Red Candy Covered Oreos Recipe (Cute Crab Cookies)
It’s time to get a little creative in the kitchen! If you’re looking for fun and delicious treats that will impress friends and family, you’ve come to the right place. These red candy covered Oreos are not just tasty; they also look adorable and are perfect party favors for birthday parties, a special occasion, or even a cute Valentine’s Day treat the whole family will love.
Diving into this recipe is like opening a box of chocolates—you never know just how delightful the end result will be! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have these cute crab cookies ready to munch on. So, grab your snacks, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
If you are on the hunt for more Oreo recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. You can make these oreo birthday cookies which are a great Crumbl copycat recipe. Or for something different, try making this quick and easy oreo fluff dip.
Still in the mood for more fun cookies? Make these tie-dye sugar cookies for a colorful and fun treat.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this easy dessert is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Visually Appealing: The red candy coating adds a vibrant splash of color, making these cookies an eye-catching treat for any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different candy colors or toppings to match your theme or personal preferences.
- Deliciously Fun: The combination of rich Oreo cookies and sweet candy creates a delightful taste experience that’s sure to please everyone.
What’s in This Covered Oreos Recipe?
- Golden Oreos: These classic Oreos feature a rich, vanilla-flavored cream sandwiched between two golden, crispy cookies. Their deliciously sweet and slightly buttery taste pairs perfectly with the vibrant colored candy melt coating.
- Red Candy Melts/Melting Wafers: These specially formulated chocolate-like wafers melt smoothly, making them ideal for coating cookies and creating fun shapes. Their bright red color adds a festive touch to your Oreo treats and imparts a sweet, creamy flavor.
- Candy Eyeballs: These playful decorations come in various sizes and styles, making them perfect for giving character to your crab cookies. They add a whimsical element and can transform your simple Oreos into fun, themed treats.
- Red Sugar Pearls or Nonpareils: These decorative sprinkles add texture and a burst of color to your delicious cookies. The sugar pearls provide a glossy finish, while nonpareils offer a delightful crunch, enhancing your sweet creations’ overall presentation and enjoyment.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Additions
- Gluten-Free Oreos: For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free Oreos, which are just as delicious and will allow everyone to enjoy these sweet treats.
- Dairy-Free Candy Melts: If you’re dairy-sensitive or vegan, seek out dairy-free candy melts to replace the standard ones. These can be found at most craft stores or health food stores.
- Different Candy Coatings: Feel free to experiment with other colors of candy melts or melting wafers, such as green, for a more vibrant crab theme or any color that suits your occasion.
- Add Flavouring: Before dipping the cookies, add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the melted candy melts to enhance the taste of your coating.
- Nuts or Coconut: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the melted candy coating before it sets.
How to Make Oreo Crabs (step-by-step directions)
- Start by taking a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper, a pen or marker, and one Oreo cookie. Use the Oreo to trace circles about 3-4 inches apart. (Make sure to toss the cookie afterward if it gets ink on it.) (Photo 1)
- Draw 8 crab legs and add 2 claws with the pen on the front two legs. (Photo 2)
- Flip the parchment paper over and place it on a baking sheet. (Photo 3)
- Place ½ cup of red candy wafers in a piping bag and twist it shut. Microwave on a low or defrost setting until melted and smooth, checking every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Once melted, let it cool for 3-5 minutes until the bag is cool to the touch; this step is important to prevent spills while piping.
- Snip a small tip off the piping bag, trace the crab legs and claws on the prepared parchment paper, and then set aside. (Photo 4)
- Melt the remaining red candy wafers in a microwave-safe glass bowl on a low or defrost setting, stirring and checking every 30 seconds until smooth. (Photo 5)
- Take a fork and place an Oreo cookie on top. Dip it completely into the melted red candy and lift it out, tapping the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating. (Photos 6 & 7)
- Transfer the dipped Oreo directly onto the piped crab legs, working in small batches for easier handling. (Photo 8)
- Sprinkle the coated Oreos with sprinkles, leaving space at the front for the eyes. (Photo 9)
- Add the eyeballs toward the front near the claws. You can position them standing on the side or lay them flat. If standing, use some sprinkles behind them for support while they set. (Photos 10 & 11)
- Let the coating set completely before serving. To speed up the process, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Bonus step: If you have leftover uncoated Golden Oreos, blend them in a blender or pulse in a food processor to make edible sand! Consider removing the cream filling from at least half of the Oreos for a less wet texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality candy melts can significantly enhance your cookies’ taste and shiny finish.
- Work in Small Batches: When dipping the Oreos, work in small batches to prevent the candy coating from setting before you can sprinkle or decorate them.
- Practice Patience: Allow the melted candy melts to cool before piping to avoid spills and ensure neat designs.
