Grinch Balls Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, festive treat that will delight both kids and adults, these Grinch Balls are the perfect answer. They’re a fun twist on the classic truffle, but with a Grinch-inspired makeover that’s sure to steal the show at any holiday gathering. Made with Red Velvet and coated in bright green candy melts, each ball is topped with an adorable red heart sprinkle—just like the Grinch’s famously growing heart! The combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese and the rich, sweet flavor of Red Velvet makes these little bites seriously irresistible. Plus, they require no baking, making them a great go-to when you’re short on time but want something special.

this RECIPE

A holiday memory: how these balls became a tradition

I’ll never forget the first time I made these Grinch Balls. It was a snowy December evening, and I was frantically trying to put together a dessert for a last-minute holiday party. You know how it goes—work was hectic, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I realized I had promised to bring something sweet but completely forgot. Enter these balls, a lifesaver recipe I had seen floating around Pinterest for years but never tried. With just a few ingredients and some quick chilling time, I whipped up a batch, and they were an instant hit. I still remember everyone asking for the recipe and how the kids got a kick out of the Grinch-themed decoration. Now, making these has become a holiday tradition in our house, and the kids love getting involved, especially when it’s time to drizzle the green candy melts and stick on the heart sprinkles.

The origin story: how truffles became Grinchified

cookies truffles, or cookies balls, have been around for quite some time. They’re a simple, no-bake dessert made by mixing crushed cookies with cream cheese, rolling them into balls, and dipping them in chocolate. Over the years, the cookies truffle has become a popular treat, with different variations popping up for every occasion. One fun version is a creative twist inspired by holiday themes, capturing the essence of iconic characters. The green candy coating represents a playful take on the festive spirit, and the red heart sprinkles symbolize warmth and cheer. It’s a fun way to add some character to a dessert that’s already a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Red Velvet cookies

Red Velvet cookies are the secret ingredient that gives these Grinch Balls their unique flavor. The slightly tangy, cocoa-rich filling paired with the creamy white center adds a depth of flavor you don’t get with regular cookies. If you can’t find Red Velvet cookies, regular cookies will work just fine, but you may lose that rich, red hue inside the ball. In a pinch, any flavored Cookies could add a fun twist—try peppermint or golden Cookies for a different holiday vibe.

Cream cheese

Cream cheese adds a rich creaminess to the Cookies mixture, turning the cookie crumbs into a smooth, velvety dough. It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for this recipe because it holds up better when mixing and shaping the balls. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a reduced-fat version, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit softer.

Light green candy melts

The light green candy melts are what give these Cookies balls their Grinchy look. You can even use white chocolate and add a few drops of green food coloring if you’re in a pinch. Be sure to save some for drizzling on top to create that extra pop of green!

Red heart sprinkles

These little red heart sprinkles really complete the look. They’re a nod to the Grinch’s transformation at the end of the story, and they add a fun pop of color. You can find these at most craft stores, or even online. If you’re unable to find them, a tiny dot of red icing could work in a pinch.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can totally skip)

Making these Grinch Cookies Balls is as simple as it gets in terms of tools. You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment—just a few basics.

Food processor or blender

This is key for pulsing the Cookies into fine crumbs. You can also crush them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin, but a food processor really speeds things up and gives a finer consistency.

Mixing bowl and hand mixer

You’ll need a mixing bowl for combining the Cookies crumbs with the cream cheese. While you can technically mix it by hand, a hand mixer will make the job a lot easier and ensure everything gets blended smoothly.

Double boiler or microwave

You’ll need either a double boiler or microwave to melt the candy melts. I’ve found that a microwave is much faster and just as effective—you just have to be careful not to overheat the melts, so go in 30-second intervals and stir frequently.

Step-by-step: making your Grinch Balls

Step 1: Crush the Cookies

Start by pulsing the cookies into fine crumbs in your food processor. You want them to be as fine as possible, so they mix smoothly with the cream cheese. If you don’t have a food processor, place the Cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they’re nice and crumbly. I’ve tried the rolling pin method before when my food processor was on the fritz, and while it works, it can be a bit time-consuming. Definitely go for the processor if you can!

Step 2: Mix the dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the Cookies crumbs and mix until everything is well combined. The dough should be thick and easy to roll into balls. If it’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Roll into balls

Using a cookie scoop, scoop out about 1.5” portions of the dough and roll them between your palms until smooth. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This part is always my favorite—it’s oddly satisfying to see the perfectly round little balls lined up on the tray! Once you’ve got them all rolled, pop the tray in the fridge for at least two hours to firm up.

Step 4: Dip and decorate

Melt the candy melts using a double boiler or microwave. Dip each ball into the melted candy using a fork, letting the excess drip off. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment-lined tray. Next, melt the reserved candy melts in a piping bag, snip off the tip, and drizzle over the balls. Before the drizzle hardens, add a red heart sprinkle to each ball. Let them sit until the coating is fully set.

Variations and creative spins

One of the great things about Cookies balls is how versatile they are. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few different variations of this recipe:

• Peppermint Cookies balls: Swap the Red Velvet Cookies for peppermint-flavored Cookies and use white chocolate instead of green candy melts. Top with crushed candy canes instead of heart sprinkles for a festive twist.
• Gluten-free version: Simply replace the Cookies with a gluten-free sandwich cookie, and you’re all set! Most stores carry gluten-free options that are just as tasty.
• Vegan adaptation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based chocolate coating. You’d be surprised how easy it is to find vegan alternatives for both these ingredients at most grocery stores these days!

Serving and presentation ideas

When it comes to serving these Grinch Balls, presentation is everything! I like to arrange them on a festive holiday platter with some extra heart sprinkles scattered around for decoration. If you’re feeling extra fancy, place each ball in a mini cupcake liner for a polished look. They’re perfect for a dessert buffet, holiday cookie exchange, or even as edible gifts. You can also package them in a cute holiday tin lined with parchment paper and give them as homemade gifts—trust me, they’ll be appreciated!

Suggest beverages

I love serving these Grinch Balls with a hot drink that complements their sweet, rich flavor. A cozy mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon would be perfect. You could also go for something a little lighter, like a peppermint-flavored herbal tea or a chilled glass of sparkling apple cider. The bubbles from the cider balance out the sweetness of the Cookies balls, making for a refreshing combo!

Storage and reheating tips

These Cookies balls store wonderfully, which is great if you want to make them ahead of time. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re making a big batch, you can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. One thing to note is that if you’re using candy melts, they can sometimes get a bit soft if left out at room temperature for too long, so I recommend keeping them chilled until right before serving.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 40 Cookies balls, but it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. If you’re making a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients. If you’re feeding a crowd and want to make extra, just double everything. The only tricky part I’ve found when scaling is making sure you have enough melted candy for dipping, so it’s always a good idea to melt a little more than you think you’ll need.

FAQs

1. How far in advance can I make these?
You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge. They also freeze well for up to three months.

2. Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, white chocolate is a great substitute. Just be sure to melt it gently to avoid scorching.

3. How do I keep the candy coating smooth?
The key is melting the candy slowly and stirring often. If it thickens, add a bit of coconut oil or shortening to thin it out.

4. Can I skip the refrigeration step?
No, refrigerating is important because it helps the balls firm up and makes them easier to dip into the melted candy.

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