Mint Oreo Truffles are an absolute dream come true for anyone who adores that irresistible combination of refreshing mint and rich chocolate. Imagine a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that requires no baking and comes together with surprising ease – that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! I’m delighted to share with you the magic behind these delightful confections.
A Sweet History of Truffles and Iconic Oreos
While the concept of a ‘truffle’ harkens back to exquisite French confectionery, named for their resemblance to the luxurious fungi, our modern take brings this elegance right into your kitchen with the universally beloved Oreo cookie. The ingenious simplicity of transforming a classic cookie into such a sophisticated dessert has made this style of treat incredibly popular worldwide, especially for those seeking an impressive yet convenient confection.
There’s a reason why these delightful Mint Oreo Truffles have captured so many hearts; their creamy, vibrant mint filling, studded with crunchy Oreo pieces, and enveloped in a smooth chocolate coating, offers a textural and flavor experience that is simply unparalleled. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just a little indulgence for yourself, these truffles promise to deliver pure joy with every single bite. I’m truly excited for you to discover just how simple and rewarding it is to create these spectacular treats that are loved for their incredible taste and effortless charm.
Ingredients:
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One (1) package (13.2 oz / 374g) Mint Oreo Cookies: These are the star of our show, providing that unmistakable chocolate-mint flavor and satisfying crunch. Make sure you grab the genuine Mint Oreos, as their specific flavor profile is crucial for authentic Mint Oreo Truffles.
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Eight (8) ounces (226g) Cream Cheese, full-fat: It is absolutely essential that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you begin. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness for our Mint Oreo Truffles, ensuring they are wonderfully creamy and hold their shape beautifully. Avoid using low-fat or whipped varieties, as they can alter the consistency significantly.
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Two (2) packages (12 oz / 340g each) White Melting Wafers or White Chocolate Chips: While white chocolate chips can work, I highly recommend using high-quality white melting wafers or confectionery coating. These are specifically designed to melt smoothly and set firmly, giving your Mint Oreo Truffles a professional, glossy finish without the fuss of tempering. If using chips, opt for a good quality brand for better melting properties.
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Optional: One (1) teaspoon Peppermint Extract: For an extra burst of fresh mint flavor, you can add a small amount of pure peppermint extract to your melted white chocolate. Start with half a teaspoon and taste, adjusting to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way with extracts!
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Optional: A few drops Green Food Coloring (gel preferred): If you want to enhance the minty visual appeal of your Mint Oreo Truffles, a touch of green food coloring can transform your white chocolate coating into a vibrant, festive hue. Gel food coloring provides more intense color with less liquid, which is ideal for chocolate.
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Optional: Festive Sprinkles or additional crushed Mint Oreos for garnish: These delightful additions are perfect for making your Mint Oreo Truffles extra special. Sprinkles add a pop of color and texture, while a dusting of extra crushed Mint Oreos ties the decoration back to the core flavor, making them irresistible.
Preparing Your Mint Oreo Truffle Base
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Crushing Your Mint Oreo Cookies to Perfection
This is where the magic begins for our delightful Mint Oreo Truffles. The key here is to achieve a fine crumb consistency from your Mint Oreo cookies. You want a texture that is fine enough to mix seamlessly with the cream cheese, but still retains a bit of the cookie’s integrity for flavor and a subtle textural interest. There are a couple of excellent methods for this:
Using a Food Processor: This is my preferred method for efficiency and consistency. Carefully open your package of Mint Oreos and place the entire cookies, cream filling and all, into the bowl of your food processor. Secure the lid and pulse the cookies repeatedly until they break down into a fine, sand-like crumb. Be mindful not to over-process to the point of turning it into a paste, but ensure there are no large chunks remaining. The goal is uniformity. A good way to check is to feel the crumbs between your fingers; they should feel consistently fine with no significant lumps. This method ensures that the minty cream filling is fully incorporated, which is vital for the distinct flavor of our Mint Oreo Truffles.
Using a Ziploc Bag and Rolling Pin: If you don’t have a food processor, no worries! Place the Mint Oreo cookies into a large, heavy-duty Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Lay the bag flat on a sturdy surface and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies. Start by gently tapping to break them into smaller pieces, then roll firmly over them, moving the crumbs around in the bag to ensure all cookies are evenly crushed. Continue until you achieve that fine, sand-like consistency we’re looking for. This method can be a bit more labor-intensive but is just as effective for preparing the base of your Mint Oreo Truffles.
