Christmas Oreo Balls are a festive and fun treat that combines the crunch of Oreo cookies with smooth, creamy cream cheese, all coated in a layer of colorful chocolate. These bite-sized goodies are perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or just a sweet snack when you’re feeling a little bit merry and bright. They’re easy to make and totally delicious!
I love making these during the holiday season because they’re super quick to put together, and they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. One of my favorite things is decorating them with festive sprinkles or drizzling red and green chocolate over the top to make them look extra special. You can get as creative as you want, and honestly, they’re hard to mess up.
Whenever I serve these Christmas Oreo Balls, I like to pop them on a pretty plate or in a holiday-themed tin. They’re great for sharing with friends and family, and they almost disappear before the party even starts! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s easy and sure to impress, these are definitely a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: The crushed Oreos give these balls their crunchy chocolate flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, try gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead.
Cream Cheese: This makes the mixture creamy and easy to shape. For a lighter version, you can swap regular cream cheese with a reduced-fat type.
Chocolate Coating: White, dark, or milk chocolate coatings add sweetness and a smooth finish. Candy melts are easier to work with, but real chocolate tastes richer. Use your favorite type or a mix!
Peppermint Candies: These add a festive crunch and color. If you prefer less mint, try colored sprinkles or crushed nuts instead.
How Do You Get Smooth, Even Chocolate Coating on Oreo Balls?
Dipping Oreo balls can be sticky and tricky, but with a few tips, you can get a smooth, even coating:
- Make sure the Oreo balls are cold before dipping. Chill them well so they hold their shape.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to lower the ball gently into melted chocolate.
- Lift the ball and tap the fork lightly on the bowl edge to let excess chocolate drip off evenly.
- Place the dipped balls on parchment paper to set without sticking.
- If the chocolate thickens while dipping, reheat gently in short bursts to keep it smooth.
These tips help create beautiful, glossy chocolate shells that won’t crack or look uneven. Patience is key, and the end result is worth it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin – I use it to crush the Oreos easily and quickly.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the crushed Oreos and cream cheese into a dough.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – for chilling and setting the Oreo balls before dipping.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting white and dark chocolate smoothly.
- Dipping tool or fork – helps coat the balls in chocolate evenly without mess.
- Refrigerator – necessary to chill the balls and set the coatings properly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint candies for crushed cookies or nuts for a different crunch and flavor.
- Use white chocolate and add a splash of peppermint extract for a stronger mint taste.
- Add shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips into the Oreo mixture for added texture.
- Dip some in dark chocolate and others in white to make a colorful holiday platter.
How to Make Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about 1 package), finely crushed
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate or white candy melts, melted
- 12 oz (340g) dark or milk chocolate, melted
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for garnish (red, white, and green pieces)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 30 minutes chilling time to firm up the balls before dipping. Then add another hour for the chocolate coating to set. All together, plan for around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos:
Put the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed.
2. Mix in the Cream Cheese:
Transfer the crushed Oreo crumbs to a large bowl, then add the softened cream cheese. Mix everything together well until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
3. Shape the Balls:
Roll the Oreo mixture into small balls about 1 inch across. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Melt the White Chocolate:
Heat the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
5. Dip and Decorate:
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dunk half of the Oreo balls into the melted white chocolate. Let the extra chocolate drip off before putting them back onto the parchment paper. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch.
6. Melt and Dip the Remaining Balls:
Repeat the melting process with the dark or milk chocolate for the rest of the Oreo balls. For a pretty finish, drizzle some white chocolate over the dark chocolate-coated balls, and sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies on top.
7. Chill and Set:
Put the coated Oreo balls back in the fridge and let them chill for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate hardens completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, your Christmas Oreo Balls are ready to enjoy as sweet holiday treats. Keep them stored in the fridge until serving for the best texture and freshness.
Can I Use Frozen Oreos for This Recipe?
It’s best to use Oreos at room temperature for easy crushing. If your Oreos are frozen, let them thaw completely before crushing to avoid clumps.
Can I Make Christmas Oreo Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Oreo balls and dip them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and festive.
How Should I Store Leftover Oreo Balls?
Keep leftover Oreo balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint Candies?
If you don’t have peppermint candies, colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts work great as toppings. You can also drizzle extra chocolate for a decorative touch!