Save My sister showed up to a potluck with a tray of pink-coated Oreo truffles, and they vanished before the main course even arrived. I watched her secret out of her that night: crushed cookies, cream cheese, and candy melts were all it took. The next week, I made my own batch, rolling little spheres while my toddler napped, and felt like a pastry chef when that pink shell cracked open to reveal the deep chocolate inside. Now they're my go-to when I need something impressive that doesn't require an oven or complicated techniques.
I made these for my daughter's birthday party last spring, setting them on a tiered stand next to cupcakes. The kids went straight for the pink truffles, and I overheard one little girl whisper that they tasted like magic. I still smile when I think of their sticky fingers reaching for just one more before their parents gently steered them toward actual lunch.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: The foundation of the truffle, providing both crunch in crumb form and that iconic chocolate flavor everyone recognizes. Leave the filling intact for the right creamy-to-cookie ratio.
- Cream cheese: Acts as the binder that transforms dry crumbs into a moldable, fudgy mixture. Room temperature is crucial, cold cream cheese will leave lumps no matter how hard you stir.
- Pink candy melts: These wafer-style coatings melt smoothly and harden with a glossy snap. If using white melts, add oil-based coloring drop by drop until you reach your desired shade.
- Vegetable shortening: A small addition that thins the melted candy slightly, making dipping easier and the final coating silkier.
- Sprinkles or edible pearls: Optional but delightful, they add texture and a celebratory touch that makes each truffle feel special.
Instructions
- Crush the Oreos:
- Pulse the cookies in a food processor until they become fine, even crumbs with no large chunks remaining. If you don't have a processor, seal them in a sturdy zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until powdery.
- Combine with cream cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumbs and mix with a spatula until the mixture is uniformly dark and holds together when pressed. The texture should resemble wet sand that clumps easily.
- Shape the truffles:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms to form smooth, firm balls. Arrange each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Chill until firm:
- Refrigerate the truffles for 30 minutes or freeze them for 15 minutes so they hold their shape during dipping. Cold truffles resist melting and make coating much cleaner.
- Melt the candy coating:
- Heat the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts at medium power, stirring after each interval until completely smooth. Stir in vegetable shortening if you want a thinner, shinier coating.
- Dip each truffle:
- Use a dipping fork or regular fork to lower a chilled truffle into the melted candy, turning to coat completely. Tap the fork gently on the bowl's edge to let excess coating drip off, then slide the truffle back onto the parchment.
- Decorate immediately:
- While the coating is still wet, sprinkle on your chosen decorations so they stick in place. Work quickly, candy coating sets fast once it hits the cold truffle.
- Let the coating set:
- Allow the truffles to sit at room temperature until the coating hardens, or speed things up by chilling them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. Once set, they're ready to serve or store.
Save One evening, I brought a batch of these to a neighbor's game night, and by halftime they were gone. A friend asked if I'd sell them, and for a fleeting moment I imagined a little side business. I never did start that business, but I still make them whenever I want to feel like I'm giving someone a tiny, edible gift wrapped in pink candy.
How to Store and Serve
These truffles taste best when served cold, straight from the fridge, so the coating stays crisp and the center remains creamy. I keep mine in an airtight container layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they hold beautifully for up to a week. If you're making them ahead for a party, you can even freeze them for up to a month, just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Flavor and Color Variations
Swap the pink candy melts for white, dark, or milk chocolate to match different themes or flavor profiles. I've made them with mint Oreos and green coating for St. Patrick's Day, and golden Oreos with pastel yellow candy melts for Easter. You can also mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter or a few drops of peppermint extract to the truffle base for an unexpected twist that guests always ask about.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If your candy coating feels too thick, add vegetable shortening a half teaspoon at a time until it flows easily off the fork. If the coating cracks after setting, your truffles were likely too cold when dipped, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before coating. When rolling the truffle balls, lightly dampen your palms with water if the mixture sticks, it helps create smoother, rounder shapes without adding extra mess.
- Use a toothpick to fix any bare spots on the coating after dipping, just dab a little melted candy over the gap.
- Let leftover candy melts harden in the bowl, then pop them out and save them in a zip-top bag for your next batch.
- If you're making these with kids, let them handle the rolling and decorating while you manage the hot candy melts.
Save Every time I make these, I'm reminded that the best treats don't need to be complicated, they just need to taste like you put a little love into them. I hope your batch brings as many smiles as mine always do.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long do these truffles stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The coating maintains its texture and the filling stays perfectly creamy when chilled.
- → Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
White chocolate works but may require tempering for proper setting. Candy melts are specifically formulated to harden at room temperature without tempering, making them ideal for coating.
- → What's the purpose of chilling before dipping?
Chilling firms the truffle centers, preventing them from falling apart or warming the coating too quickly during dipping. This ensures smooth, even coverage without clumping.
- → Can I customize the coating color?
Absolutely. Use oil-based food coloring with white candy melts to create any shade. Avoid water-based colors as they will cause the coating to seize and become unusable.
- → What if my coating is too thick?
Add one teaspoon vegetable shortening to warm melted candy melts, stirring until smooth. This thins the consistency for easier dipping and creates a shinier finish.
- → Can I make these ahead for events?
Prepare these up to three days in advance. Store layered between parchment paper in a sealed container. Add sprinkles just before serving to maintain their crunch and appearance.