Mini Monets and Mommies: The Easiest Pumpkin Pie Truffles Ever

Pumpkin pie Oreo truffle balls? They are so beyond-yum. Imagine a deconstructed pumpkin pie (yes, I've watched too many episodes of Top Chef). Whether you're making a fall treat for the kids, cooking Thanksgiving dinner or just want an excuse to eat some sweet pumpkin-y goodness, these are always a hit. As a bonus, they're super-simple for anyone to make. That means the kids can help out too!

Oreo balls = the best, easy-to-make dessert ever! Seriously. I’m usually a baking failure. My son is constantly saying things like, “Really mom? Are those supposed to be brownies?” But, then I took my quest for making the perfect baked good down a notch. I realized that I: 1. Don’t have the time to just whip up a five-layer cake from scratch, and 2. There’s no shame in cutting corners to accommodate my skills level. If I was opening up a bakery, then things would be different. I’m not. I’m just cooking for my family. My son doesn’t know a crème brulee from a Twinkie, so I decided to concentrate on making little tasty treats that he’ll like and that won’t come out burnt or half-cooked.

That’s where Oreo truffles come in. I’ve seen what seems like a billion ads for these so-sweet morsels at the grocery store, online and just about anywhere else that’s promoting holiday cooking. I tried the standard chocolate –dipped ones, and then decided on some embellishments. I made a few different kinds. They really came out so well that I couldn’t decide which one to post first. Given that Thanksgiving is coming up, the pumpkin pie truffles seemed fitting. These are waaaaaaaaay easier than baking a pumpkin pie, and they are super-duper tasty. And (bonus!), they are so easy to make that even your child can do most of the work.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

· 1 package Pumpkin Spice Oreos (they’re limited edition, so get them while they’re still around)

· 6 oz. cream cheese

· White chocolate bar

· Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (you can substitute graham crackers)

· Wax paper

Here’s What to Do:

1. Crush the cookies in a food processor. I’m a complete klutz when it comes to kitchen appliances, but even I could manage this step. You can’t just smash the cookies with a spoon or masher – you really need to use something electric. Crumble them until they are sand-like in texture.

2. Pour the crushed cookies into a large mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly. I daintily started this process with a spoon. That didn’t work. Might I suggest that you use your hands? If your child is working with you, have her wash her hands and then mush and mound the mix until it feels like wet sand. As a little extra – it’s a great sensory activity for smell, taste and texture.

3. Form the mix into spheres that are the size of bouncy balls (again, use your hands). Place them on a piece of wax paper.

4. Pop the balls into the freezer for an hour.

5. Crumble a few handfuls of the cereal (or graham crackers) in the food processor until they are the consistency of sand.

6. Melt the chocolate. I did this in the microwave. Put a large or family-sized white chocolate bar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about a minute. Microwaves vary, so you may need more or less time. Continuously check on it to make sure that it doesn’t burn. Be very, very careful when you take it out. The bowl and the chocolate will be hot. Never touch it with your bare hands and never, ever allow your child to touch or eat the hot chocolate.

7. Take the balls out of the freezer and dip them into the chocolate. Use a spoon or a toothpick so that you don’t have to touch the hot chocolate.

8. Set the truffles on a piece of wax paper. Pour the crushed cereal (or grahams) over them. Roll the balls in the crumbs until they are completely covered. You can start off with a spoon to put between your hand and the hot chocolate coating. As you cover the truffle, you can start using your hands to roll them (you will only be touching the cereal coating, and not the hot chocolate).