🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Oreo Bites 🍪
Ingredients
36 Golden Oreo cookies (about 15.25 oz), cream filling included, finely crushed
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1–2 oz freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into powder (about ½ cup)
12 oz white chocolate or vanilla-flavored candy coating (such as almond bark or CandiQuik)
Optional: ½ tsp coconut oil or food-grade shortening (for smoother dipping)
Optional garnish: extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries or reserved golden Oreo crumbs
Instructions
Prepare the base: In a large bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and softened cream cheese. Mix with a spatula or hand mixer until a thick, uniform dough forms.
Add strawberry flavor: Stir in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be sticky.
Shape the bites: Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or a measuring spoon, portion the mixture and roll gently between clean palms into smooth 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill thoroughly: Freeze the balls for 25–30 minutes (or refrigerate for 1 hour) until firm. This step is essential to prevent cracking or crumbling during dipping.
Melt the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or candy coating in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. If needed, add coconut oil to thin the coating slightly for easier dipping.
Dip and decorate: Using two forks or dipping tools, submerge each chilled ball into the melted coating, tap gently to remove excess, and return to the lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with extra strawberry powder or Oreo crumbs before the shell sets.
Set and serve: Let the coating harden at room temperature (10–15 minutes) or speed it up in the fridge (5 minutes). Once fully set, trim any pooled chocolate at the base with a sharp knife for a polished look.