If you’re looking for a quick and festive treat, peppermint Oreo balls are an ideal choice. These no-bake desserts combine the rich flavor of Oreo cookies with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just indulging in a wintertime treat. Plus, they’re easy to make with only a few ingredients!
Ingredients for Peppermint Oreo Balls
To make these delightful peppermint Oreo balls, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies (original or peppermint-flavored for extra minty taste)
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 10-12 oz white chocolate chips or candy melts for coating
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
Instructions for Making Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Prepare the Oreo Mixture:
In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies until they’re a fine crumb. Add the softened cream cheese and peppermint extract, and pulse until fully combined. The mixture should resemble a thick dough. - Form the Balls:
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to measure out portions of the Oreo mixture. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Chill the Oreo Balls:
Place the tray of Oreo balls in the freezer for at least 20–30 minutes to firm up. This step helps them hold their shape during the chocolate coating process. - Melt the Chocolate:
Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20–30 seconds until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. - Coat the Oreo Balls:
Using a fork, dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift the ball out and let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing it back on the parchment paper. - Add the Peppermint Garnish:
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces on top of each Oreo ball for a festive touch. - Set the Coating:
Let the coated Oreo balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate is firm. For faster setting, place the tray back in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. - Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your peppermint Oreo balls to a serving dish or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Consistency Matters: If the Oreo mixture feels too soft, add a few extra crushed cookies. If it’s too dry, a touch more cream cheese will help achieve the right consistency.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: White chocolate or candy melts give these treats a beautiful finish, but make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Add Some Color: To add a festive touch, consider using red or green candy melts, or drizzle colored chocolate over the white chocolate coating.
Why You’ll Love Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Quick and Easy: No baking required, making them a hassle-free holiday dessert.
- Festive and Fun: The peppermint flavor and crushed candy garnish add a wintertime vibe perfect for the season.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different coatings, colors, or add-ins to make these Oreo balls uniquely yours.
Serving Suggestions
Peppermint Oreo balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, and they make a beautiful addition to any dessert spread. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or as part of a cookie platter. They also make excellent edible gifts; just place them in a festive box or wrap them in holiday cellophane bags for a personal, handmade treat.
Make this holiday season memorable and delicious with these easy-to-make peppermint Oreo balls. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re a guaranteed hit for any winter celebration!
Serving and Storage Tips for Peppermint Oreo Balls
Serving Tips
- Festive Display: Arrange the peppermint Oreo balls on a holiday-themed platter or tiered dessert stand. For extra festivity, sprinkle some crushed candy canes or add small mint leaves around the platter.
- Pair with Drinks: Peppermint Oreo balls pair beautifully with hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint tea. For adults, a peppermint-flavored cocktail like a mint martini or peppermint mocha could complement these treats perfectly.
- Gift Presentation: For a thoughtful holiday gift, place a few Oreo balls in a decorative box or small tin lined with parchment paper. Add a festive ribbon, and they’re ready to gift to family, friends, or coworkers.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store peppermint Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Chilling helps maintain the chocolate coating and keeps the peppermint flavor fresh.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the Oreo balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving.
- Avoid Heat: Since the chocolate coating can melt, keep the peppermint Oreo balls out of direct sunlight and away from warm areas if you’re serving them at a party.
With these storage tips, you can make peppermint Oreo balls in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season!
- Can I use different flavors of Oreos in this recipe?
Yes, you can! While classic Oreos are the most popular choice, peppermint-flavored or even chocolate-mint Oreos work well to enhance the minty flavor. For a unique twist, you can experiment with other Oreo varieties like chocolate or red velvet. - Can I make these Oreo balls without peppermint?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint extract and crushed candy toppings if you want a classic Oreo flavor without the mint. You can still coat them in chocolate and even add festive sprinkles for a decorative touch. - What can I use instead of white chocolate for the coating?
If white chocolate isn’t your preference, you can use milk or dark chocolate melts for the coating. Alternatively, colored candy melts (in red, green, or any color you like) can add a festive touch to your Oreo balls. - How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth when dipping?
Melt the chocolate slowly, in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent it from seizing. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out, which helps create a smooth coating. Make sure the Oreo balls are well-chilled before dipping to help the chocolate set quickly and evenly.
Peppermint Oreo Balls
Peppermint Oreo Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the rich flavor of Oreo cookies with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These bite-sized confections feature a creamy Oreo and cream cheese filling, coated in smooth chocolate, and topped with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 36 Oreo cookies
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 16 ounces (454g) white or dark chocolate melting wafers
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo Mixture:
- Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
- Add the softened cream cheese and peppermint extract to the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Form the Balls:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Balls:
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings:
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies.
- Set and Serve:
- Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Once set, transfer the Peppermint Oreo Balls to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a smoother coating, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
- These treats can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a decorative touch, drizzle with contrasting chocolate before adding the crushed candy canes.