Let’s talk proximity.
I like it. Lots of it. Especially when it deals with people I don’t know. ‘Strangers’, if you will.
See, I was not raised in a “love everyone, everyone’s your friend” household where I could openly trust anyone and everything was dandy and people held hands and sang happy songs and there was no wrong in the world.
I was raised by the most suspicious mother EVER and we couldn’t even ride our bikes in groups around the block without her worrying. We learned to have a discernible eye for suspicious people and behavior, mostly because our mom openly judged others and encouraged us to do the same.
Her motto was that it was better to hurt someone’s feelings than to be too comfortable and then be sorry you were. Sounds good to me.
Because of my upbringing, I generally trust no one. Don’t read into that as being impolite; I talk up a storm to strangers who probably would rather I kicked their child in the face than yap their ear off about whatever conversation I seem to think is entertaining at the moment.
I just don’t trust them.
And because of that, I’m always working out scenarios in my head of being wronged by a stranger somewhere and having to fight for my life because of their criminal-stranger shenanigans.
Like, take for instance, a few days ago I went to the local grocery store to find cotton candy. News flash: there seems to be an apparent shortage of the fluffy stuff EVERYWHERE because I can’t find it anywhere. Seriously, who the hell started liking cotton candy all of a sudden that NO store carries it?! But I digress.
While on my hunt for spun sugar in a bag, I stumbled down a random aisle just to browse the contents when I noticed this short man with hunting gear on admiring the Goldfish crackers. Harmless enough, I suppose. I quickly grew bored of staring at Triscuit boxes and moved along to the next aisle, saying it had “New Age Drinks” down it which caused me to ponder what the eff a “new age” drink was.
As I searched for answers into the modern world of drinks, I suddenly spotted The Most Dangerous Game was on my aisle… again. He looked at me a bit too longer than someone wearing full on human-hunting gear should, so I smiled meekly and continued walking, no longer caring about futuristic drinks or whatever.
I ended up on the greeting card aisle, what with Father’s Day coming up, I figured since Mission: Cotton Candy had been officially aborted, I’d search for a tacky greeting card since I enjoy getting my dad weird cards. In my life I’ve probably only seen men on the greeting card aisle on Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, so I figured it’d be desolate of any male specie.
Not so fast: Human Hunter was back and out for blood–my blood. Why a man wearing hunting garb would need to search for a greeting card, I do not know, but I bolted the eff out of there, abandoning those tacky cards in my wake, and decided to leave the store. Obviously, I didn’t find cotton candy; instead, I only found myself running for my life in a grocery store from a man who was probably going to skin me alive and use my flesh to make a couch or something.
As I was leaving, who do you think also decided to leave at the same time? Creepy Camo Man. At that point, I began running in a zig-zag pattern as to confuse him about which direction I was truly headed, and started screaming “Don’t hunt me! You don’t want my blood! It tastes bad; mosquitoes don’t even like it!”*
*this statement is grossly false because I am like the dining hall for most blood-sucking insects, but I didn’t want Hunting Dude to know so I made up a lie to spare my life.
Later, after narrowly escaping my impending death, I drove to Dollar Tree hoping my fave store would stockpile cotton candy, but was disappointed to find they ran out. As I wondered what kick-started this new cotton candy rage, somehow, a bag of walnuts, a miniature hand fan and some funnel cake mix ended up in my basket and I was forced to check out.
While waiting for my turn at the register and wondering why the woman in front of me had shoved her teeny feet into even teenier shoes, thus resulting in her baby toe dangling mercilessly out of the edge of her wedge shoe, and pondering whether or not that hurt because clearly, her baby toe was millimeters from being detached, a woman walked up behind me and proceeded to stand THISCLOSE to my purse.
I shifted obviously, hoping she’d understand that she was practically climbing into my bag, and kind of shot her a glance, but she stood there, unaccepting of my desperate passive-aggressive glance and shifty movements, and instead, inched closer because she felt it was necessary.
And I was like, “helllooooo, you’re a woman. Women are touchy about their bags… obviously since things like CASH and LIPGLOSS are in there. Now why don’t you back the hell off my bag because I don’t trust you and I will cut you if you come near me again, lady.”
I didn’t actually say that, but I thought it. And the whole time kept hoping she wouldn’t try to reach in and snatch my favorite cocoa butter lotion or something because then I’d have to cut her and would probably be banned from that dollar store…. and we all know that’d be tragic.
So basically, I like my space. And I don’t like being followed by men in hunting gear. Crazzyyyyy, right?