Once crushed, transfer all of your delicious Mint Oreo crumbs into a large mixing bowl. This bowl will be the playground for our next step, where these crumbs transform into something truly magical.
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Combining the Crushed Oreos with Cream Cheese
Now it’s time to bring together the two foundational elements of our Mint Oreo Truffles. It is absolutely crucial that your cream cheese is at room temperature and softened. This cannot be stressed enough! Cold cream cheese will be incredibly difficult to mix evenly with the cookie crumbs, leading to a lumpy, inconsistent base for your truffles. To soften it, simply leave it out on the counter for about 30-60 minutes before you plan to start, or gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 second intervals until it’s pliable.
Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl containing your finely crushed Mint Oreo crumbs. Now, for the mixing! You can use a sturdy spoon, a rubber spatula, or even your impeccably clean hands for this part. My personal preference leans towards using my hands once the initial mixing with a spoon gets going, as it allows me to really feel the consistency and ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Begin to mix and knead the cream cheese into the cookie crumbs. At first, it might seem like there isn’t enough cream cheese, and the mixture will look dry and crumbly.
Don’t despair! Keep mixing. The warmth from your hands (if using them) and continued pressure will help the cream cheese fully incorporate into every crumb. You are aiming for a homogeneous, sticky “dough” that holds together when pressed. There should be no visible streaks of plain cream cheese, and the mixture should have a uniform color and texture. When you can take a small amount and easily roll it into a ball without it crumbling, you know you’ve achieved the perfect consistency for your Mint Oreo Truffles. This perfectly mixed base is what gives our truffles their signature dense, chewy texture.
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Rolling the Truffle Balls to Uniform Perfection
With your Mint Oreo truffle mixture perfectly combined, it’s time to transform it into individual, delectable balls. This step requires a little patience and precision, but the result is a beautifully uniform batch of Mint Oreo Truffles that are a joy to behold and devour.
I find using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size) to be incredibly helpful here. It ensures that each truffle is roughly the same size, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also guarantees even chilling and easier dipping later on. Scoop out a portion of the mixture, then use your hands to roll it into a smooth, tight ball. The goal is to avoid any cracks or uneven surfaces, as these will be more challenging to coat smoothly with chocolate.
Tips for perfect rolling: If the mixture feels too sticky, you can lightly dampen your hands with water or dust them with a tiny bit of cocoa powder. Work quickly, but gently, applying enough pressure to compress the mixture into a firm ball. Place each rolled truffle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This lining is crucial to prevent sticking during chilling and makes for easy transfer later.
Continue this process until all of your Mint Oreo truffle mixture has been rolled into neat, round balls. Depending on the size you choose, you should yield approximately 30-40 truffles from one batch. The uniformity achieved in this step contributes significantly to the professional look and feel of your homemade Mint Oreo Truffles.
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The Crucial Chill: Firming Up Your Truffle Base
This next step, while seemingly simple, is absolutely vital for the success of your Mint Oreo Truffles. Once all your truffle balls are neatly lined up on the parchment-lined baking sheet, it’s time for them to take a well-deserved rest in the refrigerator. This chilling period is not just a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable step that ensures your truffles will hold their shape and be much easier to handle when it comes time for dipping.
Carefully place the baking sheet with the rolled Mint Oreo truffles into your refrigerator. Allow them to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour. For best results, I often let them chill for a bit longer, even up to 2 hours, especially if my kitchen is particularly warm. What does this chilling accomplish?
- Firmness: The cold temperature solidifies the cream cheese and the oils in the cookie crumbs, making the truffle balls firm. This prevents them from collapsing or deforming when you dip them into warm melted chocolate.
- Ease of Handling: Firm truffles are much less messy to work with. They won’t stick to your fingers or tools as much, allowing for a cleaner and more efficient dipping process.
- Smooth Coating: A cold truffle provides a better surface for the warm chocolate to adhere to and set quickly, resulting in a smoother, more even coating. Without adequate chilling, the warm chocolate can melt the surface of a soft truffle, leading to a lumpy or uneven finish.
