Tasty Green Holiday Balls

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Grind Oreos completely, combine with softened cream cheese until blended. Form into tiny balls, refrigerate until solid. Cover in melted green candy melts, decorate with small red hearts. Store in fridge until ready to eat. Creates adorable holiday snacks that look impressive but require zero baking.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:24:25 GMT
A plate of green-coated cake balls with red heart sprinkles, one partially cut in half to reveal a dark chocolate filling. Pin it
A plate of green-coated cake balls with red heart sprinkles, one partially cut in half to reveal a dark chocolate filling. | cookingkitchn.com

Looking for holiday goodies that'll leave everyone feeling merry? Check out these Grinch Christmas Truffles! They're smooth, no-bake treats covered in bright green coating with cute red hearts on top. They work great for gatherings, treat exchanges, or just to bring some Christmas cheer!

What You'll Adore About This Process

The coolest thing? You just need 5 items and no baking know-how to create these cute treats! Kids can join in the fun too (though expect some green-stained fingers), and they always vanish first from holiday sweet tables. They're also a fantastic activity while enjoying the Grinch film!

What You'll Need

  • Oreos: 1 standard pack (36 cookies) - don't remove anything!
  • Cream Cheese: 8 oz soft whipped version
  • Almond Bark: 16 oz white for dipping - it melts so smoothly
  • Green Food Coloring: Get the gel kind, not the liquid one - you'll thank me later
  • Red Hearts: Around 30-40 small decorations

Let's Create Some Wonder!

Pulverize The Cookies
We'll start by turning Oreos into fine dust. Throw them in your food processor until they look like dark chocolate sand. Don't have a processor? Just toss the cookies in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Make sure they're super fine - we don't want lumps in our truffles!
Mix Up The Filling
Here comes the messy bit - dump those cookie bits into a large bowl with your soft cream cheese. Time to get messy! Combine everything until it's totally mixed. It's done when it looks like thick chocolate dough and sticks together when pressed. If it's too gooey, cool it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Shape Your Balls
Take your cookie scoop (or just use a tablespoon) and start forming portions. Roll each between your hands to create smooth balls - about ping pong ball size works best. Place them on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Quick tip: if stuff sticks to your hands, dust them with a little powdered sugar!
Cool Them Down
Now these balls need to harden before their green dip. Stick the whole tray in the fridge for at least an hour, or if you can't wait, 30 minutes in the freezer will work too. They should feel solid when touched.
Get Your Coating Ready
While they're cooling, let's prep the coating. Break your almond bark into pieces and put them in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second bursts, mixing thoroughly each time. Don't rush or you'll ruin the chocolate! Once smooth, add green coloring gradually until you reach that perfect Grinch green.
Time For Dipping!
This is where the magic happens! Drop each cold ball into the green mixture. Use a fork to roll it around, then lift it out and tap off extra coating. You want even coverage - not too thick or thin. Gently slide each one back onto the parchment.
Place The Hearts
Work fast! While the coating's still wet, stick a red heart on each truffle. This is when each treat gets its Grinch character - make those hearts look good!
Final Setting
Back to the fridge they go! Give them about 30 minutes to fully harden. They're ready when the coating feels firm and not sticky. Try to save some for others!

Why These Stand Out

You know that one wow-factor holiday treat everyone needs? This is it! These truffles aren't just cute - they're little chunks of smooth, chocolatey goodness that look straight from a Dr. Seuss book. Even better? They're almost impossible to mess up. If you can smash cookies and form balls, you can make these beauties. And seeing people smile when they notice that tiny red heart? That's what Christmas is all about!

Tweak It Your Way

The greatest thing about these treats? You can easily change them up! Try different Oreo types - the mint ones are great for extra holiday spirit, or go for birthday cake flavor for something different. Not into green? Make them other colors for different celebrations (though they wouldn't be Grinch truffles anymore!). Some people like to add white chocolate drizzles on top for a snowy look. Just like how the Grinch's heart grew three sizes, your creative ideas can grow too!

Turn It Into A Group Activity!

Think about this: you, your buddies, and a Grinch movie marathon while making these snacks! Create a small truffle station with bowls of melted coating and toppings. Everyone can try dipping and decorating - sure, it might get messy, but that's part of the fun! Play some holiday tunes, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy the whole experience. Just maybe wear something to protect your clothes (that green coloring is serious!) and keep plenty of paper towels nearby.

