Want to feel a little nostalgic with a bit of a twist? Then you need to make these colorful four ingredient Circus Animal Cookie Balls! Easy, tasty and super fun!
Using a food processor, crush the entire package of cookies, pulsing until it is a fine powdered crumble.
Cut the cream cheese in chunks and add it into the cookie crumble mixture. Mix until the crumble and cream cheese forms a ball of soft dough.
Spoon or scoop the dough, and roll into equal size 1-1 ½ inch balls. I think this is easiest using a small spring-loaded cookie dough scoop.
Place each ball on a piece of parchment paper, repeating until all of the dough is used. Place the cookie balls in the refrigerator or freezer to cool for about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to dip them in the candy coating.
Melt the pink candy melts in the microwave, for about one minute. Stir and continue to check to see if they have completely melted. Continue to microwave every 15 seconds until candy is melted.
Dip each prepared ball (using a a spoon or fork) to make sure each ball is completely covered. Gently remove the ball from the fork or spoon and place onto the parchment paper.
Shake a few sprinkles onto each bite before the chocolate hardens.
Continue dipping and sprinkling with sprinkles, until half of the rolled bites are dipped in pink.
Repeat the process with the white melting chocolates.
Notes
I use candy melts for these. The color is already added. When adding food coloring to melted chocolate, it can make the chocolate seize.
Colored candy melts can usually be found with the other specialty baking items in your grocery store. Also, I can usually find them at Michael's craft store for pretty cheap.
You can top with any sprinkles you like, I prefer the rainbow nonpareils.
These need to be stored in the refrigerator as they contain cream cheese.
You can absolutely double the recipe for larger parties or to have some for later (because you will want more!)
You can use one color if you like. I like to have the white and pink to match the cookies themselves.
Make sure you chill your cookie balls before dipping.
If you don't have a food processor you can place cookies in ziptop bag and crush with rolling pin until a fine powder forms, place in bowl and stir in softened cream cheese.
This Circus Animal Cookie Ball recipe can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or ziptop bag for up to 3 weeks.
These can also be frozen. Place cookie balls in freezer bag, or stack them separated by parchment paper in an airtight freezer container where they will stay good for up to 2 months.