These Pumpkin Oreo Truffles are little bites of fall happiness! With crushed Oreos and creamy pumpkin filling, they are perfect for celebrating the season.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist the combo of pumpkin and cookies! They’re easy to make, and they disappear faster than you can say “Pumpkin Spice Latte!” 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: These are the base of the truffles, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
Cream Cheese: It gives the truffles their creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, a vegan cream cheese can be a great substitute.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pumpkin puree can be used, just ensure it’s well-drained for the right consistency.
Orange Candy Melts: You can find these at most craft stores. If you can’t find them, you can use white chocolate with orange food coloring instead.
Green Candy Melts: These create the pumpkin stem, but you can also use green fondant or even tiny pieces of fresh mint leaves for a natural touch.
How Do I Get the Truffles to Set Firmly?
Setting your truffles is crucial for a great texture and shape. Here’s what you need to know:
- After rolling the truffles, placing them in the freezer for about 30 minutes helps them firm up. This makes them easier to dip.
- When dipping, allow excess candy to drip off. If it’s too thick, it can cause a heavy coating that may not harden well.
- Let the coated truffles sit until completely set. You can speed this process by placing them in the fridge for a short while after coating.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have lovely truffles that are not just festive but also perfect for sharing!
How to Make Pumpkin Oreo Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Truffle Filling:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about one standard package)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating and Topping:
- 2 cups orange candy melts or white chocolate with orange food coloring
- Orange sanding sugar or crushed Oreo crumbs, for coating
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- Green candy melts or green fondant, for pumpkin stems
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the freezer. Allow for some extra time to set the truffles properly and enjoy your festive treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Crust:
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, or place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just save about 1/4 cup of the crumbs for later use on the coating.
2. Make the Truffle Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos (excluding the reserved crumbs), softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is where the magic happens!
3. Shape the Truffles:
Next, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once you’ve shaped all the truffles, pop them into the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape when dipping!
4. Melt the Candy Coating:
While the truffles are chilling, melt your orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to the package instructions. Stir until they are completely smooth and ready for dipping.
5. Dip the Truffles:
Take the chilled truffle balls out of the freezer. Using a toothpick or a fork, dip each ball into the melted orange candy coating, letting the excess drip off. Once coated, roll them into the reserved crumbs or sanding sugar to give them a nice texture.
6. Add the Pumpkin Stems:
Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment paper. Before the candy coating sets, insert a small piece of green candy melt or molded fondant at the top to look like the pumpkin stem. This makes them extra cute!
7. Allow to Set:
Let the truffles set until they are firm. You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for a short while.
8. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Finally, melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, drizzle it over the truffles to create a pumpkin ribbing effect. Let the drizzle dry before serving.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Keep your adorable Pumpkin Oreo Truffles refrigerated until you’re ready to share them. Enjoy this festive fall treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Cookies for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Oreo cookies are a classic choice, you can experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies, like Hydrox or even gluten-free options, for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store These Truffles?
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just allow them to thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan?
Yes! To make these truffles vegan, use vegan cream cheese and certified vegan cookies. You can also use dairy-free chocolate for the coating and drizzle.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Candy Melts?
If you don’t have candy melts, you can use white chocolate chips mixed with orange food coloring. Just melt them gently and mix in the dye until you achieve your desired shade!
