Christmas Oreo Balls are a festive treat that combines crunchy Oreo cookies with creamy, sweet cream cheese, all coated in a smooth layer of chocolate. These little bites are perfect for holiday parties or just a cozy night in by the fire. With their speckled red and green decorations or sprinkles, they look as cheerful as they taste.
I love making these because they’re super simple but always a hit with friends and family. I usually crush the Oreos by hand or with a food processor and mix in cream cheese until it’s the perfect creamy, crumbly texture. The dipping in chocolate is the fun part, and I always try to make a mess with the sprinkles and colors—it adds to the joyful spirit in the kitchen!
My favorite way to serve Christmas Oreo Balls is on a big holiday platter alongside some hot cocoa or coffee. They’re just the right size to pop in your mouth and enjoy without feeling too heavy. Plus, they keep well, so I can make them a few days ahead of holiday gatherings, which makes life a bit easier when things get busy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: Oreos are the star here, giving a crunchy texture and classic chocolate flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies—they work just as well.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the mixture smooth and holds the crumbs together. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese or softened coconut cream.
White Chocolate/Candy Melts: These create the hard outer shell. Candy melts are easy to work with, but if you prefer chocolate, use high-quality white chocolate chips. Just melt carefully to avoid burning.
Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate: Used for drizzling and extra flavor. Dark chocolate or even colored melts can add a nice twist. I like semi-sweet because it balances the sweetness.
Crushed Peppermint or Sprinkles: These add festive color and a little crunch. You can swap peppermint for colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles to fit your style.
How Can I Get the Perfect Smooth Coating Without Mess?
Dipping Oreo balls in melted chocolate can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Make sure the Oreo balls are chilled and firm. Cold balls hold together better and prevent melting when dipped.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to lower the balls into the chocolate smoothly.
- Tap the tool gently on the side of the bowl to let extra chocolate drip off. This prevents pooling and keeps the coating thin.
- Place dipped balls on parchment paper to set quickly and avoid sticking.
- Work in small batches, reheating chocolate gently if it thickens to keep it smooth.
Once the coating is set, drizzle the secondary chocolate with a spoon or piping bag and add sprinkles right away while the chocolate is still wet. This keeps them stuck nicely and adds that festive touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin – I use the food processor for quick, even crushing, but the roll-and-bag method works great too.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need one for mixing the crushed Oreos and cream cheese, and another for melting chocolates.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – This makes evenly-sized balls and speeds up the process.
- Parchment paper – Keeps the Oreo balls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Microwave-safe bowls – For melting white and semi-sweet chocolates smoothly.
- Fork or dipping tools – Helps coat and handle the balls without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a different flavor look and taste—adds richness.
- Mix in chopped nuts or mini candies inside the mixture for added crunch and texture.
- Top with crushed holiday cookies or sprinkles matching your theme—like snowflakes or stars.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract to the mixture for a extra festive mint flavor, beyond the peppermint topping.
Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oreo Balls:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about 1 package), finely crushed
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
For the Coating and Decoration:
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate or white candy melts for coating
- 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate for drizzling
- Crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix, plus 1 hour chilling time to firm up the Oreo balls. Another 20-30 minutes is needed to dip, decorate, and let the chocolate set in the refrigerator. So altogether, expect around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos and Mix with Cream Cheese:
Put the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. If you don’t have a food processor, put the Oreos in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they turn to fine crumbs. Then transfer the crumbs to a bowl and add the softened cream cheese. Stir or mix until the mixture is smooth and comes together like a dough.
2. Shape the Oreo Balls:
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out some of the Oreo mixture and roll it into balls about 1-inch wide. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick. Once all are shaped, put the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
3. Coat and Decorate the Oreo Balls:
When the balls are firm, melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Dip each Oreo ball into the melted white chocolate, letting any extra drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper. Next, melt the semi-sweet or milk chocolate the same way and drizzle it over the white-coated balls for a festive look. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles on top. Finally, chill the decorated Oreo balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
4. Serve and Store:
Serve the Christmas Oreo Balls chilled or at room temperature. Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy your festive and delicious holiday treat!
Can I Use Frozen Oreo Balls to Speed Up the Process?
Yes! You can freeze the rolled Oreo balls before dipping. Freeze them on a tray until firm, then dip in chocolate as usual. Just thaw slightly if needed to avoid condensation while dipping.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re dairy-free or prefer something different, try using a vegan cream cheese or softened coconut cream. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Oreo Balls?
Store leftover Oreo balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Skip the Drizzle and Sprinkles?
Absolutely! The drizzle and sprinkles add a festive look and extra flavor, but plain white chocolate-coated Oreo balls are just as tasty and easier to make.