While your truffles are chilling, this is a perfect opportunity to gather your supplies for the coating process. Get your white chocolate ready, prepare your melting setup, and consider any decorative elements you plan to use. By the time your Mint Oreo Truffles are perfectly firm, you’ll be all set to move on to the next exciting stage.
Coating Your Delicious Mint Oreo Truffles
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Preparing the White Chocolate Coating for a Smooth Finish
Now for the luscious coating that will envelop your Mint Oreo Truffles in a sweet, creamy shell. Melting white chocolate requires a bit of care to ensure it’s smooth and perfectly dippable. There are two primary methods I recommend:
The Double Boiler Method (Preferred for Control): This is my go-to for melting chocolate because it offers gentle, even heat and significantly reduces the risk of burning or seizing. Fill a saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Place a heatproof bowl (glass or stainless steel) over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water. Add your white melting wafers or chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir occasionally with a clean, dry spatula as the chocolate slowly melts. Remove the bowl from the heat as soon as the chocolate is mostly melted, stirring continuously until completely smooth. The residual heat will finish the job. It’s crucial that no water or steam gets into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become thick and unusable.
The Microwave Method (For Quickness, with Caution): If you’re short on time, the microwave can work, but it requires more vigilance. Place your white melting wafers or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. White chocolate holds its shape even when melted, so stirring is essential to gauge its consistency. Continue microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth. Be extremely careful not to overheat it, as white chocolate can burn very easily and quickly become clumpy and unusable. Overheating is the main culprit for seized chocolate when using a microwave.
Once your white chocolate is perfectly melted and smooth, now is the time to add any optional flavorings or colorings. If using peppermint extract, stir in 1 teaspoon (or to taste) until well combined. If adding green food coloring, start with 1-2 drops of gel food coloring and stir well. Continue adding drops until you achieve your desired shade of minty green. Remember, gel colors are highly concentrated, so start small! Keep the melted chocolate warm over the double boiler (if using) or re-warm in 10-second bursts in the microwave if it starts to thicken during dipping. A perfectly melted coating is the secret to beautiful Mint Oreo Truffles.
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Dipping Your Truffles for a Flawless Coating
This is where your chilled Mint Oreo Truffles get their beautiful, glossy exterior! Retrieve your firm, chilled truffle balls from the refrigerator. Work in small batches to keep the remaining truffles cold, which helps the chocolate set faster and prevents the truffle centers from becoming too soft.
There are a few effective ways to dip:
- Using a Fork: This is my preferred method. Place one truffle ball onto the tines of a regular dinner fork. Submerge the truffle completely into the melted white chocolate. Gently tap the fork against the rim of the bowl, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. The key is to let as much excess chocolate drip away as possible to avoid a thick, pooling base on your finished truffle.
- Using a Dipping Tool/Candy Fork: These specialized tools have thin wires that allow for even better drainage of excess chocolate. The technique is similar to using a regular fork.
- Using Toothpicks: For smaller batches or if you don’t have a fork, you can insert a toothpick into the truffle ball. Dip the truffle, letting excess drip, then gently push the truffle off the toothpick onto the parchment paper, quickly covering the small hole with a bit more chocolate or a sprinkle.
Once the excess chocolate has dripped off, carefully slide the coated truffle off the fork or tool onto the same parchment-lined baking sheet you used for chilling. The coldness of the truffle will help the chocolate start to set almost immediately. Repeat this process with the remaining truffle balls, ensuring a smooth, even coating on each one. If your chocolate starts to thicken, gently re-warm it using your chosen method from the previous step. A smooth coating is essential for that professional look of your Mint Oreo Truffles.
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Decorating for That Extra Sparkle and Visual Appeal
This is the fun part where you get to personalize your Mint Oreo Truffles and make them truly pop! The best time to decorate is immediately after dipping each truffle, while the white chocolate coating is still wet. This allows your chosen embellishments to adhere perfectly.
Here are some popular and delightful decorating options:
- Festive Sprinkles: If you’re going for a celebratory look, simply sprinkle your chosen sprinkles over the still-wet chocolate coating. Green and white sprinkles, or even a mix of holiday colors, work wonderfully with the mint theme.