- Make it a Family Activity: Have the children decorate the cookies for a fun family project that enhances creativity and teamwork.
- Try Different Themes: Change the candy melts and colorful sprinkles to match the occasion and use different colors for various holidays or celebrations.
- Test Your Melting Method: If you’re using the microwave to melt candy, experiment with the power levels and times to find what works best with your equipment for the perfect smooth finish.
- Create Unique Shapes: Use different cookie cutter shapes or add additional toppings to give each batch its own distinctive flair.
Storing Tips
Place the cookies in an airtight container to protect them from air exposure and maintain their texture. If stacking cookies, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other or damaging the decorations. Store the container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate if you anticipate keeping them for several days, especially if the climate is warm.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Oreo Crab cookie can be enjoyed on their own or paired with an array of complementary treats. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing fruit platter, featuring seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon, which provide a sweet and juicy contrast.
For a fun thematic touch, a selection of ocean-inspired snacks, such as shark snack cups or blue raspberry jello cups, can enhance the presentation and delight guests.
Additionally, a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream can serve as a creamy accompaniment, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cookies. Fresh lemonade or a lemonade slushie can also be an excellent beverage choice to complement this festive dessert spread.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can experiment with other types of cookies, such as chocolate wafers or even homemade cookies. Remember that the texture and taste may vary from the original recipe.
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. However, for the best taste and texture, it is recommended to consume them within a few days.
If candy eyeballs aren’t available, you can substitute mini chocolate chips, raisins, or even small dots of royal icing for the crab’s eyes.
While it’s best to use the melted candy immediately for the best coverage, you can prepare the chocolate coating in advance. Just reheat it gently in the microwave before dipping the cookies.
Need More Cookie Recipes? Try These:
- Cake Mix Cookies With Sprinkles
- Easy Oreos Chocolate Chip Chewy Cookies Recipe
- Best Rice Krispie Cookies with Chocolate Chips
- Heath Bar Cookie Recipe (Crumbl Copycat!)
- New Mexico Biscochitos
- See all our cookie recipes!
Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!
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Red Candy Covered Oreos Recipe (Cute Crab Cookies)
Ingredients
- 12 Golden Oreos
- 12 ounce (340 ⅕ g) package red candy melts/melting wafers
- Candy eyeballs
- Red sugar pearls or nonpareils
- Extra Golden Oreos for sand (optional)
Instructions
- Start by taking a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper, a pen or marker, and one Oreo cookie. Use the Oreo to trace circles about 3-4 inches apart. (Make sure to toss the cookie afterward if it gets ink on it.)12 Golden Oreos
- Draw 8 crab legs and add 2 claws with the pen on the front two legs.
- Flip the parchment paper over and place it on a baking sheet.
- Place ½ cup of red candy wafers in a piping bag and twist it shut. Microwave on a low or defrost setting until melted and smooth, checking every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Once melted, let it cool for 3-5 minutes until the bag is cool to the touch; this step is important to prevent spills while piping.12 ounce package red candy melts/melting wafers
- Snip a small tip off the piping bag, trace the crab legs and claws on the prepared parchment paper, and then set aside.
- Melt the remaining red candy wafers in a microwave-safe glass bowl on a low or defrost setting, stirring and checking every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Take a fork and place an Oreo cookie on top. Dip it completely into the melted red candy and lift it out, tapping the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating.
- Transfer the dipped Oreo directly onto the piped crab legs, working in small batches for easier handling.
- Sprinkle the coated Oreos with sprinkles, leaving space at the front for the eyes.Red sugar pearls or nonpareils
- Add the eyeballs toward the front near the claws. You can position them standing on the side or lay them flat. If standing, use some sprinkles behind them for support while they set.Candy eyeballs
- Let the coating set completely before serving. To speed up the process, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Bonus step: If you have leftover uncoated Golden Oreos, blend them in a blender or pulse in a food processor to make edible sand! Consider removing the cream filling from at least half of the Oreos for a less wet texture.Extra Golden Oreos
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality candy melts can significantly enhance your cookies’ taste and shiny finish.
- Work in Small Batches: When dipping the Oreos, work in small batches to prevent the candy coating from setting before you can sprinkle or decorate them.
- Practice Patience: Allow the melted candy melts to cool before piping to avoid spills and ensure neat designs.
- Make it a Family Activity: Have the children decorate the cookies for a fun family project that enhances creativity and teamwork.
- Try Different Themes: Change the candy melts and colorful sprinkles to match the occasion and use different colors for various holidays or celebrations.
- Test Your Melting Method: If you’re using the microwave to melt candy, experiment with the power levels and times to find what works best with your equipment for the perfect smooth finish.
- Create Unique Shapes: Use different cookie cutter shapes or add additional toppings to give each batch its own distinctive flair.
Nutrition Information
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