Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with these Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe — they’re whimsical, festive, and downright delicious. I first made these around the holidays when I wanted a treat that was both fun and a little unexpected, and the bright green candy coating against the red velvet inside just stole the show. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which means you can impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.
Whether you’re bringing a dessert to a holiday party or just craving a special seasonal treat for yourself, this Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe hits the spot. I love that it combines the classic cookie and cream cheese mixture with a pop of color and festive charm that’s perfect for festive get-togethers or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but plays a vital role in making the Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos pop in both flavor and presentation. Here are some tips on what to look for when shopping and how they come together so beautifully.
- Red Velvet Oreos: These give the balls that gorgeous red interior and a subtle cocoa flavor that pairs so well with the creamy filling. Make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works wonders here for a smooth, rich binding agent. Softened cream cheese is easier to mix and gives the filling that perfect creamy consistency.
- Green Candy Melts: These create the signature bright green Grinch look. You could also use white chocolate with green food coloring, but candy melts melt more evenly and harden quickly.
- Red Heart Sprinkles: A cute finishing touch that adds contrast and a little festive sweetness on top. You can swap these for any small red sprinkles you love.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe to make it my own, and you should feel free to do the same! It’s easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you’re craving.
- Mint Flavor Twist: I sometimes add a drop of peppermint extract to the cream cheese before mixing; it adds a refreshing holiday vibe and makes the Grinch theme feel even more festive.
- Dairy-Free Version: Try a vegan cream cheese alternative and dairy-free dark chocolate melts if you’re catering to dietary needs. The texture will be slightly different, but still very tasty.
- Chocolate Coating: Swap green candy melts for white chocolate colored green, or even dark chocolate for a richer look—but you’ll lose that classic Grinch glow!
How to Make Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Oreos into Fine Crumbs
Grab a food processor for this part if you have one—it’s so much faster and creates a beautiful fine crumb. Pulse the entire package of Red Velvet Oreos until you get an even, sandy texture. If you don’t have a food processor, place the Oreos in a ziplock bag and gently crush with a rolling pin, but be patient to avoid big chunks.
Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese
Transfer those crumbs to a bowl and add the softened cream cheese. Use a spatula or your hands (clean hands are often my favorite tool here!) to mix everything until it’s fully combined and sticky. You’re looking for a dough-like consistency that holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Form and Chill the Balls
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls—about 1 inch diameter works great. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the balls firm up so they don’t crumble when you dip them in the candy melts.
Step 4: Dip in Melted Green Candy Melts
Melt your green candy melts according to the package instructions—usually microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between works perfectly. Use a fork or toothpick to dip each ball into the melted candy until completely coated. Let any excess drip off before setting it back on the parchment paper. This step is where your Grinch magic happens!
Step 5: Add Red Heart Sprinkles and Let Set
Before the candy coating hardens, sprinkle the tops with red heart sprinkles to create a fun pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Leave the balls to rest until the candy melts have hardened and they’re firm to the touch—usually about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
How to Serve Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe
Garnishes
I love pairing these Oreo balls with extra sprinkles on top to amp up the festive look, especially red hearts, but peppermint bits or edible glitter make for stunning alternatives. For a whimsical touch, you could even add tiny green fondant “hats” or faces with edible markers if you’re feeling creative.
Side Dishes
Since these are sweet and rich, I like to serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or some spiced tea to balance the flavors. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie tray if you want to offer guests a variety of treats without overwhelming their plates.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged these Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe in a wreath shape on a pretty platter, added some faux holly branches, and wrapped the tray with a ribbon. It’s an instant conversation starter! You can also pop them individually in mini cupcake liners or gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and I find the flavor actually develops a bit as the cream cheese and Oreos meld together.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these treats before! Just freeze the uncoated balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, dip them in your melted green candy melts as usual. This way, you can prep ahead and have fresh-looking treats anytime.
Reheating
No need to reheat these little gems since they’re best served cold or at room temperature. If the coating feels too firm from the fridge, let them sit out about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, and your guests will enjoy perfect texture every time.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Oreos instead of Red Velvet Oreos?
Absolutely! Using regular Oreos will still yield delicious Oreo balls, but you’ll lose the vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor that makes the Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe so unique. It’s a fun way to switch things up if needed, just expect a different look and taste.
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How do I prevent the green candy coating from melting the Oreo balls?
Make sure your candy melts aren’t overheated — heat them gently in short bursts and stir frequently. Also, chilling the Oreo balls well before dipping helps them firm up so they hold their shape during coating.
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Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! These are fantastic to make a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container until serving. They hold their shape and flavor beautifully, saving you time on the big day.
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What if I don’t have candy melts?
You can use white chocolate chips and carefully stir in green gel food coloring after melting, though candy melts tend to be easier to work with because they harden smoothly and consistently. Just take your time to avoid seizing the chocolate.
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Can I add peppermint or other flavors?
Definitely! Adding a drop of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture is one of my favorite tweaks to give these Oreo balls a festive kick. Other extracts like vanilla or almond also work well.
Final Thoughts
Making Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe always brings a smile to my face — they’re playful, festive, and a crowd-pleaser in any setting. Whether you’re making them for your own holiday stash or gifting them to friends, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do — these little green balls of joy really do make the season brighter.
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Grinch Oreo Balls with Red Velvet Oreos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 22 Oreo balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Grinch Oreo Balls are a fun and delicious holiday treat made with red velvet Oreos, creamy cream cheese, and coated in vibrant green candy melts. Topped with red heart sprinkles, they bring a playful pop of color and sweetness perfect for Christmas parties or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package Red Velvet Oreos (22 cookies)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 7 oz green candy melts
- Red heart sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Oreo Mixture: Place the Red Velvet Oreos in a food processor and blend until they become fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the Oreo crumbs and mix thoroughly until a smooth, uniform dough forms. This mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into approximately 22 equal-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill Balls: Refrigerate the Oreo balls for about 30 minutes to firm up and make dipping easier.
- Melt Candy Coating: Meanwhile, melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
- Coat Oreo Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted green candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered. Allow excess coating to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately decorate each coated ball with red heart sprinkles before the candy coating sets.
- Set and Serve: Let the coated Oreo balls set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the candy coating hardens. Once set, serve and enjoy these delightful festive treats.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you don’t have a food processor, place Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- You can substitute candy melts with white chocolate and add green food coloring if preferred.
- Store the finished Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Let candy melts cool slightly but still fluid to avoid melting the Oreo balls when dipping.