A plate of festive green truffles decorated with red heart sprinkles and green and red sugar, surrounded by holiday decorations. Pin it
A plate of festive green truffles decorated with red heart sprinkles and green and red sugar, surrounded by holiday decorations. | cookingkitchn.com

Tips For Perfect Results

Let me share some truffle lessons from many batches (and a few tasty mistakes). First thing, your cream cheese must be REALLY soft - leave it out for an hour before you start. When melting the almond bark, go slow and steady. Rushing leads to clumpy coating, and nobody wants that! If your coating gets too thick during dipping, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave. And my favorite trick: keep a damp paper towel handy to clean your fingers between rolls - it keeps the truffles looking smooth!

Storing Your Goodies

Made too many (is that possible?)? These little treats will stay good in the fridge for up to two weeks in a closed container. Just put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. Taking them to a gathering? Pack them the same way and keep them cool until it's time to serve. They even freeze well for up to three months - just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you want to eat them. Want to give them as presents? Put them in pretty holiday boxes or clear bags, add a ribbon, and watch people light up brighter than Christmas lights!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Need different coating?

White chocolate is good. Be careful melting. Add coloring gradually. Can be challenging. Definitely worth trying.

→ How keep em good?

Store tightly closed. Keep refrigerated. Stays fresh one week. Avoid heat. Layer with parchment.

→ Want no milk stuff?

Go for dairy-free cream cheese. Use dark chocolate coating. Check cookie ingredients. Flavor might change. Looks just as nice.

→ Make em early?

Up to three days works. Store in fridge properly. Fresher tastes better. Worth waiting a bit. Makes your life easier.

→ No food mixer here?

Smash in plastic bag. Use a rolling pin. Needs extra effort. Gets equally smooth. Just needs some strength.

→ Getting too soft?

Refrigerate longer. Dip them quickly. Keep cold always. Follow steps carefully. Patience pays off.

→ Taking em places?

Store in cooler. Use sturdy container. Keep ice packs nearby. Drive carefully. Good packing matters.

→ Need em faster?

Get pre-made crumbs. Fast mixing works. Prepare stuff beforehand. Still needs cooling. Cooling can't be rushed.

→ Making big batch?

Doubling works great. You'll need more room. Longer cooling time. Keep everything cold. Makes plenty more.

→ Want more taste?

Try adding mint. Switch cookie types. Combine varieties maybe. Different decorations. Keep the green color though.

→ Coating too thick?

Add a bit of oil. Shake off extra. Work quickly. Keep coating warm. Avoid making it runny.

→ Balls not smooth?

Mix it longer. Cool between rolling. Use slightly warm hands. Make them equal size. Patience works best.

Conclusion

Enjoy these? Maybe try dark chocolate balls later. Or whip up fun cake pops. Both great for gatherings.

Green Holiday Cookie Balls

My guests were coming soon and I wanted something cute. Smashed Oreos, blended with cream cheese, covered in green coating. Those tiny red hearts made everyone grin - including the adults!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 18 Servings (18 big truffles)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 36 Standard Oreo cookies.
02 ½ cup fluffy cream cheese spread.
03 12 ounces plain almond bark.
04 Green gel food dye.
05 18 red hearts for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Dump Oreos into your food processor or blender. Give them a good whirl for about 2-3 minutes until they turn into tiny dark crumbs that look like chocolate sand.

Step 02

Drop those cookie crumbs into a big bowl with the fluffy cream cheese. Stir everything together till you get a thick, sticky mix. Your hands work best for this job if you don't mind getting messy.

Step 03

Grab your cookie scoop (the 1 ½ tablespoon size) and scoop out portions of the mix. Roll each one between your palms to make nice round balls. Put them on a sheet lined with parchment.

Step 04

Stick your tray of balls in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. They need to get nice and firm before the next step.

Step 05

Snap the almond bark into chunks and toss them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it up for 1 minute, then give it a good stir. Keep warming it in short 15-30 second bursts, stirring each time, until it's all melty and smooth. Don't cook it too long or it'll get weird.

Step 06

Squirt in some green gel food dye and mix it up until you've got that perfect Grinch green color. Don't try using liquid food coloring - it'll mess up your melted bark completely.

Step 07

Take each chilled ball and dunk it right into the green mixture. Make sure it gets covered all over, let the extra drip off, then pop it back on your parchment paper.

Step 08

While the green coating's still wet, stick a little red heart on top of each ball. This gives them that cute Grinch heart touch everyone loves.

Step 09

Pop everything back in the fridge for another 30-60 minutes so the coating can harden up nicely. You can serve these sweet treats cold or let them warm up a bit. Trust me, they won't last long at any party.

Notes

  1. These sweet treats are perfect for holiday parties and make wonderful handmade gifts.
  2. Always use gel coloring instead of liquid drops to keep your coating smooth.
  3. You can make these a day or two early and keep them in the fridge until your event.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender or food processor.
  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Small cookie scoop.
  • Baking paper.
  • Bowl safe for microwave.
  • Microwave oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.
  • Soy components.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 227
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~