Candy Cane Joe-Joe Truffles

This recipe takes the Candy Cane Joe-Joe up a notch.  You don't believe me do you?  Just make these truffles yourself and see what you think.  Crushed Joe-Joes mixed with cream cheese, covered in chocolate, sprinkled with candy cane bits.    What's not to like about that?

It's such a happy day when Trader Joe's puts out these seasonal Joe-Joe's.   And I do mean day.  Sometimes these things barely stay on the shelves!  I can happily report that my local store has been stocked.   These cookies are so nice and refreshing I really don't feel like I'm eating a dessert...so then I eat about twelve cookies.  I don't sweat it.  I say if you're going to indulge at the holidays make it worth it.  The joe-joe's themselves are worth it, but these truffles are really worth it.  My favorite part is that they are no-bake! You can have these ready to share with friends in no time!  People get busy this time of year and may not want to spend a lot of time baking.  Share this recipe with them and you'll have a forever friend!

Candy Cane Joe-Joe Truffles

1 box Candy Cane Joe-Joe's, crushed  (found at Trader Joe's, or use Candy cane Oreos)

one 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

chocolate chips for dipping (I used milk chocolate)

crushed candy canes for garnish

Crush entire box of Joe-Joe's into a fine crumb.  I find this is easiest in a food processor. Transfer crumbs to a large mixing bowl.  Stir in cream cheese and mix until cream cheese is fully combined. Form into balls, I used a medium cookie scoop, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.  

Melt chocolate chips in microwave at 30 second intervals until completely smooth.  Using a toothpick, dip truffles in chocolate until completely coated.  Sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you like.

I like to keep them in the refrigerator and eat cold.

See how easy it is to turn a cookie into an even more awesome cookie? I recommend you go out and buy two boxes of Joe-Joe's: one to make truffles, and one to eat in the car on the way home. 

Thin Mint Truffles

Friends, this is probably one of the easiest recipes you will see.  Truly. There is no baking.  You will need three ingredients.  Four, if you want to decorate them.  But when you eat them, you will feel like you worked hard enough to eat the whole batch.  I quickly mailed most of mine out to my Bakin' Friend to protect myself.

Thin Mint Truffles

one 9 oz box Girl Scout Thin mints (or use Grasshopper cookies) crushed

4 ounces softened cream cheese

dark chocolate candy melts or dark chocolate almond bark

sprinkles of your choice for decorating

Crush cookies either in a food processor or place them in a large Ziploc and crush with your rolling pin (my option of choice).  You will want them to be a very fine crumb.

Place crushed cookies in a large bowl and mix with cream cheese.  Most likely you will need to use your hands to really mix the cream cheese in.  Keep mixing until cream cheese is completely incorporated and no longer visible.  Roll into about 1 inch balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet.  Chill in your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Dip the truffles in the melted almond bark or candy melts, using a toothpick. Shake off any excess chocolate.  Place on parchment lined baking sheet and immediately add your sprinkles.  Chill for at least an hour, or until chocolate is firm.

Rumor has it people also make these with Oreos. I might need to try that.  I thought these truffles were a perfect little bite of mint and chocolate.  I think I still have one more box of Thin Mints in the pantry. Right next to a package of Oreos......