- Additional Crushed Mint Oreos: For an unmistakable visual cue to the flavor, gently press a small amount of extra crushed Mint Oreo crumbs onto the wet coating. This adds texture and reinforces the delicious core ingredient.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once all your truffles are dipped and the coating has partially set (but not fully hardened), you can melt a small amount of plain white chocolate (or even dark chocolate for contrast) and drizzle it over the truffles using a spoon or a piping bag with a very small snip in the corner. This creates an elegant, artistic finish.
- Chopped Nuts or Candies: While not traditional for Mint Oreo Truffles, if you enjoy added crunch, finely chopped pistachios or mini chocolate chips could also be pressed onto the wet coating.
Work quickly to decorate after each dip. If the chocolate sets before you get a chance to decorate, your sprinkles or crumbs won’t stick. The beauty of Mint Oreo Truffles is how versatile they are for decoration, allowing you to match them to any occasion or simply make them look irresistible.
Final Touches and Enjoyment
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The Final Chill: Setting the Coating
Once all your Mint Oreo Truffles are dipped and decorated, it’s time for one last trip to the refrigerator. This final chilling period is essential for allowing the white chocolate coating to fully set and harden. A firm chocolate shell protects the soft, creamy interior and makes the truffles much easier to handle, store, and serve.
Return the baking sheet with your beautifully coated and decorated Mint Oreo Truffles to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely firm to the touch. You’ll know they are ready when the chocolate loses its sheen and feels solid and unyielding. This ensures that when you pick them up, the coating won’t smudge or melt easily in your fingers, providing that satisfying snap as you bite into them. This final chill is the last crucial step in perfecting your homemade Mint Oreo Truffles.
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Storage and Serving Tips for Your Delightful Mint Oreo Truffles
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a batch of truly irresistible Mint Oreo Truffles. Now, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and serve them at their best.
Storage: Due to the cream cheese in the center, these Mint Oreo Truffles must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any refrigerator odors. They will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage; place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw frozen truffles in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving: While they need to be stored cold, many people find that Mint Oreo Truffles taste best when allowed to come to just below room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming allows the cream cheese center to soften a touch, enhancing its creamy texture and allowing the full mint and chocolate flavors to shine through more vibrantly. Arrange them on a platter for a party, or keep them in a small dish for a delightful personal treat. They make fantastic gifts too!
Enjoy every single bite of your homemade Mint Oreo Truffles. They are a perfect blend of rich chocolate, cool mint, and creamy indulgence, guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tastes them!
Conclusion:
So, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling as inspired and eager as I am about this incredible recipe. If there’s one dessert I could insist you try, it would absolutely be these delightful treats. They are not merely a confection; they are a truly delightful experience, a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that manages to be both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly simple to create. The sheer joy of taking that first bite into a creamy, minty, chocolatey morsel is something truly special.
What makes this recipe an absolute must-try? Well, for starters, it’s the magical combination of cool, refreshing mint and deep, rich chocolate that dances on your palate. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, striking that perfect balance between refreshing and decadent. Then there’s the incredible ease of preparation; the no-bake aspect alone makes them a winner in my book, especially during warmer months or when oven space is at a premium. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to achieve professional-looking and tasting results with these. They come together with minimal effort, making them the perfect candidate for a last-minute party contribution, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a treat to brighten up a mundane afternoon. The texture is divine – a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth interior encased in a crisp, sweet chocolate shell. It’s pure bliss in every bite, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Now, let’s talk about making these beauties truly your own. While they are perfect as is, there are so many fun ways to serve and vary these scrumptious morsels. For serving, always make sure they are well chilled; this enhances their firm texture and makes them incredibly refreshing. Arrange them elegantly on a serving platter, perhaps nestled in small paper liners or alongside fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of sophistication. They make excellent additions to a dessert buffet, a lovely petit four with after-dinner coffee, or even a charming edible gift tied up in a cellophane bag with a pretty ribbon. Imagine presenting a box of these homemade treasures to a host or a loved one – it speaks volumes.
