Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Stuff you need:
1- 18oz package of Oreos (one with three rows)
1- 8oz package of cream cheese (softened)
Candy melts- color and flavor of your choice
1-2 TBSP of shortening
Lolipop sticks
Block of Styrofoam for drying cake pops
Makes about 30 Oreo Pops
What to do with the stuff:
Place Oreos in a food processor…works better if you separate the two cookie halves before throwing them in the processor. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse until cookies are ground into fine crumbs.
Transfer crumbs into a large mixing bowl.
Add softened cream cheese and mix with your favorite spoon…I use my favorite silicone spatula, but what ever you’ve got with certainly work fine. Continue mixing until crumbs and cream cheese are completely combined…seems like it won’t work at first, but it will…keep mixing.
Once mixture is combined, scoop out tablespoon size balls. I use a tablespoon size ice cream scooper…that way each pop will be the same size…don’t need any unfair sizes around my house.
Place scooped balls onto a cookie sheet, or anything flat that will fit into your freezer. Place in your freezer for 5-10 minutes, or until firm, but not rock hard.
While you wait melt your candy melts of choice. I normally use Wiltons candy melts because of the color rage available and I can usually find a Michael’s 40% off coupon somewhere. If you’d like a simple and cheaper candy melt, In Walmart’s baking aisle I’ve found what is called Almond Bark candy (comes in chocolate or vanilla…both are yummy and work great). Follow directions on your candy melt package or melt properly. Once melted, stir in a tablespoon or two of shortening to thin out the coating to the perfect dipping consistency.
Once you’ve melted the candy coating put it in ceramic or glass container that is deep enough to plunge the entire pop in without hitting the bottom. I use a large coffee cup…that way it’s easy to pop it back in the microwave if I need to reheat the candy.
Remove the Oreo balls from the freezer.
Dip one end of a lollipop stick about1/4” into the candy coating, then push it into the center of an Oreo ball about ½ way through. Place almost finished Oreo Pop back on the cookie sheet until all are finished. When all the lollipop sticks are in, put the cookie sheet back in the freezer to firm up the candy coating. When the candy isn’t shinny anymore they are ready for dipping.
Have your Styrofoam block ready for this next portion.
I use a dip and swirl method for covering my pops. Cover the entire pop and try to dip up to the candy that’s already there from inserting the stick. I’ve had trouble with the inside oozing out if I don’t…not pretty. This part could take a few tries to get just right…don’t worry they still taste yummy even if they’re not picture perfect…I should know. Once dipped place the lovely pop in the Styrofoam block to harden. Note: The first time I tried a cake pop recipe I forgot to buy the Styrofoam block and improvised with a few cans of my daughter’s Playdoh…works in a pinch.
When candy coating is hard they are done and ready to be eaten. Of course, if you’re giving them as a gift you can always make them extra pretty by covering them with a clear treat bag and adding a ribbon to match. Or you can adorn them with sprinkles, nuts, or really anything you can think of while the candy is still wet. Anyway to decide to dress them up they’re sure to make someone happy…even if it’s just you.