After my crazy day of nearly dying, I wanted to make some truffles to make me feel better. Consider them my medicine against crazy people or something. And since they’re made with Circus Animal Cookies, that makes them even more magical. Cookies are the coolest.
Circus Animal Cookie Truffles
About 3 cups Circus Animal cookies
1/2 can cream cheese frosting
1 pkg white chocolate almond bark
Rainbow nonpareils
Pink food coloring
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside. Meanwhile, in a food processor, grind the cookies (about a cup at a time–work in batches) until finely ground, coarse crumbs. Pour all the ground cookies into a large bowl.
2. Once cookies are ground, spoon in the half can of cream cheese icing. Using your clean hands or a spoon, mix together the crumbs and frosting until thoroughly combined.
3. Begin portioning the crumb mixture into inch-sized balls (I used a small cookie dough scoop) and place the balls onto the foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
4. Freeze the truffles for about 3 hours or until completely frozen and solid. While they’re freezing, prepare your white chocolate according to package directions until smooth and melted. Pour half that mixture into a separate bowl, and using your pink coloring, tint one of the bowls a pretty pink shade.
5. Dip half the batch of truffles into the white chocolate, and the other half into the pink chocolate. I used a fork to coat all sides of the truffles, then allowed the excess to drip off the bottom before gently placing each dipped truffle back onto the foil-lined sheet. While still wet, sprinkle the truffle tops with the rainbow nonpareils.
6. Allow all the truffles to harden and set, about 20 minutes in the fridge. Store leftover truffles airtight for about 2-3 days at room temperature, or a week in the freezer–just allow them to come to room temperature before eating them that way.
At first, I didn’t know how the truffle would come about since animal cookies are coated in fudge… but they were great! They have a good texture, a little crunch from the sprinkles, and who can resist a bowl of pink and white cuties like these? Love!
Stay tuned tomorrow for another awesome Circus Animal Cookie recipe–and have a great day!
xo, Hayley
May be linked to: Crazy Sweet Tuesdays, Trick or Treat Tuesdays, Sweet Treats Thursdays
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I know what you mean about the purse thing. I think that all the time. Like, dudette, get away from my bag. Mel loves animal cookies. I need to make one of your recipes from this week to tempt him away from his WW ice cream… 🙂
The Domestic Rebel says
Mel is so good with his WW thing! I don’t know how he hasn’t like, woken up in the middle of the night and crept downstairs to eat EVERYTHING you make in the dark and pretend like it never happened….or maybe he does?!
kelly says
Gah!! It is like you heard my calls for help! I just purchased a bag of Animal Cookies {Safari Edition!} and do not want to shove the entire thing in my face….you have saved my hips from the inevitable bulk-up associated with an entire bag of those sprinkly little devils. Can’t wait to make these! Also? 99-cent store = Cotton Candy. yes, it is ghetto. yes, it is great.
The Domestic Rebel says
Duuuuuuude, I never even THOUGHT about the 99 cent store. Genius!! And you’re so welcome for the idea; I thought the same thing about my bag of animal cookies so I disguised them into truffles and suddenly it became okay to eat an entire batch of truffles/cookies. Hahaha 🙂
Jen says
Thanks for sharing! These truffles look so yummy! I love reading your posts-they’re so funny! And I’m glad I’m not the only person who goes on shopping missions looking all over town for obscure products for whatever baking project I’m working on! I searched in probably five different stores for cotton candy a while back and I ended up finding it at Piggly Wiggly in the produce section, of all places. Maybe you have a Piggly Wiggly near you? I hope this helps! Oh, and on a side note, the cotton candy was a complete fail! I tried to put it on top of cupcakes and it completely melted into the icing! So I ended up giving my stash of cotton candy away to my neighbor to feed to her grandchildren!
The Domestic Rebel says
Oh no! I’m sorry the cotton candy failed you 🙁 maybe cotton candy is tired and is now failing everyone with its lack of availability and its poor performance. Thanks for your comment, Jen!
erinmotz says
How fun! The cookies – not the strangers! Like you, I think everyone is suspect, haha. Dude at the gas station asking for the time? ‘Sup with that?! Ulterior. Motives.
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
Yeah, I’m a little touchy about people nudging my purse. Why do you have to be that close to me?? Personal space–please mind mine!!!
