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Grinch Truffles – The Best Christmas Treat

Dive into the playful side of holiday indulgence with these Grinch Truffles, a merry fusion of golden Oreos and cream cheese cloaked in festive green chocolate and adorned with a whimsical red heart. Unwrap the magic of these mischievously delightful treats that are sure to steal a piece of even the Grinch’s heart.

Pile of Grinch Truffles on a plate with a bite missing from one truffle.

I love whipping up homemade truffles, and these Grinch Oreo Truffles are the latest star of my kitchen escapades. With simple ingredients like golden Oreos and cream cheese, making them has become a favorite Christmas tradition. Roll ’em, dip ’em in green chocolate, slap on a cute red heart – and voilà, you’ve got the perfect sweet treat that’s also a killer gift idea. Because who wouldn’t want a taste of Grinchy goodness during the holidays? It’s my go-to easy for spreading that homemade cheer!

If you’re also a fan of homemade truffles, be sure to check out these fun Gingerbread Truffles or these Classic Oreo Balls

Pile of Grinch Truffles with bite missing from the top truffle.

Ingredients for Grinch Truffles

  • Package of Golden Oreo Cookies – Adds a buttery, vanilla-kissed base for a perfect sweetness.
  • Cream cheese – Brings a rich and creamy texture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for best results.
  • Light green candy melts – Provides the signature Grinchy color and a decadent, silky coating.
  • Vegetable shortening – Ensures a smooth and glossy finish on the truffles.
  • Heart sprinkles – Adds a festive touch with vibrant red, capturing the mischievous spirit of the Grinch.
Ingredients displayed on counter.

Making the Grinch Truffles

  1. Prepare the workspace – Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the truffles to set.
  2. Crush and mix – In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs. Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, and use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until the cream cheese is evenly distributed, creating a smooth blend.
Collage showing four steps to make the truffles.
  1. Shape and freeze – Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze the truffle balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Melt the candy coating – Combine the light green candy melts and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals at 50% power until smooth.
  3. Dip and drizzle – Using a fork, dip the frozen truffle balls into the melted candy melts one by one, coating them evenly. Gently tap off the excess chocolate and return the coated truffles to the baking sheet. For a finishing touch, drizzle any leftover candy melts over the truffles in a zig-zag pattern, and immediately add a red heart sprinkle to the top of each truffle.
  4. Set in the fridge – Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes or until the candy coating is set. Once they’re ready, indulge in these Grinch-inspired delights!
Collage showing four steps to decorate the truffles.

Variations and substitutions

Oreo flavor swap – Shake things up by experimenting with different-flavored Oreos. Whether it’s regular, peanut butter, mint, or lemon Oreos, each variation brings its own unique twist to the truffles. Of course, if you were lucky enough to get your hands on some red velvet Oreos when they were rereleased this Fall, those would make perfect Grinch truffles.

Gluten-free – Use gluten-free sandwich cookies instead of Golden Oreos to make the truffles gluten-free. Be sure to double-check that your candy melts and sprinkles are also gluten-free. Most of the time, they are, but it is always best to check the packaging.

Mint twist – Embrace the classic holiday flavor by adding a hint of mint extract to the cream cheese mixture, creating a refreshing twist reminiscent of mint chocolate chip. This aromatic addition not only elevates the truffles with a festive touch but also brings a timeless taste of the season to every delightful bite.

Chocolate exploration – Ditch the green candy melts and try melted chocolate instead. White chocolate or almond bark, colored with oil-based green food coloring, can be used. Just remember, it’s crucial to use oil-based food coloring to prevent the chocolate from seizing. Regular liquid and gel food colors contain water, which does not mix well with chocolate. Oil-based food colors can be found in specialty baking stores or online.

Close-up of Grinch truffles laid out in a row.

Tips for success

  • Freezing for firmness – After rolling the truffle balls, freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for maintaining their shape during the dipping process. If the balls are too soft, they might lose their form and fall apart when being dipped.
  • Vegetable shortening – Add vegetable shortening to the candy melts for a smoother consistency, making the dipping process easier. This addition helps to thin out the candy melts, ensuring a velvety coating on each truffle.
  • Quick fix for hardened melts – If the candy melts harden before you finish dipping all the truffles, don’t worry. Pop them back in the microwave at 50% power for 20-30 seconds to restore their dipping-friendly texture.
  • Decorate quickly – Move swiftly when adding the heart sprinkle to the zig-zag drizzle. The chocolate hardens quickly on the frozen truffle balls. Consider drizzling the chocolate on 2-3 truffles at a time and then promptly adding the sprinkle. If the chocolate sets before you can add the sprinkle, no problem – dab a small amount of the melted candy melts on the back of the sprinkle to adhere it to the truffle. Being nimble is key to achieving that perfect, festive finish!
Pile of truffles on a plate.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

The truffles can be frozen for up to three months. Place a piece of parchment paper between the layers before freezing to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw the truffles in the refrigerator before enjoying them.

Grinch Truffles FAQs

Can I melt the candy melts without a microwave?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a microwave, you can melt the candy melts using a double boiler. Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the candy melts until they achieve a smooth consistency for dipping.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, these truffles are best made in advance. You can prepare the truffle mixture, shape the balls, and freeze them for up to a week. For the perfect texture and appearance, it’s recommended to coat the truffles the day before serving or packaging, ensuring the chocolate coating sets beautifully. So, feel free to get a head start on these festive treats!

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No worries! You can still make these Grinch Truffles if you don’t have a food processor. Simply place the Golden Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and proceed with the cream cheese blending using a sturdy spatula or hand mixer until smooth. Easy peasy!

Pile of Grinch Truffles with bite missing from the top truffle.

Want more festive treats for the holiday season?

Check out these fun recipes.

Love these easy Grinch truffles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Close-up of Grinch truffles laid out in a row.

Grinch Truffles – The Best Christmas Treat

Author: Mandy
In the spirit of holiday mischief, these Grinch Truffles are a playful fusion of creamy centers, vibrant green coatings, and charming red hearts. Simple to make ahead, they bring mischievous delight to festive celebrations!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30 Truffles
Calories

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (13.29 ounce) package of Golden Oreos 33 cookies, not Thins or Double Stuffed
  • 1 (8 ounce) packet of cream cheese room temperature
  • 3 cups light green candy melts about 1 pound
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
  • 30 heart sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Pulse the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor.
  • Add the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese to a large bowl. Beat the crushed cookies and cream cheese with an electric mixer until the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the cookies and the mixture is smooth.
  • Roll 1 tablespoon scoops of the mixture into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  • Add the candy melts and shortening to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second increments at 50% power until smooth.
  • Use a fork to dip the frozen truffle balls in the candy melts one at a time. Return the dipped truffles to the baking tray.
  • Once the truffles have been dipped, add the leftover candy melts to a small piping bag with a small tip. Drizzle the candy melts over the truffles in a zig-zag pattern, and immediately add a heart sprinkle to the top of each truffle.
  • Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes or until the candy coating is set.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • The truffles can be frozen for up to three months. Place a piece of parchment paper between the layers before freezing to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw the truffles in the refrigerator before enjoying them.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.

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