There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season. The air is crisp, twinkling lights adorn every corner, and kitchens are buzzing with the sweet aroma of festive treats. Among all the cookies, cakes, and pies, Peppermint Oreo Balls stand out as a showstopper. They’re incredibly simple to make, bursting with chocolatey, minty goodness, and so gorgeous they could double as edible ornaments.
These delightful bites of holiday cheer bring together the creamy decadence of Oreos, the richness of cream cheese, the refreshing zing of peppermint, and a smooth white chocolate coating. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, they’re as pretty as they are tasty. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, sharing treats with neighbors, or simply indulging in some self-care baking, these Peppermint Oreo Balls are here to spread joy.
Let me tell you, these have become a staple in my holiday repertoire. I first made them a few years ago when I needed a quick, no-bake dessert for a last-minute gathering. Little did I know, they would become the star of the show. Now, they’re one of those recipes I look forward to every year—they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Oreo Balls ❤️
- Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these are perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. - No-Bake Dessert
No oven? No problem. These no-bake beauties are a lifesaver when your oven is already occupied with holiday roasts and casseroles. - Holiday-Inspired Flavor
The combination of Oreo cookies and peppermint screams holiday magic. Each bite is a harmonious blend of chocolatey richness and refreshing mint. - Make-Ahead Friendly
Prep them in advance and keep them chilled. They’re great for busy schedules, and the flavors only get better with time. - Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s kids, adults, or even picky eaters, these Oreo balls never fail to impress. They’re bite-sized, portable, and totally addictive.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Freezing Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 48 Oreo balls
- Calories: 120 per ball
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring these festive treats to life:
- 36 Oreos
Classic Oreos work best, but feel free to experiment with peppermint-flavored Oreos for an extra minty punch. - 8 ounces cream cheese
Softened to room temperature, this binds the cookie crumbs into a rich, truffle-like mixture. - 16 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
Perfect for achieving a smooth, glossy coating. You can also use white chocolate chips, but add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help them melt smoothly. - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
A small amount goes a long way in adding that refreshing holiday flavor. - 48 crushed peppermint candies
These add crunch, sparkle, and extra peppermint flavor. Candy canes work perfectly, too—just crush them into small pieces.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oreo Mixture
- Place the Oreos and cream cheese in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely blended, forming a thick, sticky dough. If you don’t have a food processor, crush the Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin and mix them with the cream cheese in a bowl.
- Scoop small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth, 1-inch balls using your hands. Tip: lightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking.
2. Chill the Balls
- Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for about 20 minutes, or until firm. This step ensures they hold their shape when dipped in melted chocolate.
3. Melt the White Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate melting wafers and peppermint extract.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat—it can cause the chocolate to seize.
- If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
4. Dip the Balls
- Using a fork, dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Gently tap the fork against the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, then transfer the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Add the Peppermint Topping
- Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top of each ball. Work quickly, as the chocolate sets fast!
- Pro Tip: Place the crushed candies in a small bowl and roll the chocolate-coated balls in them for even coverage.
6. Chill Until Set
- Return the decorated Oreo balls to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate harden completely.
How to Serve
Peppermint Oreo Balls are versatile and look stunning in any setting. Here are some serving ideas:
- Holiday Platter: Arrange them on a festive serving tray with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and fudge.
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for thoughtful edible gifts.
- Dessert Table: Serve them on tiered stands for a party-ready presentation.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use Softened Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese can make it harder to mix the dough. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. - Keep the Balls Chilled
If the Oreo balls start to soften while dipping, pop them back in the freezer for a few minutes. - Crush the Peppermint Finely
Large chunks can be too hard to bite into, so aim for a mix of small pieces and peppermint dust. - Use a Fork for Dipping
A fork works best for dipping and coating the balls evenly while allowing excess chocolate to drip off. - Customize the Coating
Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, or use colored candy melts for a fun twist.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Oreos to make this treat safe for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan white chocolate.
- Double Chocolate: Dip the balls in melted milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.
- Festive Colors: Add food coloring to the white chocolate to match your holiday theme. Green and red make these even more festive!
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the coated balls for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Freezing
Storing Leftovers
- Store the Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Instructions
- Place the Oreo balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Frozen Oreo balls can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
Special Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth:
- Food Processor: To blend the Oreos and cream cheese into a fine mixture.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Fork: Essential for dipping and coating the balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These are perfect for making in advance. Store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.
2. What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem. Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush the Oreos, then mix them with cream cheese in a bowl.
3. Can I use flavored Oreos?
Absolutely! Peppermint, red velvet, or even double-stuffed Oreos work great.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Make sure the balls aren’t too cold before dipping. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes after freezing.
5. Can I skip the peppermint extract?
You can, but the peppermint flavor is what makes these a holiday treat. If you skip it, consider using flavored Oreos instead.
Wrap-Up
Peppermint Oreo Balls are the ultimate holiday dessert—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring all by yourself. I promise, one bite of these creamy, crunchy, minty bites will have you hooked!
I can’t wait to see how your Peppermint Oreo Balls turn out. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram! Let’s spread the holiday cheer, one Oreo ball at a time. Happy baking! 🎅✨
Peppermint Oreo Balls: A Festive Treat You’ll Love! 🎄
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 48 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-bake Peppermint Oreo Balls are a creamy, chocolatey holiday treat coated in white chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint.
Ingredients
36 Oreos
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 16 oz white chocolate melting wafers
– 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
– 48 crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
1. Blend Oreos and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls, freeze for 20 minutes.
3. Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract.
4. Dip balls in chocolate, top with crushed peppermint.
5. Chill until set.
Notes
– Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
– Crushed candy canes can replace peppermint candies.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American