Embracing Motherhood: A Sweet Valentine’s Day Treat with Easy Oreo Cake Pops & Guest Blogger Jessica

Happy Friday, wonderful readers!

As many of you know, life is about to get a whole lot sweeter and busier here at A Cedar Spoon. Over the next few months, I’ll be stepping back slightly to savor every precious moment with our newest arrival, a baby boy, and to adjust to the beautiful chaos of having a toddler and a newborn at home! It’s an exciting, albeit challenging, time, filled with tiny fingers, sleepy snuggles, and endless love. But rest assured, even amidst diaper changes and lullabies, the heart of A Cedar Spoon will continue to beat strong with delicious content curated just for you.

You can still look forward to a brand new, mouth-watering recipe every Monday to kickstart your week with culinary inspiration. Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce that most Fridays will feature special guest posts from some of my incredibly talented food blogger friends. These posts will bring fresh perspectives, diverse recipes, and a wonderful sense of community to our kitchen. Depending on the week’s rhythm and baby’s schedule, you might even catch an occasional recipe post on Wednesdays! I’ve been diligently preparing for this maternity leave, stocking our freezer with delicious, easy-to-reheat meals, and I can’t wait to share some of those freezer-friendly recipes with you in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for a delightful array of dishes designed to make busy lives easier and more delicious.

Today marks the beginning of our exciting guest post series, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce you to my dear friend, Jessica, the creative genius behind Stuck on Sweet! Jessica is not just a gifted baker and cook; she’s a true artist in the kitchen, always sharing dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Her blog is a treasure trove of culinary delights, especially if you have a soft spot for authentic Italian favorites – her husband’s family is Italian, so you know she brings a genuine touch to every recipe. Beyond savory delights, Jessica’s blog is my personal go-to for all things sweets and desserts. Her ability to craft irresistible treats is truly inspiring. I was fortunate enough to work alongside Jess for several years, and our shared passion for food quickly blossomed into a deep friendship. Even now, we regularly enjoy cooking classes together because, after all, that’s what foodie friends are for, right? Sharing, learning, and indulging in good food!

Sweet Greetings from Stuck on Sweet: Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Easy Oreo Cake Pops

Hello everyone! This is Jessica, popping in from Stuck on Sweet. I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be guest posting today on A Cedar Spoon as Julia embarks on the incredible journey of welcoming her second baby boy into the world. I honestly can’t even wait for the news! I’m sure many of you have seen her adorable son, Will. Isn’t he just the cutest, happiest little guy? The last time I saw him (it feels like ages ago!), he was proudly showing me his belly button, and I just melted – so darn cute and full of character!

Speaking of cute, I think these little treats are pretty adorable too, don’t you?

A Valentine’s Day Obsession: Crafting Sweet Moments

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I figured it was the perfect time to share a treat that embodies love, sweetness, and a little bit of playful indulgence. Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly one of my absolute favorite holidays, and it’s not just for couples! Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, showering friends and family with affection, or simply treating yourself, it’s a day when devouring sweets is practically a requirement. And I am totally, wholeheartedly, all about it!

Have you had a chance to visit Michael’s, the craft store wonderland, lately? If not, you absolutely NEED to go! Now! Seriously, stop what you’re doing! They have Valentine’s Day themed items galore, a veritable explosion of pink, red, and glitter that is utterly captivating. I’ll admit, I’m a bit obsessed. On my last trip, I snagged this fabulous HEART-shaped mold, along with the most adorable festive sprinkles, and the essential candy coating needed for these delightful cake pops. Michael’s is truly like Target for crafters and bakers – you can never, ever leave without a whole bunch of “just-in-case” items. Besides the Valentine’s goodies, I also ended up with some charming tin storage things and, predictably, more cupcake liners. They seem to have new, irresistible designs every single time I walk in, and I always rationalize, “Well hey, it can’t hurt to get a few more, right? And they’re only like $1.99!” My baking cupboard is now overflowing, a testament to my ever-growing collection of cupcake liners. It looks like I’m destined to embark on a serious cupcake baking spree soon!

