Grinch Oreo Festive Balls

Featured in: Celebrate in Style

These Grinch-inspired Oreo balls bring a vibrant touch to any holiday table. Crushed Oreo cookies unite with creamy cheese and a hint of peppermint for a decadent bite. Each ball is dipped in green candy melts, then finished with red sparkles and green sprinkles, capturing the season’s playful colors. Enjoy them chilled, with optional white drizzle for a touch of winter magic, and share with family or friends for a festive, sweet treat everyone will love.

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Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 12:54:06 GMT
A tray of green and white candy. Pin it
A tray of green and white candy. | tasteofcook.com

Grinch Oreo Balls bring instant holiday cheer with their vibrant green topping and festive decorations. They are the ultimate combination of classic cookies and creamy filling all dressed up for the season. Perfect for gifting or sharing at parties these little treats deliver a burst of peppermint goodness with every bite.

My family gets excited every year when I make these Grinch Oreo Balls. I started bringing them to our annual holiday cookie swap and now they vanish faster than anything else on the tray.

Ingredients

  • Oreo cookies: Crumbled finely to give that rich chocolatey base
  • Cream cheese: Softened so it blends smoothly and binds everything together
  • Peppermint extract: Adds cool festive flavor use a pure extract for best taste
  • Green candy melts: For the signature Grinch color go for a quality brand for smooth melting
  • White candy melts: Optional for a clean drizzle look
  • Red candy melts or edible red glitter: Brings a fun pop of color on top
  • Green sprinkles: For sparkle and extra holiday spirit

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Base:
Combine the finely crushed Oreo cookies with softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to blend until the mixture is evenly moist and smooth with no streaks of cream cheese left.
Flavor the Mixture:
Add the peppermint extract to the Oreo and cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the peppermint evenly so every bite has that signature cool twist.
Shape the Balls:
Pinch off chunks of dough and roll them into small one inch balls. Line them up on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Try to make them similar sizes for even coating later.
Chill for Structure:
Pop the tray of rolled balls into the refrigerator and let them chill for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape when coated.
Melt the Coating:
Place the green candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and melt according to the package instructions. Stir until completely smooth and fluid. If you want to add white drizzle melt the white candy melts in a separate bowl the same way.
Dip and Decorate:
Working with one ball at a time dip each chilled ball into the melted green candy. Use a fork to lift it out and let excess coating drip back into the bowl. Return each ball to the parchment lined tray.
Add the Festive Touches:
If using decorate with white candy drizzle while the green coating is still soft. Quickly add a dab of red candy melt or edible glitter and sprinkle a pinch of green sprinkles on top.
Final Chill:
Refrigerate the decorated Oreo balls for at least thirty minutes. This firms up the coating and sets the toppings so everything stays put when you serve them.
A tray of green and white cookies with red sprinkles. Pin it
A tray of green and white cookies with red sprinkles. | tasteofcook.com

My favorite part is swirling the green candy over the chilled balls. It looks just like the animated holiday classic and the peppermint scent reminds me of decorating cookies with my niece every December. These little treats bring out big smiles in my house.

Storage Tips

Store Grinch Oreo Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If making ahead for parties layer parchment paper between them so the decorations stay perfect. You can also freeze them after decorating. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder mint flavor substitute vanilla extract for peppermint. For a dairy free option use vegan cream cheese. No green candy melts on hand No problem simply use white melts and tint with a dash of gel food coloring. Feel free to swap out the decorations for different colors based on your party theme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grinch Oreo Balls on a festive tray or as part of a cookie platter. Kids love adding them to holiday lunchboxes. They also make fantastic edible gifts wrapped in clear bags with a ribbon. For a bigger dessert display nestle them among chocolate truffles fudge or shortbread for extra variety.

A tray of green and red frosted cookies. Pin it
A tray of green and red frosted cookies. | tasteofcook.com

In all honesty these Grinch Oreo Balls are my go to when I want something cute and fuss free that never fails to get a reaction. The peppermint makes them stand out from the usual holiday desserts and they are always the first plate I run out of no matter the party.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different flavors of Oreos?

Yes, you can substitute original Oreos with flavored varieties for a unique twist on the classic taste.

→ How do I melt candy melts smoothly?

Melt candy melts in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until silky and lump-free.

→ Do I need to use peppermint extract?

Peppermint extract adds a festive note but can be omitted or replaced with vanilla if preferred.

→ How long do these treats stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for up to one week.

→ What's the best way to decorate?

Quickly add sprinkles and glitter before the coating sets to ensure toppings adhere and retain color.

→ Can I freeze them for later?

Yes, freeze finished balls in a sealed container; thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Grinch Oreo Festive Balls

Fun, minty Oreo balls dipped in green candy melts and decorated, perfect for joyful holiday celebrations.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Festive Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (Makes approximately 24 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Mixture

01 1 package (439 g) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
02 226 g cream cheese, softened
03 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

→ Coating and Decoration

04 240 g green candy melts
05 240 g white candy melts, optional, for drizzle
06 Red candy melts or edible red glitter, for decoration
07 Green sprinkles, for decoration

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the finely crushed Oreo cookies with the softened cream cheese until a smooth, uniform mixture forms.

Step 02

Mix in the peppermint extract evenly to enhance flavor.

Step 03

Roll small portions of the mixture into balls approximately 2.5 cm in diameter and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 04

Place the shaped balls into the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 05

While the balls chill, melt the green candy melts according to package directions until smooth.

Step 06

Using a fork, submerge each chilled ball into the melted green candy melts, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess coating to drip off before returning to the baking sheet.

Step 07

If using, melt the white candy melts and drizzle over the coated balls. Immediately top each with red candy melts or edible red glitter and green sprinkles before the coating sets.

Step 08

Refrigerate the decorated balls for at least 30 minutes to fully set the coating.

Step 09

Serve the chilled balls and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Work with chilled mixture for cleaner shaping and easier coating.
  2. Decorations should be applied while the coating is still wet to ensure proper adherence.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and soy (cream cheese, candy melts)
  • Contains wheat and gluten (Oreo cookies)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 140
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 1 g