Pin Now My sister showed up to book club with a plastic container of pink-coated somethings, and within minutes the entire tray vanished. When I asked for the recipe, she laughed and said it was just Oreos and cream cheese. I didn't believe her until I made them myself the following Saturday, watching those dark crumbs turn into glossy pink spheres on my counter. Now they're my go-to whenever I need to impress without actually impressing myself in the kitchen.
I made these for my nephew's birthday party last spring, and the kids lined up like I was handing out concert tickets. One little girl asked if I owned a candy store. I didn't have the heart to tell her I'd made them during halftime of a basketball game, still wearing my pajama pants. That's the magic of these truffles: they taste like effort but require almost none.
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Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: Use the whole cookie, filling and all, for that signature cookies and cream flavor that needs no introduction.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes so it blends smoothly without lumps or arm strain.
- Pink candy melts: These melt cleaner than chocolate and set with a satisfying snap; grab the microwaveable kind for easiest results.
- Vegetable shortening: A tiny spoonful thins the coating just enough to glide over each truffle without clumping.
- Sprinkles or edible pearls: Optional, but they transform plain pink spheres into something that photographs beautifully and tastes even better.
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Instructions
- Crush the Cookies:
- Pulse the Oreos in a food processor until they look like dark, fine sand, or seal them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin if you need to work out some stress. Either way, aim for uniform crumbs so the truffles hold together.
- Mix the Base:
- Stir the softened cream cheese into the cookie crumbs with a sturdy spatula, pressing and folding until the mixture is one smooth, dark color with no streaks. It should feel like thick, moldable dough.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them firmly between your palms into round balls, then line them up on a parchment-covered baking sheet. If the mixture sticks, dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar or chill the dough for a few minutes.
- Chill Until Firm:
- Pop the tray into the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes so the truffles firm up enough to survive the dip. Skipping this step leads to crumbly disasters in the melted coating.
- Melt the Candy Coating:
- Microwave the pink candy melts in a bowl at medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until completely smooth. Stir in the vegetable shortening if you want a glossier, thinner consistency.
- Dip and Tap:
- Use a dipping fork or regular fork to lower each chilled truffle into the melted coating, turning gently to cover all sides, then tap the fork against the bowl edge to let excess coating drip off. Place the coated truffle back on the parchment.
- Decorate While Wet:
- Sprinkle on your decorations immediately while the coating is still tacky so they stick without sliding off later. Work quickly, or the coating will harden before you finish.
- Let Them Set:
- Allow the truffles to firm up at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or speed things along in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the coating is hard to the touch, they are ready to serve.
Pin Now The first time I brought these to a potluck, someone asked if I'd ordered them from a chocolatier downtown. I just smiled and said thank you, because sometimes it's okay to let people think you're fancier than you are. That little moment of mistaken elegance made me love this recipe even more.
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Choosing Your Coating Color
Pink is pretty, but candy melts come in every color imaginable, so match them to your event without breaking a sweat. I've done red and green for Christmas, pastel yellow for Easter, and even black for a Halloween party where they looked like tiny witch cauldrons. Just remember to use oil-based food coloring if you're tinting white melts yourself, because water-based dyes will seize the coating into a clumpy disaster.
Storing and Serving
These truffles taste best straight from the fridge, where the coating stays crisp and the center stays creamy. I keep mine in an airtight container layered between sheets of parchment paper so they don't stick together, and they hold up beautifully for a full week. If you need to transport them, a cooler with an ice pack works wonders, especially in warm weather when candy melts soften fast.
Flavor Twists and Add-Ins
Once you master the basic recipe, it's easy to spin it in new directions depending on your mood or your crowd. I've stirred mini chocolate chips into the base for extra texture, swapped regular Oreos for mint or peanut butter varieties, and even rolled a few truffles in crushed graham crackers before dipping for a s'mores vibe. The formula is forgiving, so don't be afraid to experiment.
- Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the base for a subtle coffee kick.
- Roll truffles in finely chopped toasted nuts before dipping for a crunchy surprise.
- Use dark chocolate candy melts instead of pink for a more sophisticated, less sweet finish.
Pin Now These little pink spheres have saved me more times than I can count, from last-minute bake sales to impromptu celebrations. They're proof that something simple can still feel special, especially when it tastes this good.
Recipe FAQs
- β How long do these truffles need to chill before coating?
The formed truffle balls need to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes until firm enough to handle without losing their shape during dipping.
- β Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
White chocolate can work, but candy melts are specifically formulated for coating and set up firmer. If using white chocolate, add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening to help it harden properly.
- β How should I store the finished truffles?
Keep the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cool temperature helps maintain the firm texture and prevents the candy coating from becoming sticky.
- β Can I make these truffles in advance for an event?
Yes, these truffles are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them 2-3 days before your event and store them refrigerated. The candy coating actually benefits from the extra time to set completely.
- β What's the best way to get smooth, even coating?
Ensure the candy melts are completely smooth and not too thick. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable shortening helps achieve a thinner, more even coating. Tap the fork gently against the bowl edge to remove excess before placing on the tray.
- β Can I customize the colors for different occasions?
Absolutely. Use any color of candy melts or tint white melts with oil-based food coloring to match holidays, birthdays, or seasonal themes. Avoid water-based coloring as it will seize the chocolate.