Oreo Truffles with Mascarpone Cheese & Dark Chocolate

I went to a bridal shower this weekend for a friend of mine that I used to work with. I took the day off on Friday to help the shower hostess cook some amazing yummies for the event. I also made truffles this week to share at the shower. I made an old favorite, the coconut truffles, and a new favorite, the dark chocolate lime truffles. I also tried out a new recipe for Oreo truffles. They were much better than I had expected. I have tried them before and I wasn't a huge fan, but I used Mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese and I used a high quality dark chocolate for dipping. They were a success. One of my friends who said he can't stand dark chocolate ended up trying one, and he absolutely loved them. Does that count as converting someone?

Oreo cookies are pretty nostalgic. When I snacked on them while making the truffles, it brought back memories of being a kid and eating Oreos and milk when I got home from school. The Oreo truffles are more grown-up, but I think kids would love them too. They are also really easy to make - they are actually one of the easiest truffles I have ever attempted. If you would like to try to make truffles, I'd recommend starting with this Oreo truffle recipe. There are only a few ingredients and the truffles are really easy to roll. If you can't find the Mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese. But I think the Mascarpone cheese has a nicer flavor.

I hope you enjoy the Oreo truffle recipe. I made over 100 truffles this week, so it might be awhile before I make any again! I have some leftover from the shower and every time I open the door of my refrigerator they tempt me (and yes, I give into temptation)!

Recipe for Oreo Truffles with Mascarpone Cheese & Dark Chocolate 
INGREDIENTS

For the filling 
45 Double Stuff Oreo Cookies (1 1/2 packages)
12 ounces of Mascarpone Cheese
3/4 tsp. of vanilla extract
For dipping/topping
10 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (70%) cocoa -
I used a 9.7 oz Scharrfen Berger bar
2 - 3 crushed Oreo cookies

DIRECTIONS
For the filling
Put the Oreo cookies into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse several times, until the cookies turn into fine crumbs. Put the Oreo crumbs and the Mascarpone cheese into a large bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to mix on medium speed until the ingredients are well incorporated and you no longer see the white of the Mascarpone cheese. Add in the vanilla extract and mix. Cover the bowl with a lid and place in the fridge for 1 - 2 hours.
Line a couple tupperware containers with parchment paper. Take the Oreo truffle mixture out of the fridge and use a cookie dough scoop to scoop up the mixture and then shape into 1-inch balls. Cover the containers and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
For dipping/topping
Place the crushed Oreos in a bowl and place near where you will be dipping the truffles.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop up the dipping chocolate into smallish pieces and place it in a double boiler saucepan. Put about an inch of water into the bottom pan of a double boiler and set it over medium heat. Once the water begins to simmer and steam comes up, fit the saucepan with the chocolate on top. Use a spoon to stir the chocolate frequently, until it is completely melted and smooth. Turn off the burner heat. Take containers out of freezer. Drop one or two of the balls into the chocolate and use a spoon to coat completely with the chocolate. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, and then sprinkle a little of the crushed Oreo on top. Continue this process, working quickly, until all of the truffles are coated. Place the pan in the fridge and allow the chocolate to harden before serving. Should be ready to eat within 20 minutes. Enjoy one with a small glass of milk!

Oreo Truffle - filled with crushed Oreos, Mascarpone cheese & vanilla extract. So easy! 

Recipe makes about 45 - 50 truffles
Oreo Truffle recipe adapted from several different sources on the Internet.