or stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a bright red ribbon for a delightful gift. Displaying them on a tiered cake stand with holly sprigs and fairy lights makes for an irresistible holiday dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grinch Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and keep the candy coating crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary for this dessert, but if you prefer softer centers, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid heating them in the microwave as it can melt the candy shell.
FAQs
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Red Velvet Oreos?
Absolutely! While using Red Velvet Oreos gives you that iconic color and flavor, classic Oreos will still produce delicious Grinch Balls with a slightly different but equally delightful taste.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! Place the Oreos in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Just aim for fine crumbs to ensure a smooth mixture.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and choose dairy-free candy melts to make this treat accommodating for those with dietary restrictions.
Why do the candy melts seize sometimes?
Candy melts seize when they come into contact with even a small amount of moisture. Make sure your utensils and bowls are completely dry, and melt the candy gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts to avoid overheating.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! The Grinch Balls actually benefit from sitting a few hours to firm up. Prepare them a day ahead, refrigerate to keep fresh, and they’ll still be perfect for your celebration.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Grinch Balls: Festive Red Velvet Oreo Candy Coated Treats Recipe. From the vibrant green coating to the luscious red velvet Oreo interiors and charming candy heart toppers, these treats bring a joyful pop of color and flavor to any holiday gathering. They’re simple enough to make with your favorite people and impressive enough to become a cherished seasonal tradition. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch how these little Grinch Balls steal the show and hearts around your festive table!
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Grinch Balls: Festive Red Velvet Oreo Candy Coated Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
These festive Grinch Balls are a fun and delicious holiday treat made with red velvet Oreos, cream cheese, and coated in light green candy melts. Perfectly creamy and crunchy, they are finished with a cute red candy heart, making them ideal for Christmas celebrations and holiday parties.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 24.4 ounces Red Velvet Oreos (2 packages of 12.2 ounces each, about 44 cookies)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 15 ounces light green candy melts
- Red candy hearts for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the balls from sticking after coating.
- Crush Oreos: Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse several times until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, use a blender or place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Oreo Crumbs and Cream Cheese: Add the Oreo crumbs into the bowl with the cream cheese and mix thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- Form Balls: Use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into smooth balls with your hands. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the balls for at least 2 hours to help them firm up before dipping.
- Reserve Candy Melts: Set aside ½ cup of the green candy melts for later use in creating a decorative drizzle on the balls.
- Melt Candy Coating: Using a double boiler, melt the remaining candy melts over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid overheating or getting water in the melts to prevent seizing.
- Dip Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted candy. Tap off excess coating on the edge of the pot and place the coated balls back on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Drizzle: If desired, melt the reserved ½ cup of candy melts in a microwave-safe piping bag in short bursts on low (defrost) setting, massaging the bag until fully melted.
- Drizzle and Decorate: Snip a small tip off the piping bag and drizzle the candy over the coated balls. Immediately top each with a red candy heart before the drizzle sets.
- Set the Coating: Return the decorated balls to the refrigerator until the coating is completely set and firm.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing.
- Be very careful with melting candy melts; avoid any water contact and overheating to prevent the candy from seizing.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the balls from sticking during cooling.
- Store finished Grinch Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- These treats are best served chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (melting candy and dipping)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
