Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, festive treat that’s both adorable and delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe. These little cake bites are seriously the perfect holiday snack, combining rich red velvet flavor with a festive green chocolate coating and a cute red heart on top. Trust me, they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and they’re guaranteed to be a showstopper at any Christmas gathering!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls, I like to keep it simple but festive. Using chewy red velvet cookies means you get that classic flavor without baking a cake from scratch, plus cream cheese brings that creamy tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. The white chocolate melts smooth and the green gel food coloring gives you that iconic Grinchy vibe.

• Chips Ahoy Chewy Red Velvet cookies: These cookies are soft enough to crumble easily and add that genuine red velvet taste.
• Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly creating the perfect “dough” texture.
• White chocolate chips: You’ll use these for dipping and drizzling, so pick good-quality ones for the best melt and flavor.
• Green food coloring gel: Gel colors are more vibrant and won’t thin your chocolate like liquid coloring can.
• Red heart sprinkles: A cute finishing touch that ups the festive factor instantly.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, want to add a little crunch, or just want a different decoration style, there’s room to get creative here!

• Dairy-free version: Swap cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese, and use dairy-free white chocolate chips — I tried this and still got great taste and texture.
• Nutty twist: Mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra bite and flavor; my family went crazy for the crunch.
• Different colors: Instead of green, try red or metallic gold chocolate coating for a New Year’s party or Valentine’s Day.
• Flavor boost: Add a drop of peppermint extract into the white chocolate for a festive minty kick — here’s what I learned, a little goes a long way!

How to Make Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe

Step 1: Turn Cookies into Crumbs

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and placing a wire rack on top — this setup helps your cake balls dry evenly after dipping. Next, pulse your chewy red velvet cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, no worries: pop the cookies into a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin!

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese & Crumbs

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until it’s silky smooth. Then gradually add the cookie crumbs, mixing until everything is combined well — you’re aiming for a dough-like mixture that’s holdable but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the dough and roll each portion into balls about 1½ inches wide. Placing them on the prepared rack will help chocolate drip through for a clean coating. Pop the whole tray into the fridge for about two hours until the balls are firm to the touch — this chilling step is key to avoid melty, messy dipping later.

Step 4: Melt and Color the Chocolate

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of barely simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Reserve one package of white chocolate chips for drizzling later, then melt the other two packages, stirring gently until smooth. Add a drop of green gel food coloring, mixing until the vibrant Grinch-green you love appears. Don’t rush this step — adding color little by little helps you get the perfect hue.

Step 5: Dip the Cake Balls in Chocolate

Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the green chocolate, letting excess drip off for a nice smooth shell. Place them back on the wire rack and repeat for all. If you want a thicker coating (I usually do!), let the first coat set for about 30 minutes in the fridge, then dip again. It really ups the appearance and gives that satisfying crunch when you bite in.

Step 6: Add the Drizzle and Sprinkles

Wipe out your bowl and melt the reserved white chocolate chips again, adding green gel the same way. If the chocolate’s too thick to drizzle, mix in hot water from the pot a teaspoon at a time until it’s perfect for piping. Transfer this to a small plastic bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over the coated cake balls to create festive stripes. Before the drizzle sets, place a red heart sprinkle on each ball for that classic Grinchy pop of color.

How to Serve Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with the red heart sprinkles for that burst of holiday cheer, but powdered sugar dusted lightly over the plate looks magical too. If you want to go extra, tiny edible gold stars add a lovely sparkle and make them feel like little jewels—perfect if you’re hosting a Christmastime party!

Side Dishes

Since these are rich and sweet, pair them with some fresh peppermint tea or even a cup of strong black coffee — I always find the bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully. They also go great alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a plate of savory cheese and nuts if you want to serve them as part of a holiday dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I arrange these cake balls in a festive tiered tray with some pine sprigs and mini ornaments scattered around—it’s instantly delightful. Another fun idea is to stick a small toothpick or holiday-themed topper in each cake ball to transform them into festive cake pops. Kids especially love this hands-on presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls are fully set, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 5 days — perfect if you want to prep early and enjoy later without losing freshness.

Freezing

Freezing cake balls is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. I wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap and then store them together in a freezer-safe bag. When I’ve tried this, I’ve found they keep great for up to 3 months, preserving that soft yet creamy texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls, just transfer them to the fridge the night before to thaw slowly. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly. If you want to freshen the coating’s shine, a quick chilling after thawing does the trick!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Grinchy Red Velvet Cake Balls Recipe turns out every time — festive, flavorful, and so much fun to make. When I first tried this recipe a few years ago, I was amazed how easy it was to whip up a holiday treat that looks so impressive. Whether you’re looking for a cute dessert to bring to your next Christmas party or a hands-on baking project with the kids, these cake balls won’t disappoint. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and share that joy with your family. Happy baking!

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