Every Christmas season, our kitchen fills with joy and laughter as the scent of Oreo balls wafts through the air. I remember the first time I made these, the world outside was blanketed in snow, and it felt like the perfect day to make something sweet and special. These Oreo balls are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition, a cherished ritual we indulge in every holiday season.
What I love most about these little delights is how incredibly easy they are to make, yet how impressive they look and taste. It’s like combining simplicity with a sprinkle of magic. In our family, everyone gets involved—crushing the cookies, mixing with cream cheese, and rolling the delectable mixture into smooth, round balls. Watching the kids help with decorating, their faces gleaming with excitement, really warms my heart.
If you’re not quite feeling the holiday spirit yet, these will surely do the trick. The combination of mint Oreos with cream cheese makes for a unique, refreshing bite that stands out among the usual Christmas cookies. And the decorating part? Well, that’s where you can let your creativity shine. Drizzling the candy melts and adding sprinkles is a fun activity, making each ball as festive as it is delicious.
When I present these Oreo balls at family gatherings, they quickly become the center of attention. They’re perfect for gift-giving too! Packed in a clear container with a festive ribbon, they make excellent homemade gifts. Plus, they don’t require a stove or oven, which makes them a fantastic option for those who might feel a bit hesitant about baking. So, are you ready to make some sweet memories with us? Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe!
How to Make Oreo Balls for Christmas
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Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 package (1 pound 4 oz) Mint Oreo Cookies
- White and chocolate Almond Bark (start with 16 oz, adjust as needed)
- Red and Green Candy Melts
- Christmas Sprinkles
Directions
- Firstly, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare it for your Oreo balls.
- Place softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Using a food processor, crush the Mint Oreo Cookies, including the cream centers. Alternatively, if a processor isn’t available, reseal the cookies in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Add the crushed cookie mixture into the bowl with the cream cheese, stirring until they’re thoroughly combined.
- With a cookie scoop holding approximately 2 tablespoons, form mixture into balls.
- Roll each ball in your hands until smooth and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to ensure they firm up properly. They can remain chilled longer as needed.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 4 squares of chocolate, starting with 1 minute, then heating in 30-second bursts and stirring each time, until fully melted.
- Dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, allowing excess to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Immediately garnish with festive Christmas sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the Oreo balls until you’re ready to serve. They can safely stand at room temperature for a few hours.
- Melt the red and green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, then transfer to a squeeze bottle to drizzle over for a festive touch.
Savor these delightful Oreo balls with friends and family!
Storing Suggestion
Store your Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week. If you wish to store them longer, place them in the freezer for up to a month, ensuring they are in a well-sealed container to preserve freshness and flavor.
Cooking Tips
You can mix some vanilla essence into the cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor. If the mixture seems too sticky, use chilled hands or wear gloves for shaping. For added crunch, try incorporating some finely chopped nuts into the mix before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
To make a stunning dessert platter, serve these Oreo balls alongside a selection of fresh fruits and nuts. Pairing them with a hot cup of cocoa or a festive spiced cider will elevate your holiday experience, making for a cozy and delicious treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If mint Oreos aren’t available, regular Oreos paired with a drop of peppermint extract can achieve a similar flavor. White chocolate chips can substitute for almond bark if needed. For a splash of color without candy melts, use colored sprinkles or edible glitter.
Seasonal Variations
In the springtime, try using lemon Oreos and adding a light yellow drizzle for an Easter-themed treat. During the fall, opt for pumpkin spice Oreos with orange candy melts for Halloween. Adjust the cookie flavor and decoration to match seasonal celebrations.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the cream cheese and possible tree nuts from the almond bark. If you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to nuts, choose dairy-free cream cheese and avoid using almond bark, substituting it with nut-free chocolate options.
FAQ Section
Can I use different Oreo flavors for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different Oreo flavors like vanilla, peanut butter, or birthday cake to create unique variations for this recipe. Each flavor will give your Oreo balls a distinct twist while retaining the soft, creamy texture that makes them so delicious.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
To reduce the chances of chocolate cracking, ensure your Oreo balls are cold but not frozen solid before dipping. Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature for a few minutes before transferring to the refrigerator, which helps the chocolate settle evenly.
Are there vegan alternatives for this dessert?
You can make this dessert vegan-friendly by using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan chocolate for melting. Also, be sure to select vegan-approved Oreo flavors or similar cookies that don’t contain animal-derived ingredients, so everyone can enjoy a delicious treat!
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, Oreo balls can be made ahead of time. Prepare them up to two days in advance, store them properly in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to serve at your convenience. Just hold off on major decorating until closer to serving time to ensure freshness.
How do I keep them from being too sticky to roll?
If your mixture is sticking too much to your hands, try refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes before rolling. Alternatively, slightly dampen your hands with cold water or dust them with a bit of powdered sugar to make handling easier.
Can I use the microwave to melt all the chocolates?
Yes, the microwave works perfectly for melting chocolate. Just be cautious to use a microwave-safe dish and stir often to avoid burning. Melt in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, to ensure even and smooth results every time.
Oreo Balls For Christmas
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 package (1 pound 4 oz) Mint Oreo Cookies
- 16 oz White and chocolate Almond Bark adjust as needed
- Red and Green Candy Melts
- Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Begin by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add your softened cream cheese.
- Crush the Mint Oreo Cookies, centers included, in a food processor.
- Combine the cookie crumbs with the cream cheese in the bowl, stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, shape the mixture into balls.
- Roll each ball between your hands until they're smooth and place them on the lined cookie sheet.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt 4 squares of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip each Oreo ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting the excess drip off.
- Place them back on the lined cookie sheet and use another fork or knife to help remove them.
- Sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top right away!
- Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Melt the colored candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Transfer to a squeeze bottle and drizzle over the Oreo balls for a colorful finish.
- Enjoy these delightful treats with your loved ones!