Easy Oreo Cake Pops: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Now, let’s talk about these glorious cake pops! Oreo cake pops are, hands down, one of the easiest and most impressive treats you can make. You truly only need three core ingredients to bring these wonders to life: Oreos, cream cheese, and your choice of candy coating or chocolate. That’s it! Their simplicity makes them perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick yet stunning dessert.

Ingredients:

1 package (approximately 14.3 ounces or 36 cookies) Oreo cookies (classic chocolate flavor works best, but feel free to experiment with other flavors!)
8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
12 ounces candy melts (white, milk, dark chocolate, or festive colors like pink and red for Valentine’s Day) OR good quality chocolate chips/bars, melted
Optional: Lollipop sticks (4-6 inches), festive sprinkles, food coloring (for white candy melts), a Styrofoam block or a piece of cardboard with holes for drying.

Equipment:

Food processor (highly recommended for crushing Oreos) or a large zip-top bag and rolling pin
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting coating
Spoon or fork for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Crush the Oreos: If using a food processor, pulse the entire package of Oreo cookies (including the cream filling) until they are finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin until no large pieces remain.
Combine with Cream Cheese: Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese. Using a sturdy spoon or your hands (wearing gloves can make this less messy), mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a moist, uniform dough. It should be sticky but hold together when pressed.
Roll into Balls: Take small portions of the Oreo-cream cheese mixture and roll them into compact, smooth balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 1 tablespoon per ball). Place the rolled balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Chill Thoroughly: Once all the mixture has been rolled, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, until the balls are firm. This step is crucial to prevent them from falling apart during dipping.
Prepare Coating: While the Oreo balls are chilling, melt your candy melts or chocolate. If using candy melts, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely smooth and fluid. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause them to seize. If using a double boiler, melt over simmering water, stirring constantly. For a thinner consistency, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (not water!).
Dip and Decorate:
- Take the chilled Oreo balls out of the refrigerator.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted coating (about 1/2 inch) and then immediately insert the stick into the center of an Oreo ball, pushing it about halfway through. The melted coating will act like glue, securing the stick to the ball.
- Return the balls with sticks to the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to set the “glue.”
- Once the glue is set, carefully dip each Oreo ball into the melted coating, turning gently to ensure it’s completely covered. Tap the stick gently against the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating.
- Immediately after dipping, if desired, sprinkle with your favorite festive sprinkles or decorations before the coating sets.
- Insert the dipped cake pops into a Styrofoam block or a piece of cardboard with holes to dry completely.
Set and Serve: Allow the cake pops to dry at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the coating is firm and set. This can take about 15-30 minutes. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed!

Why Cake Pops Are Party Perfect and Embrace Imperfection

I absolutely adore making cake pops for parties and gatherings because they are genuinely fun to create, and without fail, people absolutely LOVE them! They’re inherently cute, undeniably delicious, and offer a unique twist on traditional desserts. They’re perfectly portioned, easy to grab, and a delightful conversation starter.

Now, here’s a little secret: don’t you worry if you can’t make them look absolutely perfect. Achieving that magazine-perfect finish is incredibly difficult and often takes a lot of time, practice, and specialized equipment. I’m not saying don’t strive for perfection if that’s your goal, but please don’t feel like your cake pops are “ruined” if they don’t resemble the flawless images you see online or in glossy magazines. The beauty of homemade treats often lies in their charming imperfections!

For example, just check out the sticks in mine in the pictures? They’re ALL a little crooked here and there! And honestly, I think it adds character. It tells a story of a handmade treat, crafted with love and care, rather than mass production. These little quirks make them unique and give them a rustic, endearing appeal. The joy comes from the process, the sharing, and the delightful taste, not from absolute symmetry. Embrace the crooked sticks, the slightly uneven coating, and the unique sprinkle patterns – they are all part of the charm of a homemade gift!

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Oreo cake pops as much as I do. Thanks so much for hanging out with me today and letting me share a little bit of sweet joy with all of you!

Source: Jess from Stuck on Sweet

Hugs and kisses to my beautiful foodie friend, Julia! So much love as you welcome your new bundle of joy! Xoxo