How to Make Fun and Easy Crab OREO Cookies
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-6.jpg)
Crab OREO Cookies are the perfect mix of classic OREOs and a playful twist. These adorable crab-shaped delights are not only easy to make but also a fun to eat. Whether you're hosting a beach-themed party or just looking for a new way to enjoy OREOs, these Crab OREO Cookies are sure to be a hit.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-6.jpg)
Why You'll Love Crab OREO Cookies
Crab OREO Cookies are not just a treat; they're an experience. These delightful cookies combine the classic taste of OREOs with a fun and whimsical design. They're perfect for any occasion and sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
- Fun and Creative
- Easy to Make
- Kid-Friendly
Ingredients
- Golden OREO Cookies
- Red candy melts/melting wafers
- Candy eyeballs
- Red sugar pearls or red nonpareils
![ingredients](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-1.jpg)
How to Make Oreo Cookie Crabs
On a sheet of parchment paper, use an OREO cookie to trace circles about 3-4 inches apart. Draw 8 crab legs and 2 claws on the front two legs with a pen. Flip the parchment over and place it on a baking tray.
![parchment paper with crabs drawn on them](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-2-683x1024.jpg)
![parchment paper with crabs drawn on it with red candy melts](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-3-683x1024.jpg)
Put a half cup of red candy wafers in a microwavable piping bag. Twist it shut. Microwave on low or defrost until melted and smooth. After every 30 seconds, massage the bag to melt evenly. Let it cool for 3-5 minutes until cool to the touch. Don’t skip this step, or the melts will come out too fast.
Snip a small corner of the piping bag. Trace the crab legs and claws on the parchment paper. Set aside.
Melt the remaining red candy wafers the same way until smooth.
![bowl of melted red chocolate with a golden Oreo on a fork over top](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-4.jpg)
Place an OREO cookie on a fork. Dip it fully into the red melts and lift it out. Tap the fork on the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating.
Put the dipped OREO on the crab legs and repeat with more cookies. Work in small batches for best results.
![in process image of Crab Oreo cookies](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-5.jpg)
Add sprinkles to the coated cookies, leaving space in the front for the eyes.
Place candy eyeballs at the front where the claws are. Stand the eyes up or lay them flat. If standing, use sprinkles to hold them up while setting.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-7.jpg)
Let them set completely before serving or storing. To speed up, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
OPTIONAL: Make edible “sand” by pulsing Golden OREO Cookies in a food processor. Remove the cream from half the cookies so the sand isn’t too wet.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-15.jpg)
Tips and Tricks for Crab Oreo Cookies
Here are some valuable tips to keep your workspace clean, perfect the claws, and store your cookies.
Avoiding Mess: Tips on how to keep the workspace clean and manage melted candy
Keeping the workspace clean will ensure a smooth cookie-making process, free from unnecessary frustration. Here are some tips to avoid messy mishaps:
Melting Candy Melts:
- Always use a microwave-safe, resealable bag for melting the candy. This minimizes dishes and allows for precise control.
- Use a toothpick to poke any air bubbles in the candy melt. This prevents messy bursts.
Controlled Dipping: Hold the OREO with a fork and lower it slowly into the melted candy. Tap the fork gently against the bowl to remove excess candy before placing the cookie on parchment paper to set.
Attaching the Claws:
- Once the claws are shaped and dried, use a dollop of melted candy to attach them to the OREO. Hold them in place for a few seconds to ensure they stick firmly.
- For a seamless look, add a small extra layer of candy melt where the claws meet the OREO. This will cover any gaps and make the attachment look smooth.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-12.jpg)
Storing the Finished Cookies
Make sure the candy melts are completely set before storing the cookies. This will prevent smearing and sticking.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Refrigeration: Store the cookies in the refrigerator if you plan to keep them for more than a day.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-8.jpg)
Variations and Substitutions
When making Crab OREO Cookies, there’s plenty of room for creativity and adaptation.
Different Colors
Using different colored candy melts can give your Crab OREO Cookies a whole new appearance. This is perfect for themed parties or just to add a bit more fun to your desserts.
- Blue Crabs: Swap out the red candy melts for blue ones to create vibrant blue crabs. This can be a fun twist for a seaside or underwater-themed party.
- Rainbow Crabs: Use multiple colors of candy melts to create a rainbow effect. Dip each OREO in a different color or use various colors to create striped or polka-dotted crabs.