But oh my gosh–these cookies!! You totally blow my mind with your ideas! That is all.
kalamitykelli says
You are so funny! I think your mother must have been my mom’s REAL daughter. Try as she may have to make me suspicious of everyone and everything – just didn’t work. Although, if people stand to close to me or my purse, I have no qualms whatsoever in turning and asking them to step back. Of course, I will probably be shot one day – as we just got an open carry law in this state and every redneck can’t wait to pull out their big ‘ol cannon to point at others. 🙂 On another note: I can totally make this recipe! I can’t believe I even have all the stuff to do it with and I’m going to do it this weekend! Thanks for always being so creative and innovative with food! KK
Back For Seconds says
Brilliant! I feel allnostalgic just looking at these beauties! Must make them soooooon. Yum!
I’m so glad you made it home alive after such an ordeal. Not finding cotton candy AND nearly being skinned alive AND almost being mugged at the Dollar Tree certainly earned you the right to eat massive ammounts of truffles.
The Domestic Rebel says
I think so! I must plump up before my next brutal attack. You never know who could be lurking… haha.
Sally says
HAYLEY. I’m dying. I am IN LOVE with circus animal cookies. I’m seriously going nuts over this recipe. You are a genius. SO many circus animal recipes! I think we could be twins because I am a tad obsessed with those cookies! 🙂
jleann86 says
I just found this recipe on Pinterest, and then proceeded to laugh my face off at your post. Hilarious! The whole StandingCloseInTheCheckoutLine thing drives me bananas, too. I want to turn around and punch someone in the face every time they get all up in my personal space.
Funny stuff!
Oh, and the recipe looks AMAZING!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Jleann!! Thanks for your super sweet comment; I’m so glad you visited and found me and left an awesome comment for me 🙂 you rock!!
SaraJ says
These are adorable!!! What a great idea. I can’t wait to make these with my niece.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Sarah, thank you very much! They’re super fun and easy–you won’t be disappointed! xo.
Natalie says
Ok my mouth is watering, I have got to try this asap 😉
The Domestic Rebel says
Thanks Natalie, let me know what you think when you try ’em!!
Jan says
These sound wonderful until I read that the animal cookies are covered in fudge. I can get them plain, or frosted pink, but not fudge covered. I also see nothing resembling fudge in the pictures. HELP!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Jan! Yes, the Mothers brand (or Target brand) animal cookies are the ones you’ll need–the pink and white ones with rainbow nonpareils. Those are the same “fudge-covered” animal cookies I was talking about, as opposed to just “frosted” animal cookies which are more like crackers with a light shmear of frosting… I hope I’m making sense lol.
Destanee Chavez says
so im not really a fan of cream cheese frosting so..do you think vanilla frosting would work too??
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Destanee, yes, vanilla icing would be fine! It would be verrrryyyy sweet, but yes it will do 🙂
Thanks for your comment!
peachypains says
I came across your blog thanks to a pin I found on Pinterest. I am so glad I checked you out because I could not stop laughing! Its been one of ‘those’ days and you truly brightened mine up. THANK YOU!! I can’t wait to try this deliciousness-and-horribly-bad-for-you-but-you-just-want-10-more-truffles recipe. 🙂
The Domestic Rebel says
Howdy, Peachypains! Thanks a bunch for your sweet comment; I’m so glad you’re here! Let me know how you like the truffles 🙂
Randi says
I just made these. They taste fabulous and they were super easy! Thanks!
The Domestic Rebel says
Yay–I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Randi! Thank you!
Lori says
I also found this on Pinterest and at first I was all..”WTH? this isn’t a recipe for these yummy looking truffles”..then I couldn’t quit reading your blog post and laughing…I forgot about the truffles until the end.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hahahaha thanks, Lori! I know, I tend to blab more than I should, but I’m glad you found me and took the time to read and comment! I hope you end up making them despite my ramblings 🙂
Amanda says
So… I also found you from Pinterest, and I love you 🙂 I have two helpful hints:
1. Target has tons of cotton candy in the bag. It’s usually in the dollar section.
2. Whenever people stand too close to you in line (or anywhere, pretty much), just put your hand on your hips so that your elbows stick out, then “accidentally” nudge them as hard as it takes for them to back off. 🙂
The Domestic Rebel says
Amanda–thank you! I love the dollar section of Target (the best part of the store, hands-down) so next time I’ll keep my eyeballs peeled! And thanks for the self-defense advice! Elbows can be so magical sometimes 🙂 thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Sarah Ellis says
It is so nice to know that I’m not alone in my stranger-danger awareness!
I’m really bad in parking lots. It could be a crowded parking lot in the middle of the day and if you are anywhere NEAR my car, I have my keys between my fingers ready to stab you. 😛
Also your truffles are genius. Seriously.
