Grinch Truffles are a whimsical holiday treat inspired by the beloved green character from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Made with a simple Oreo and cream cheese filling, dipped in festive green candy coating, and topped with a signature red heart sprinkle, these no-bake truffles are perfect for holiday dessert trays, gift boxes, or festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These truffles are irresistibly rich, incredibly easy to make, and visually striking with their vibrant green exterior and single red heart. With only a few ingredients and no baking required, they’re a fun and accessible dessert project for both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a themed treat, Grinch Truffles deliver charm and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package Oreo cookies (36 cookies)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz green candy melts
- Red heart sprinkles
Directions
- Blend: Place Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Add softened cream cheese and blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Form Balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Coat: Melt the green candy melts according to package instructions. Dip each chilled ball into the melted candy, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork to lift and allow excess coating to drip off. Place back on the parchment paper.
- Decorate: Quickly press a red heart sprinkle on top of each truffle before the coating sets.
- Chill: Refrigerate the finished truffles until fully firm, about 20–30 minutes. Store chilled until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 truffles.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Different Flavors: Use flavored Oreos like mint or red velvet for a twist.
- Chocolate Coating: Substitute the green candy melts with white chocolate tinted green using oil-based food coloring.
- No Heart Sprinkles? Use a small red M&M, candy pearl, or a dot of red icing instead.
- Add Extracts: Mix a few drops of peppermint or almond extract into the cream cheese mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Holiday Variety: Swap the colors and sprinkle shape to fit different holidays (e.g., pink for Valentine’s Day).
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crushed cookies instead of whole Oreos?
Yes, just ensure you use approximately the same quantity (about 3 cups of crumbs) and still include the cream cheese to bind the mixture.
Do I need to remove the Oreo filling?
No, use the whole cookie—including the filling—for the correct texture and sweetness.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes. Place the Oreos in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin, then mix thoroughly with the cream cheese by hand or with a mixer.
What if I don’t have candy melts?
You can use white chocolate chips and tint them green with oil-based food coloring.
How do I keep the candy coating smooth?
Ensure the candy melts are fully melted and fluid. You can add a small amount of coconut oil to improve the consistency if needed.
Can I make them in advance for a party?
Absolutely. Prepare them a day or two ahead and store them chilled until serving.
Why are my truffles cracking after coating?
Cracking can happen if the truffle centers are too cold when dipped. Let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before dipping.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, but low-fat versions will work with slightly softer results.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, this is a great no-bake recipe for kids to help with rolling, dipping, and decorating.
How do I serve them at a party?
Arrange the truffles on a festive tray or place them in mini cupcake liners for individual servings.
Conclusion
Grinch Truffles are a festive, eye-catching dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their creamy Oreo filling, sweet candy shell, and iconic red heart, they capture the holiday spirit in a playful and delicious way. Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting, these truffles are sure to steal the spotlight—just like the Grinch himself.
PrintGrinch Truffles
Festive and fun Grinch Truffles made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and green candy melts, topped with a red heart sprinkle. A perfect no-bake treat for Christmas parties or Grinch-themed events.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies (36 cookies)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz green candy melts
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Mix Oreo crumbs with softened cream cheese until smooth and fully combined.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt green candy melts according to package instructions.
- Dip chilled Oreo balls into melted candy, coating completely. Place on parchment paper.
- Top each truffle with a red heart sprinkle before the coating sets.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 15–20 minutes. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a fork or dipping tool to coat the truffles evenly in candy melts.
- Work in batches to keep truffles chilled before dipping.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg