Christmas Oreo Balls are a festive and fun treat that combine the rich chocolatey flavor of Oreos with creamy, smooth cream cheese, all coated in a sweet layer of white or colored chocolate. These little bites are perfect for the holidays with their bright sprinkles or red and green decorations, making them look as joyful as they taste.
I love making these because they’re so easy and really bring a smile to everyone’s face. I usually crush the Oreos finely and mix them with just the right amount of cream cheese so the texture stays soft but holds together well. Plus, decorating them is half the fun—I like to get creative with different festive sprinkles or drizzle patterns. It’s always a hit when I bring them to a holiday party or share them with friends and family.
One tip I’ve learned is to chill the balls before dipping them in chocolate; it helps the coating go on smoothly and keeps them from melting too quickly. I often serve these on a pretty plate with some hot cocoa or coffee, making for a cozy little snack break during the busy season. They’re little bites of sweetness that remind me of holiday traditions and sharing good times.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: These cookies give the balls their rich chocolate flavor. If you want a twist, try chocolate wafer cookies or gluten-free Oreos.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the crumbs and gives creaminess. Use vegan cream cheese if you want a dairy-free option.
Chocolate Coating: White and dark chocolates add sweetness and a festive look. You can swap candy melts for easier melting or use almond bark as a budget-friendly choice.
Garnishes: Crushed peppermint or candy canes add crunch and holiday flair. If you’re not into peppermint, colored sprinkles or edible glitter work great too.
How Do You Make Smooth, Even Chocolate Coatings Without Mess?
Dipping Oreo balls in melted chocolate can be tricky if the coating is too thick or your balls are too warm. Here’s how to get a smooth finish:
- Chill the Oreo balls well before dipping so they hold shape and don’t melt the chocolate.
- Warm the chocolate gently in short bursts, stirring often, to avoid burning.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to cover the balls, then tap gently on the bowl edge to shake off excess chocolate.
- Place dipped balls on parchment paper and decorate immediately before the coating sets.
- If the coating thickens while you work, gently reheat it to keep it smooth.
- For extra sparkle, drizzle a contrasting chocolate on top using a spoon or piping bag after coating.
This approach helps your Christmas Oreo balls look polished and festive with minimal fuss.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or ziplock bag and rolling pin – I like using these to crush the Oreos evenly or quickly by hand.
- Large mixing bowl – it’s perfect for mixing the cookie crumbs and cream cheese thoroughly.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – makes shaping the balls easy and uniform in size.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – for placing the formed Oreo balls while they chill and set.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting white and dark chocolates smoothly and quickly.
- Fork or dipping tool – helps coat the balls evenly without a mess and removes excess chocolate.
- Refrigerator – essential for firming up the balls before dipping and setting the coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint candies for chopped nuts or crushed cookies for different crunch and flavor textures.
- Use milk chocolate or caramel coating instead of white or dark for a sweeter, creamier finish.
- Add a splash of vanilla or peppermint extract to the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or toffee bits into the dough for more texture and richness.
Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about 1 package), crushed finely
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts
- 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for coating)
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for garnish)
- Red and green sprinkles (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 1 hour of chilling time to let the Oreo balls firm up before dipping. Allow a little extra time for the chocolate coating to set—about 15 to 20 minutes—so in total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos:
Start by placing your Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, put the cookies in a large ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed.
2. Mix with Cream Cheese:
Transfer your Oreo crumbs into a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and stir it all together until the mixture forms a smooth, dough-like consistency. This will be soft but moldable.
3. Shape the Balls:
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to make them all about the same size so they cook and set evenly.
4. Chill the Balls:
Put the baking sheet with your Oreo balls into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the balls firm up before dipping in chocolate so they hold their shape nicely.
5. Melt the Chocolates:
While the balls are chilling, melt the white chocolate and the semi-sweet or dark chocolate separately. Heat them in microwave-safe bowls in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
6. Dip in White Chocolate and Decorate:
Dip half of the chilled Oreo balls in the melted white chocolate, making sure they are completely coated. Tap off any extra chocolate and set them back on the parchment paper. While still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, candy canes, or red and green sprinkles on top.
7. Dip in Dark Chocolate and Decorate:
Dip the other half of the balls into the melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate. For a fun festive touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate over these dark-covered balls with a fork or piping bag. You can also add crushed peppermint candies on top now if you want.
8. Let the Coating Set:
Allow the dipped Oreo balls to rest until the chocolate hardens. You can leave them at room temperature or place them back in the fridge to speed up the process.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautiful Christmas Oreo Balls in a festive bowl or package them as gifts. They make a delightful, rich, and creamy holiday treat that friends and family will love!
Can I Use Frozen Oreos for This Recipe?
It’s best to use Oreos at room temperature for easier crushing and mixing. If your Oreos are frozen, let them thaw completely before processing.
How Should I Store Leftover Oreo Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing to get the right texture.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Seizing?
Melt chocolate in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well in between. Avoid any water contact, as even a small amount can cause chocolate to seize.