Sarah E.
http://fantasticalsharingofrecipes.blogspot.com/
The Domestic Rebel says
Hahaha same here!! I am SO suspicious of people in parking lots and especially on my walks! You just never know, I guess! And thanks, Sarah!! xo.
Deanna Taylor says
Hi! I found you through Pinterest, but have enjoyed looking through your blog and frequent it often. You are one creative girl! These truffles embody my childhood favorite cookie in an amazing package! I can’t wait to make them, and so many of your other delicacies! I love your blog, thanks for taking the time to share your genius!
The Domestic Rebel says
Deanna, thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad I could remind you of childhood memories snacking on these awesome cookies! Thank you again for taking the time to comment 🙂
Erin @ Making Memories says
You are hysterical! Thanks for making me laugh this morning. And for tempting me with these amazing truffles!!! I’m so going to make these. Thanks!!!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Erin! Thanks for your sweet comment–you’re so welcome! Let me know how you like ’em. Happy Sunday!
Olivia says
I really really enjoyed reading this! Like maybe too much, loud laughter and I decided it was nesecary to read it out loud to my bf who was minding his own business watching some baseball. I found your blog through pinterest for this recipe but I subscribed via email for your humor and relatability, I grew up only being able to ride my bike back and forth in front of my house! But I too can be annoyingly friendly to some strangers if I choose.
I really like your blog and can’t wait to read it again. This recipe is also amazing! I can not wait to make these delicious sounding truffles!
Thank you much!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Olivia, thank you so much for your super sweet comment–made my morning! I’m glad you found me, commented and enjoy the stories + recipes–I hope you’ll stay awhile 🙂 have a wonderful Sunday! xo.
Allison says
Found you through Pinterest as well 🙂 thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I’m planning on making these treats for a bake sale this weekend and was wondering how much one batch makes so in case i have to buy enough for two batches. I may need to try a “couple” for myself.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Allison, I hope I’m responding in time! This makes roughly about 20-24 truffles, depending on how small you roll them. I went on the larger side, so I probably got around 16-18. Good luck–I know they’ll be the first to go!
Leah says
Can i just say.. BIG HIT! Big big big hit!! These were so super easy to make and everyone LOVED them. You are a sick sick puppy but I read your blog everyday. Thank you!!!!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hahaha thanks Leah!! I’m glad they turned out awesome for you guys!!
Marissa says
Found you through Pinterest too. Loved this post. I totally think the same way! My husband never understands why I’m so protective of my children around strangers (and even people I know.) I always expect the worst but hope for the best. Maybe, it’s because I grew up in a neighborhood where a seemingly normal neighbor was busted for growing pot in his backyard and a friend was kidnapped and killed by someone she knew. You just never know. On a happier note, my husband loves animal cookies, so I HAVE to make these! He has it set in his mind that the pink ones taste different than the white ones. He will even claim “scientific research” (his own blind-folded taste test), even though we saw a documentary where the makers dispelled the myth stating that the only difference between the two colors is pink food coloring. I may have a little fun with him and tell him they are two different flavors even though they are not!
The Domestic Rebel says
I fully endorse playing this prank on him because I am partial to the white ones (for no reason though). Idk, just always liked them better! And I’m glad other people feel the same way I do about proximity because honestly, there needs to be more of people like us!
Marilyn Enriquez says
Found you on Pinterest… love the way you write! : )
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Marilyn, thank you so much! That means a lot 🙂
Melissa says
Dang you…seeing this picture on Pinterest, then coming to your blog to find out the story behind these sprinkled balls of amazingness, all came together to give me a hell of a craving for some animal crackers. From Dollar Tree. Because those are my absolute favorite, and also because right beside them, there’s a version that are covered with icing and sprinkles. And I’m so out of luck because it’s nearly 3AM and I can’t get any iced animal cookie love. LOL
Melissa says
This is probably a dumb question, what is white chocolate almond bark? Where do I find it?
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Melissa, white chocolate almond bark is a melting chocolate you can find in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. It’s usually sold in a solid brick. I like Candiquik or Plymouth Pantry, but Baker’s chocolate works well too 🙂 you use it to coat things smoothly like cake pops or these truffles.
Melissa says
Any experience/advice for freezing them? I’m hosting a party and trying to do a lot of food prep in advance.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Melissa, I didn’t personally freeze mine but I’m sure they’d freeze well–most truffles do, actually. Just make sure they come to room temperature before serving. Thanks!
