8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
12 ounces vibrant green candy melts
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
36 small red heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your treats will not stick and makes cleanup much faster later on. Set this aside while you prepare the cookie mixture.
Crushing the Cookies: Place all the chocolate sandwich cookies into a food processor. Pulse the cookies until they turn into fine crumbs. If you do not have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a heavy-duty freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin until no large chunks remain.
Creating the Truffle Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the softened cream cheese and the alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend them together until a thick, uniform dough forms. There should be no visible streaks of white cream cheese remaining.
Rolling the Balls: Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball, roughly one inch in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Once all the mixture is rolled, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes to firm them up.
Melting the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the green candy melts and the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the mixture is completely smooth and fluid. Be careful not to overheat the candy or it may become thick and clumpy.
Dipping and Decorating: Remove the chilled cookie balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge each ball into the green candy coating. Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let the excess drip off. Place the ball back onto the parchment paper and immediately press one red heart sprinkle onto the side. Repeat for all remaining balls.
Final Setting: Allow the Grinch Oreo Balls to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the coating is completely hardened. If your kitchen is warm, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to speed up the process. Once set, they are ready to serve.