Elevate Your Truffles: Creative Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the core flavor of Mint Oreo Truffles is undeniably stellar, don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and coatings. Instead of a simple chocolate coating, consider using white chocolate melts, perhaps tinted with a drop of green food coloring for an even more vibrant minty theme, especially around holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas. A drizzle of contrasting chocolate – white over dark, or dark over white – can add a beautiful visual flair. Think about dusting them with a fine layer of cocoa powder for a sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast, or sprinkling them with finely crushed candy canes during the festive season for an extra burst of peppermint and a delightful crunch. Other delightful toppings include colorful sprinkles for a playful touch, finely chopped pistachios for added texture and a complementary color, or even a tiny pinch of sea salt to truly make the chocolate flavor sing. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
And if you ever want to venture beyond the minty realm (though why would you, when these are so good?), this basic truffle method is incredibly versatile. You could swap out the Mint Oreos for regular Oreos, Golden Oreos, or even peanut butter-flavored ones, adjusting your coating and toppings accordingly. But for now, I truly implore you to experience the magic of the original. There’s a reason these specific truffles hold such a special place in my heart.
Your Turn!
This is where the real fun begins! I’ve shared my passion for these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious treats, and now it’s your turn to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen. I promise you, the smiles and compliments you’ll receive will make every moment spent creating them absolutely worth it. There’s a unique satisfaction in making something so utterly delightful with your own hands, and watching others enjoy it just as much as you do.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and prepare to create something truly memorable. I absolutely cannot wait to hear about your culinary adventures with these amazing truffles. Please, don’t keep your creations a secret! Share your photos, your triumphs, your clever variations, and your joyous feedback with me and the wider community. Did you add a unique topping? Did you serve them in a surprising way? Your insights and experiences are invaluable and inspire us all. Let’s make our kitchens a place of delicious discovery together. Happy truffle making!
Mint Oreo Truffles
Mint Oreo Truffles are an absolute dream come true for anyone who adores that irresistible combination of refreshing mint and rich chocolate. Imagine a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat that requires no baking and comes together with surprising ease!
Ingredients
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1 package (13.2 oz / 374g) Mint Oreo Cookies
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8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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2 packages (12 oz / 340g each, total 24 oz / 680g) white melting wafers or high-quality white chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for extra mint flavor)
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A few drops green food coloring (gel preferred, optional)
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Festive sprinkles, additional crushed Mint Oreos, or chocolate drizzle (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Step 1
Achieve a fine crumb consistency from your Mint Oreo cookies. Using a Food Processor: Place entire cookies (with cream filling) into the food processor and pulse until a fine, sand-like crumb is achieved. Or, Using a Ziploc Bag and Rolling Pin: Place cookies in a heavy-duty Ziploc bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin until fine. Transfer all crushed crumbs to a large mixing bowl. -
Step 2
Add the softened, room-temperature cream cheese to the crushed Mint Oreo crumbs. Mix and knead using a sturdy spoon, rubber spatula, or impeccably clean hands. Continue until a homogeneous, sticky ‘dough’ forms that holds together when pressed. There should be no visible streaks of cream cheese. -
Step 3
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) for uniform size, scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth, tight ball, avoiding cracks. Place each rolled truffle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. -
Step 4
Place the baking sheet with the rolled Mint Oreo truffles into the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour (up to 2 hours for best results). This ensures firmness and prevents deforming during dipping. -
Step 5
Melt your white melting wafers or chocolate chips using either the Double Boiler Method (preferred for gentle, even melting) or the Microwave Method (in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring thoroughly after each). Ensure no water or steam enters the chocolate. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and/or a few drops of green gel food coloring until well combined and smooth. -
Step 6
Retrieve chilled truffle balls from the refrigerator. Work in small batches. Place one truffle onto the tines of a fork or dipping tool, submerge completely into the melted white chocolate, and gently tap against the rim of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off. Carefully slide the coated truffle onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining truffles, re-warming chocolate as needed. -
Step 7
Immediately after dipping each truffle, while the white chocolate coating is still wet, decorate as desired. Options include festive sprinkles, additional crushed Mint Oreo crumbs gently pressed onto the coating, or a drizzle of plain white or dark chocolate once all truffles are dipped. -
Step 8
Return the baking sheet with your coated and decorated Mint Oreo Truffles to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely firm to the touch. This ensures a protective, hardened shell. -
Step 9
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for 1-2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For best flavor and texture, allow truffles to sit at just below room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the creamy center slightly.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.