Jenny says
Made these last night. Only change is that I substituted white chocolate chips melted with a tablespoon of vegetable oil for the coating. SO INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS and cute to boot.Plus, they almost portion controlled in that it is hard to eat more than one or two with all the sugar going on. Thanks for the recipe!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Jenny! I’m glad you tried them and liked them! Yes, the portion control definitely helps with the sweetness and temptation level!
Melissa Burrola says
Hi. I love animal cookies.So that interested me first.Then I read ur blog,and I just had to tell u this is the best thing I have ever read.I am definitely making these truffles and definitely following ur blog..thank u for brightening my day.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Melissa, thanks for brightening mine! You rock 🙂
Kimberly says
Do you think this would work with regular cream cheese, like the Oreo Truffles, instead of frosting? I’m wondering if they wouldn’t be as sweet, but still rich and yummy…
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Kimberly! Yes, regular cream cheese would work just fine!
Courtney says
I don’t usually read the ‘blog’ part of blogs, I just skip to the recipe… blog blog blog, that’s a weird word when u say it outloud 5 times ANYWAYS…. I read yours and it was very entertaining 🙂
so thanks for the entertainment and realization on how weird the word blog is 😉
The Domestic Rebel says
Hahahahhaa thanks for the sweet comment and the laugh, Courtney!!
Marsha says
I made these today and they are so good. Everybody is getting some for Christmas! Thanks for sharing. Loved your blog.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Marsha! So glad to hear you enjoyed them! Thanks for the sweet comment, and happy holidays 🙂
Kellie says
I made these today. I’m in love. I made my own cream cheese icing because I’m a snob and I don’t like the canned kind. HOLY AMAZEBALLS. They are perfect. Not too sweet, but you still need a glass of milk! Thanks for the recipe!
The Domestic Rebel says
Kellie, homemade cream cheese sounds AWESOME in these! Glad you liked them!
Amy Powell says
I am having a birthday party for my daughter with an ice cream theme and these will perfectly represent scoops of ice cream! I might shove the truffles in mini sugar cones and then dip ’em! How stinkin’ cute will that be?! Thanks for the inspiration! God I love Pinterest for leading me to great finds like this!
Trish says
I found this on pinterest and am so excited. I’m thinking of using these as favors for my friend’s wedding shower. About how many truffles come from the recipe?
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Trish! If I remember correctly, it made about 15-18 truffles. 🙂
Trish says
Thanks!
Dani Harlan says
How big is this “can” of cream cheese? Is it 8 oz or 16 oz? And if I want about 24-30 balls should I make two batches? Thanks so much! Love all your recipes!
Dani Harlan says
How big is this “can” of cream cheese? Is it 8 oz or 16 oz? And if I want about 24-30 balls should I make two batches? Thanks so much! Love all your recipes so much!!
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Dani! I believe the recipe made approx. 15-18 truffles, so two batches would be a safe bet! Also, I used a standard size of canned cream cheese frosting–16 ounces 🙂
cammicakez says
Hey THIS looks amazing! I cant wait to try it but howcome they are pink on the inside?? are the animal crackers pink?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi there! The animal cookies I used are those classic pink and white frosted ones by the brand Mother’s. When you grind the pink and white cookies together, the pink colored fudge tends to tint the entire batch pink 🙂
Kathy says
You.are.hillarious! I love love loved reading your blog post, and I NEVER read the posts. I always skip down to what I went searching for. Which is usually because my crack dealer, Pinterest, sent me there! I’m going to whip up a batch up these yummy things, and sit down and read more of your blog. And likely over-eat my share of animal cookies! Thank you!
thedomesticrebel says
Hahahaha Pinterest is my crack dealer, too! Small world 😉 thanks for the laugh, Kathy!!
Dawnie2u says
Thank you for making me laugh out loud this morning. I am making these for dessert tonight.
Natalie says
You can’t use regular food coloring to tint almond bark. You have to use candy colors. Wilton makes them. They come in 2 four packs. Regular food coloring will make the almond bark harden up.
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Natalie! True, but I have found using it in a small amount, like the amount used here, does not seize up the candy 🙂
Sundayrose says
Oh good God I belly laughed so hard! I found recipe on Pinterest and was pulled into your blog post in the beginning! You are crazy cool!!!! I’m so going to sign up to read your blogs more often, that was awesome followed something I will make to ight and freaking can’t wait! I adore frosted Animal cookies still and I’ll be 40 in a few years, ha! 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Frosted animal cookies are loved by everyone, I think!! Thanks for your sweet comment 🙂
ChiTown Girl says
Oh my hell, you are hilarious!! I realize that this is an old post, but a friend linked to it on her blog today, and here I am! Thanks for the laugh. The truffles look amazing, btw!