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Circus Animal Cookie Balls Recipe

4.7 from 56 reviews

These Circus Animal Cookie Balls are a fun and vibrant treat perfect for parties and celebrations. Made from crushed frosted circus animal cookies blended with creamy softened cream cheese, then coated in colorful candy melts and almond bark, these bite-sized delights combine playful flavors and textures for a sweet snack everyone will love.

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

  1. Prepare Cookie Base: Place the frosted circus animal cookies into a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, forming a thick dough.
  2. Form Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. Melt Candy Coatings: In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the hot pink candy melts and the white almond bark in short 20-30 second intervals, stirring between sessions, until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Coat Cookie Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cookie ball into the melted candy melts or almond bark, ensuring full coverage. Allow excess coating to drip off, then place the coated balls back onto the parchment paper.
  5. Decorate and Set: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle some balls with rainbow nonpareil sprinkles for decoration. Let the candy coating set completely at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the process, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Serve and Store: Once set, arrange the cookie balls on a serving tray. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Be sure to use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and smooth texture.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely ground.
  • Use candy melts and almond bark at room temperature to prevent clumping when melting.
  • These cookie balls can be customized with other sprinkles or drizzle additional candy melts for extra decoration.
  • For best flavor, serve at room temperature once taken out of refrigeration.

Keywords: Circus Animal Cookie Balls, no-bake dessert, party treats, cookie truffles, candy coated cookie balls