Mardi Gras Oreo Balls (Pretty Candy Dessert)

Let the good times roll with our festive Mardi Gras Oreo Balls! These beautifully decorated candy desserts are perfect for bringing a touch of New Orleans’ most colorful and lively celebration for Fat Tuesday straight to your kitchen. 

Made with golden Oreo cookies, cream cheese, a hint of cinnamon, and brightly colored candy melts, these Mardi Gras-themed treats are as enjoyable to create as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply looking for a fun and delicious project, our Mardi Gras Oreo Balls recipe is just the thing you need.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few common ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these festive treats in no time.
• Colorful presentation: The vibrant purple, green, and yellow candy melts give these Oreo balls a fun and festive look that’s perfect for any Mardi Gras celebration.
• Versatile: While these are perfect for Mardi Gras, the colors can be easily adjusted to suit other themes or occasions.
• Delicious: The blend of golden Oreos, cream cheese, and a touch of cinnamon result in a delectable sweet treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Golden Oreos (Family Pack): Opt for the family pack of golden Oreos, which offers you two rows of cookies. This is the perfect quantity you’ll need for this recipe, and the golden variant adds a delightful vanilla flavor to our Oreo balls.
• Cream Cheese: An 8 oz. pack should suffice. It brings a delightful creamy texture and balances out the sweetness of the Oreos and candies.
• Cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon is all you need to add a subtle warmth and a slight spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• Purple Candy Melts: You’ll need about 12 oz. of purple candy melts. These not only lend a vibrant color that is synonymous with Mardi Gras but also an added layer of sweetness.
• White Candy Melts: Another 12 oz. of white candy melts will be used. These complement the purple candy melts and contribute to the festive look and feel of the Mardi Gras theme.
• Green Candy Melts: 3 oz. of green candy melts will add another pop of festive color to your treats. It’s one of the traditional Mardi Gras colors and amplifies the celebratory vibe.
• Yellow Candy Melts: Finally, get 3 oz. of yellow candy melts to complete the color scheme for our Mardi Gras Oreo Balls. Yellow candy melts are the perfect finishing touch to the colorful array of candies in this dessert.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

• Golden Oreos: If you prefer a different flavor, you can replace the golden Oreos with the classic chocolate Oreos or even the red velvet ones for an additional twist. Alternatively, any sandwich cookies can be used to switch things up.
• Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Candy Melts: If you can’t find candy melts in your local supermarket, melted white chocolate chips or tinted royal icing can be an excellent substitute. Just remember to keep the Mardi Gras colors in mind for that classic Mardi Gras king cake look.
• Cinnamon: If cinnamon is not your favorite, you can replace it with nutmeg or allspice for a different kind of warmth and richness. 
• Additions: You could consider mixing in a handful of crushed pretzels for a salty twist, or a splash of rum or bourbon for an adults-only treat. Some festive sprinkles on top would also add a playful, decorative touch. 

Remember, substitutions and additions are all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment with the flavors you love.

Instructions

Begin by crushing the golden Oreos in a food processor until they turn into fine crumbles. Transfer the crushed Oreo crumbs into a large bowl.

Next, add cream cheese and cinnamon to the crushed Oreos. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until they form a thick paste.

Roll the mixture into balls of your preferred size or use a small cookie scoop and chill them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This will help solidify the balls before the next step.

Melt the purple and white candy melts following the instructions on their packaging as they can differ from brand to brand.

Dip the chilled balls into the melted candy and place them on parchment paper.

Melt the green and yellow candy melts. Drizzle these bright colors on top of the white and purple coated Oreo balls using a knife.

Store the candy balls in the refrigerator on a lined baking sheet until it’s time to serve them. Enjoy!

Recipe tips

• Freeze before coating: Ensure that the golden Oreo truffles are thoroughly chilled before dipping in the candy melts. This not only makes the process easier but also helps the candy coating adhere better.
• Double dipping: For a thicker candy shell, consider giving the Oreo balls a double dip in the candy melts. Allow the first layer to dry before dipping again.
• Use a fork for dipping: When dipping the Oreo balls into the candy melts, using a fork can be a great help. It allows the excess candy to drip off easily.
• Maintain Candy Melt consistency: If your candy melts become too thick, you can thin them with a bit of vegetable oil or shortening. Just a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Cool at room temperature: After coating the Oreo balls, let them cool at room temperature before moving them to the refrigerator. This can help prevent cracking in the candy shell. 

Storage & reheating

Store your finished Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Perfect for making in advance of your Mardi Gras celebration!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Golden Oreos?

Yes. While Golden Oreos are recommended for this recipe due to their vanilla flavor, you can substitute them with any other cookie of your preference. Always remember that the flavor of the cookie may alter the taste of the final product.

Can I freeze the Oreo balls?

Absolutely! If you want to make these ahead of time or have leftovers, you can freeze them. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. with wax paper between each one of the Oreo cookie balls. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just defrost them in the refrigerator before serving.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make this recipe vegan, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure that the cookies and candy melts you’re using are vegan-friendly. There are several brands available that offer vegan options.

What if my candy melts seize while melting?

If your candy melts seize or become too thick while melting, you can add a little bit of vegetable oil or shortening and stir until the consistency is smooth again. Remember to add the oil or shortening sparingly so as not to make the candy melts too runny.

Can this recipe be made with other themes or for other occasions?

Yes, this recipe offers great flexibility. You can switch up the colors of the candy melts to match the theme or colors of any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, or holiday gathering, these Oreo balls can be customized to suit your needs. You can even use them to make Valentine’s Day Oreo truffles in shades of pink and red.