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These Grinchy Christmas Cake Bites bring a perfect festive twist on classic cake bites. Combining rich red velvet cookie crumbs with creamy cream cheese, coated in green-tinted white chocolate, and topped with a candy heart, they are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to any party or gift exchange. They offer a playful nod to the Grinch’s story, capturing the magic of transformation and the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
I made these during a holiday gathering last year, and they disappeared almost instantly. Everyone loved how they looked and tasted, and the red velvet filling was such a delightful surprise.
Ingredients
- Chips Ahoy Chewy Red Velvet cookies: These provide the iconic red velvet flavor and texture choose fresh packages for best crumbs
- Cream cheese: at room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture
- White chocolate chips: divided for melting I found Hershey or Nestle brand gives the best smooth coating without being too stiff
- Green food coloring gel: to get that perfect Grinch green gel works better than liquid because it doesn't thin out the chocolate
- Red heart sprinkles: for decoration representing the Grinch's heart growing these add a sweet festive touch and can be found in baking aisles during winter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scoop and Crush Cookies:
- Pulse the red velvet cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. This creates the base texture of your cake bite centers and ensures smooth mixing with cream cheese.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Cookie Crumbs:
- Beat room temperature cream cheese in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium-high until smooth. Add cookie crumbs and continue beating until thoroughly combined into a firm dough.
- Shape Cake Bites:
- Using a tablespoon measure, scoop dough and roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a wire rack set over parchment on a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 2 hours to firm them up.
- Prepare Double Boiler and Melt White Chocolate:
- Set a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water ensuring the bowl bottom does not touch water. Melt 2 packages of white chocolate chips stirring gently until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Color the Chocolate Coating:
- Add one drop of green food coloring gel to the melted white chocolate and stir well. Adjust the amount of coloring until you reach the desired vibrant green hue.
- Dip Cake Bites in Green Chocolate:
- Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the green chocolate allowing excess to drip off. Return to the wire rack. For a thicker coating, repeat the dipping. Refrigerate the coated balls for 30 minutes to set.
- Melt Remaining White Chocolate for Drizzle:
- In the clean double boiler, melt the last package of white chocolate chips stirring until smooth and remove from heat.
- Color and Thin Drizzle Chocolate:
- Add one drop of green coloring to the melted chocolate and stir. If needed, thin the drizzle by adding hot water one tablespoon at a time while vigorously stirring to consistency suitable for piping.
- Decorate Cake Bites:
- Transfer the drizzle chocolate to a plastic or piping bag and snip the tip. Drizzle the green stripes over each cake bite. Before the drizzle sets, top each with a red heart sprinkle to mimic the Grinch's heart.
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Storage Tips
Store these cake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the coating firm and fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Chips Ahoy Red Velvet cookies, any red velvet flavored cookie or cake crumbs will work well. Cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone for a richer taste but will be softer to handle. White chocolate candy melts can be used instead of chips but be careful not to add too much liquid or they may seize.
Serving Suggestions
These cake bites pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine during holiday celebrations. For an extra festive touch serve on a platter decorated with fresh pine sprigs and cranberries. They also make charming edible gifts wrapped in festive boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
Cultural Context
Cake pops and truffles have become a popular dessert for celebrations throughout the United States. Adding the Grinch theme brings in a playful element tied to the beloved holiday character created by Dr. Seuss. This recipe blends traditional flavors with creative presentation, making it a modern Christmas treat that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What gives these cake bites their vibrant green color?
The bright green hue comes from adding green food coloring gel to melted white chocolate, creating the Grinch-inspired coating.
- → Can I use other cookies besides red velvet for the base?
Yes, while red velvet adds a festive touch, other cookie flavors can be used to create different taste variations.
- → Why is lower-quality chocolate recommended for coating?
Using everyday chocolates like Hershey’s results in a smoother, more ideal texture for dipping and coating compared to premium varieties.
- → How long should the cake bites chill before coating?
Refrigerate the shaped bites for about 2 hours to firm up, ensuring the coating adheres well during dipping.
- → What is the purpose of the red heart sprinkles?
They symbolize the holiday spirit and add a charming, festive decoration that complements the green coating.
- → Can these treats be prepared in advance?
Absolutely, they keep well refrigerated and can be made a day or two ahead to save time on the day of serving.