Description
These Circus Animal Cookie Balls are a fun and colorful no-bake treat made from crushed frosted circus animal cookies and cream cheese, coated in vibrant pink and white candy melts, and optionally decorated with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a playful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Ball Base
- 9 ounce package frosted circus animal cookies (Mother’s brand recommended)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
Coating
- 6 ounces hot pink candy melts
- 6 ounces white almond bark
- Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Ball Base: Place the frosted circus animal cookies into a food processor or crush them finely using a rolling pin in a sealed bag until they become fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix with Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the cookie crumbs. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until a uniform dough forms that can be shaped into balls.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
- Chill the Cookie Balls: Refrigerate the cookie balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to dip in candy melts.
- Melt Candy Coatings: Melt the hot pink candy melts and white almond bark separately in microwave-safe bowls according to package instructions, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Coat the Cookie Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cookie ball first into the pink candy melts or white almond bark until fully coated. Allow excess coating to drip off, then place the dipped balls back on the parchment paper.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately after dipping, while the coating is still wet, sprinkle the rainbow nonpareil sprinkles over the coated balls if desired.
- Set the Coating: Allow the coated cookie balls to sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the candy coating hardens completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, serve these colorful Circus Animal Cookie Balls as a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking when coating and setting.
- Store cookie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Experiment with different colors and types of candy melts for customization.
- If candy melts harden during dipping, re-melt gently to return to a smooth consistency.
Keywords: Circus Animal Cookie Balls, no bake dessert, candy coated treats, fun cookies, party desserts, snack balls