- Holiday Themes: Adapt the colors for holidays. For instance, use green and red melts for Christmas crabs or pastel colors for Easter-themed crabs.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-13.jpg)
Alternative Ingredients When Make Crab Oreo Cookies
If you have dietary restrictions or prefer different flavors, substituting some of the key ingredients can be a great option. Here are some alternatives to make your Crab OREO Cookies more inclusive or to fit your taste preferences.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free OREO cookies and gluten-free pretzel sticks. Several brands offer these alternatives, making it easy to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Different Types of Cookies: If you’re not a fan of OREOs or want a different flavor, try using other sandwich cookies. Vanilla wafers, peanut butter cookies, or even homemade cookies can serve as the base for your crabs.
- Fruit-Based Decorations: Instead of candy eyes, use small pieces of fruit like blueberries or raisins to create the eyes for a healthier twist. You can even use thin apple slices or carrot sticks for the legs if you want a more fruity snack.
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-14.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crab OREO Cookies
What if I Can't Find Candy Eyes?
No worries! If you can't find candy eyes, there are plenty of alternatives to give your Crab OREO Cookies the same charming look.
- Mini Marshmallows: Cut mini marshmallows into small pieces and use edible ink pens to draw the pupils. Attach them to the cookies with a dab of melted candy.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips can work well too. Place the flat side of the chocolate chip on the melted candy and add a tiny dot of white icing for the pupil.
- Edible Markers: Use edible markers to draw eyes directly onto the hardened candy melt. It’s a simple and effective solution.
- Where to Buy: If you still prefer candy eyes, they are commonly found at craft stores, baking supply shops, or online retailers like Walmart or Amazon. Look for brands like Wilton, which are widely available and reliable.
More Fun Beach Themed Recipes
- The Colorful Beach Candy Charcuterie Cups To Make Next
- These Easy Beach Brownie Cups will Make a Splash
- How to Make Beach Day Graham Crackers
- Easy 3 Ingredient Shark Snack Cups To Make This Week
![crab Oreo cookies in sand made by crumbs](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OREO-Crabs-6-720x720.jpg)
Crab OREO Cookies
Crab OREO Cookies are the perfect mix of classic OREOs and a playful twist. These adorable crab-shaped delights are not only easy to make but also a fun to eat. Whether you're hosting a beach-themed party or just looking for a new way to enjoy OREOs, these Crab OREO Cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On a sheet of parchment paper, trace circles using an OREO cookie spaced about 3-4 inches apart with a pen. Then, draw 8 crab legs and 2 claws on the front two legs.
- Flip the parchment sheet over and place it onto a baking tray.
- Place a half cup of your red candy wafers into a microwavable piping bag and twist to shut it. Microwave on a low or defrost setting until the wafers are fully melted and smooth. After each increment of 30 seconds, massage the bag to help it melt consistently. Then, allow it to cool for about 3-5 minutes, until the bag is cool to the touch. Don’t skip this step. If the melts are too hot, the’ll squirt out of the bag too fast.
- Snip off a small corner of the piping bag and then trace the crab legs and claws on the prepared parchment paper then set aside.
- Melt remaining red candy wafers with the same process above, until it’s smooth.
- Place an OREO cookie on top of a fork. Dip it fully into the red melts and lift it out. Tap the fork against the edge of the bowl to remove any excess coating.
- Transfer the dipped OREO directly onto the piped crab legs and repeat with a few more of the cookies. Working in small batches is easiest.
- Top the coated cookies with sprinkles, being sure to leave some space in the front for the eyes.
- Add the candy eyeballs towards the front where the claws are. You can stand the eyes on the side or just lay them flat. If standing them up, it helps to have some sprinkles behind it to hold it up while it sets.
- Set completely before serving or storing. You can speed up the process by refrigerating for 15-30 minutes.
- OPTIONAL STEP: Make edible “sand”. Pulse additional Golden OREO Cookies in a food processor or high powered blender. Remove the cream filling from at least half of the cookies so that the sand is not too wet.
Notes
Equipment:
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Edible Food Pen or marker
- Piping bag
- Microwave or double boiler, to melt the wafers
Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 187Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 0mgSodium 71mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 0gSugar 25gProtein 1g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
![](https://cutefetti.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/crab-grahams.png)