There’s something downright magical about these Grinch Oreo Balls, made with Red Velvet Oreos and a playful drizzle of light green candy melts. Inspired by the infamous Grinch, who may have stolen Christmas but certainly didn’t steal our taste for festive treats, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any holiday gathering. The red heart sprinkle on top not only adds a whimsical nod to the Grinch’s tiny heart growing three sizes, but it also delivers the perfect festive finish to these indulgent bites.

If you’re a fan of Oreo truffles or have a soft spot for anything red velvet, you’re going to love this Grinchy twist on a classic dessert. Whether you’re making them with little ones or whipping up a batch for friends, these Oreo balls will quickly become a holiday tradition. Plus, the combination of the tangy cream cheese, the rich flavor of the red velvet Oreos, and the sweet, colorful candy coating is pretty much irresistible. So, put on some holiday tunes and let’s dive into this super simple (but oh-so-delicious) recipe!

A Sweet Holiday Tradition 🎄

Every holiday season, I look for a few fun, quick-to-make recipes that bring the spirit of the season into the kitchen without too much stress. A few years ago, I stumbled across a version of Oreo balls, and that started my obsession. From classic Oreos to the seasonal varieties, they’re one of the easiest treats to customize for different occasions. When I found the red velvet Oreos in the grocery store one holiday season, I just knew I had to make a Grinch-inspired version—green candy melts, red hearts, and all. And let me tell you, these are the kind of treats that make even the most Grinch-like person crack a smile.

There’s something satisfying about making these little balls of joy. Rolling them between your hands, dipping them in that silky green chocolate, and finishing each one with a tiny red heart—it’s festive, fun, and it makes the kitchen smell like Christmas. Plus, they’re a hit at every holiday party I bring them to. I’m pretty sure they disappear faster than the Grinch’s sleigh once he started making his getaway!

Red Velvet Oreo Balls: A Modern Twist

Oreo truffles have been around for quite a while, but they’ve evolved in the most creative ways over time. The basic concept is super simple: Oreos and cream cheese, rolled into balls, and coated in chocolate. Originally, the classic black-and-white Oreos were used, but now, with so many different flavors available, the possibilities are endless. Red velvet Oreos are a relatively new addition, and they add a slight cocoa flavor with a hint of cream cheese frosting taste, which pairs perfectly with the actual cream cheese in the recipe. And when you add that light green candy coating, it just screams “Grinch” in the best way possible.

Let’s talk ingredients: The stars of the show

Red Velvet Oreos: The key player here. Red velvet Oreos add that distinct cocoa flavor with a cream cheese undertone, making them a great match for this recipe. If you can’t find red velvet Oreos, you could use golden Oreos or classic chocolate ones, but the red velvet gives it that extra holiday flair.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the binder that brings everything together. It also adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the Oreos. If you need a dairy-free option, I’ve found that a plant-based cream cheese works just as well (though it does slightly alter the flavor).
Light Green Candy Melts: These melts create the perfect Grinchy exterior for your Oreo balls. If you’re having trouble finding light green melts, you can always dye white chocolate with a bit of green food coloring or mix yellow and blue candy melts. Just be careful not to overheat your chocolate while melting!
Red Heart Sprinkles: No Grinch Oreo Ball is complete without a little red heart to symbolize the Grinch’s growing love. These are easy to find during the holiday season, but if you’re in a pinch, a small red candy or dot of red icing will do the trick.

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

Making Oreo balls requires just a few basic tools, but here are some tips to make the process smooth and stress-free:

Food Processor or Blender: This is key for crushing your Oreos into fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, you can always use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin, but it does take a bit more effort.
Hand Mixer: While you could mix the cream cheese and Oreo crumbs by hand, I highly recommend using a hand mixer for a smooth and even consistency.
Double Boiler or Microwave: Both methods work perfectly for melting the candy melts. I like the control of the double boiler, but if you’re in a hurry, the microwave in 30-second intervals will do the trick just fine.
Piping Bag: For drizzling that final green coating, a piping bag gives you a lot of control. If you don’t have one, a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off works in a pinch!

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Crush the Oreos: Start by pulsing the red velvet Oreos in a food processor until you’ve got fine crumbs. You want it as fine as possible, so the balls come out nice and smooth. (Once, I was impatient and ended up with larger chunks—it made rolling the balls a bit harder, so don’t skip this step!)
Mix in the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the Oreo crumbs and mix until everything’s well combined. The texture will be sticky, but that’s a good thing—it means your balls will hold together nicely.
Roll the balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out even-sized portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Pop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and stick them in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up.
Melt the candy melts: Over low heat, melt the candy melts in a double boiler until smooth and silky. (You can use the microwave if you prefer—just be sure to stir often to prevent overheating!) Set aside a bit of the candy for drizzling later.
Dip the balls: Use a fork to dip each Oreo ball into the melted candy, tapping off the excess. Place them back onto the baking sheet and repeat until all the balls are coated.
Drizzle and decorate: Transfer the reserved candy melts into a piping bag and drizzle it over the balls. Before the candy sets, top each one with a red heart sprinkle.

Variations and tweaks: Make them your own!

Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan candy melts to make this recipe completely vegan.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free Oreos, and you’re good to go.
Chocolate lover’s twist: Use dark chocolate Oreos instead of red velvet for a richer flavor.
Festive flair: For other holidays, swap the green candy melts and red hearts for different colors and toppings—think pink and white for Valentine’s Day or orange and black for Halloween!

Presentation and serving ideas

These Grinch Oreo Balls look stunning on a holiday dessert platter. I like to arrange them on a plate lined with festive napkins and sprinkle a few extra red hearts around for decoration. You could even box them up as little gifts for friends and neighbors—they keep well and travel easily.

Drink pairings: Keep it cozy

Since these Oreo balls are quite rich, they pair well with something light and refreshing. Try serving them with a glass of cold milk (of course!), hot cocoa, or even a peppermint mocha for an extra festive touch.

Storing and reheating tips

If you’ve made a large batch (because trust me, you’ll want to), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 44 Oreo balls, but if you’re serving a smaller crowd, simply halve the ingredients. I’ve found the texture stays just as smooth when scaling down the recipe, but the dipping process can be a bit trickier with fewer balls, so keep an eye on the candy melts to avoid over-melting.

Potential pitfalls to watch for

Candy melt troubles: If your candy melts get too thick or seize up, add a tiny bit of coconut oil or shortening to thin it out.
Crumb consistency: Don’t rush the Oreo-crushing step—larger chunks make it harder to roll smooth balls.

Ready to make some Grinch Oreo Balls?

These Grinch Oreo Balls are a festive, easy-to-make treat that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether you make them as a family activity or whip them up for a holiday party, they’re bound to become a holiday favorite. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can tweak them to fit your style. Give them a try and see how fun (and delicious) it can be to bring a little bit of the Grinch’s mischievous spirit into your kitchen this season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Oreos instead of red velvet? Absolutely! Any Oreo flavor will work, but red velvet adds that festive color and a bit of extra richness.
How long do they last? They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make them without a food processor? Yes! You can crush the Oreos with a rolling pin inside a zip-top bag.
What if my candy melts seize up? Try adding a little bit of coconut oil to thin the candy out. Just be sure to melt slowly!
Are they gluten-free? They can be! Just use gluten-free Oreos.