Grinch Cookies Balls (with Red Velvet) Recipe

Let’s be honest—desserts are all about fun, festive flavors, and just a hint of whimsy. And that’s exactly what these Grinch Cookies Balls with Red Velvet Cookies bring to the table! Not only are they a deliciously creamy, chocolatey bite, but they’re also almost too cute to eat. (Almost.) Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday party, as gifts for friends, or just to indulge in some “Grinchy” nostalgia, these little treats hit all the right notes. Plus, they’re no-bake, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the season!

this RECIPE

A sweet holiday memory with a twist 🧡

Every year, I find myself searching for one or two standout recipes that capture the spirit of the holidays—something a little unexpected, but still familiar. The first time I made these Grinch-inspired Cookies balls was on a whim. My little niece and I were decorating for the season and wanted a quick, easy dessert to snack on while we worked. Enter: Red Velvet Cookies, cream cheese, and a bag of bright green candy melts that practically screamed holiday cheer.

As we rolled the mixture into tiny balls and dipped them in the green coating, we couldn’t help but giggle—especially when we topped them off with tiny red hearts. The result? A sweet treat that was not only delicious but added some festive magic to our day. Since then, it’s been a staple in my holiday baking, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

The origin story: how Cookies balls became a festive favorite

Cookies balls—or Cookies truffles, as some might call them—have been around for quite some time. They became popular because they’re a ridiculously simple treat that delivers big on flavor. Typically made with just a pack of Cookies and cream cheese, they’re then dipped in chocolate or candy melts and decorated in various fun ways. The Grinch-inspired version is a modern twist, using Red Velvet Cookies for a richer flavor and light green candy melts to give that festive “Grinchy” look. And let’s not forget the little red heart that ties it all together, a nod to the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

• Red Velvet Cookies: These cookies add a deeper, slightly tangy flavor compared to regular Cookies. The cream cheese filling of Red Velvet Cookies blends beautifully with the cream cheese, giving the balls a luscious texture. If you can’t find Red Velvet cookies, regular or Golden Cookies work just as well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the glue that holds the Cookies crumbs together. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap this with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, just ensure it’s nice and creamy.
• Light Green Candy Melts: These give the Cookies balls their signature Grinch-green look. You can usually find them in the baking aisle during the holiday season. If they’re unavailable, white chocolate with a few drops of green food coloring will do the trick. Plus, candy melts are great for decorating—they melt smoothly and set quickly.
• Red Heart Sprinkles: These little hearts add the final touch and bring the Grinch theme home. If you don’t have these on hand, you could use a small red candy or even pipe a tiny red heart with red icing.

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

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to make these balls, but a few tools make the process smoother:

• Food processor or blender: This is the easiest way to turn your cookies into fine crumbs. If you don’t have either, a sturdy zip-top bag and a rolling pin will also do the job with a bit of elbow grease.
• Hand mixer: A hand mixer will make blending the cream cheese into the Cookies crumbs much easier, but you can also mix by hand if you don’t mind a little workout.
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the candy melts, a double boiler ensures they melt evenly without burning. If you’re like me and prefer the quicker route, melting them in the microwave works too—just make sure to do it in short intervals and stir frequently.
• Piping bag: This makes drizzling the extra candy melt over the Cookies balls a breeze, but a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off works just as well.

Step-by-step: how to make Grinch balls (without the stress)

1. Crush the cookies: Start by pulsing the Red Velvet cookies in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbs. If you’re going old-school with a zip-top bag and rolling pin, make sure the crumbs are as fine as possible—lumps will make it harder to mix.
2. Mix with cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add in the cookies crumbs. Mix until everything is fully combined and you’ve got a thick, sticky dough. (Tip: Don’t rush this step! You want the mixture to be uniform, so you don’t get random pockets of cream cheese.)
3. Form the balls: Using a small cookie scoop (or just eyeball it), portion out the mixture and roll it between your hands to form smooth balls. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they look uniform when done. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about two hours, until firm. (Trust me, this chill time is key for easier dipping later on!)
4. Melt the candy melts: While the cookies balls are chilling, set aside about ½ cup of the green candy melts for drizzling later. Melt the remaining melts either in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. (Pro tip: Add a tiny bit of vegetable oil if the melts seem too thick—it helps thin it out for smoother dipping.)
5. Dip and drizzle: Use a fork to dip each cookies ball into the melted candy coating. Tap off any excess by lightly tapping the fork on the edge of the bowl, then place the coated ball back on the baking sheet. For the final touch, melt the reserved candy melts in a piping bag, snip off the tip, and drizzle it over the balls. Quickly add a red heart to each ball before the drizzle sets.
6. Let them set: Once they’re decorated, allow the Grinch cookies balls to fully set before serving. You can speed up the process by popping them in the fridge for a bit.

Variations to make these your own

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, just swap the Red Velvet cookies with gluten-free sandwich cookies. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but double-check your candy melts just to be sure.
• Vegan: Want to make these vegan-friendly? Use a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan sandwich cookies. Make sure the candy melts are also vegan, as some contain dairy ingredients.
• Seasonal Flavors: Not a fan of Red Velvet? Try using other seasonal cookies flavors! Peppermint, Gingerbread, or even classic Chocolate cookies all make for delicious variations. You could also switch up the candy melts to match the season—try red or white for Valentine’s Day, or orange for Halloween.
• Nutty Twist: For an added crunch, you can mix crushed nuts like pecans or almonds into the cookies mixture. It adds a delightful texture that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Serving ideas for a festive holiday spread

When it comes to serving this sweet treat, presentation is everything. Arrange the cookies balls on a festive platter, and sprinkle some extra red hearts around for a pretty touch. If you’re giving them as gifts, pop a few into mini holiday candy boxes or wrap them in clear cellophane with a bow tie. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or even as a snack while watching a movie with the family.

beverage pairings for a Grinchy good time

These Grinch cookies Balls pair beautifully with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, especially topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. For a lighter option, try a warm spiced apple cider or a simple peppermint tea. If you’re serving these at a holiday party, a festive punch made with sparkling water, cranberry juice, and lime slices would be a refreshing choice. Just keep it fun and festive, and these little bites will be the star of your spread!

Storage tips for lasting freshness

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store your Grinch cookies Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time. To enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

Whether you’re making these for a small family gathering or a big holiday bash, this recipe is easy to scale up or down. For a larger crowd, simply double or even triple the ingredients. Just keep in mind that you’ll need extra space in the fridge for chilling. If you’re making a smaller batch, half the recipe and adjust the candy melts accordingly—though I promise, you’ll want to make the full batch!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use regular cookies instead of Red Velvet?
Absolutely! Regular cookies work just as well and still taste amazing. The Red Velvet cookies just give a unique flavor twist.

2. Can I freeze these balls?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months, and thaw in the fridge before serving.

3. Do I need to chill the cookies balls before dipping?
Yes, chilling helps the cookies balls firm up, making them easier to dip and ensuring they hold their shape.

4. What if I don’t have a piping bag for the drizzle?
No problem! You can use a zip-top bag and snip a small hole in one corner to drizzle the candy melts.

5. How far in advance can I make these?
You can make these up to a week in advance if stored in the fridge, or freeze them for up to two months.

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