Hey friends!
The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time for some festive treats!
Today, I’m excited to share my delicious Christmas peppermint Oreo balls.
They are the perfect blend of minty and sweet, and trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.
Plus, they’re super easy to make and so fun to decorate!
Let’s dive into this holiday baking magic! 🎄✨
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For a dairy-free option, the cream cheese can be replaced with vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. Adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Mint-flavored OREO cookies can be substituted with regular OREOs and a few drops of peppermint extract for those who prefer to control the mint intensity. Alternatively, use gluten-free sandwich cookies for a gluten-free version, maintaining the cookie-based texture.
Melting wafers can be replaced with dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars. These options may require tempering for a smooth finish. For a lower-sugar alternative, use unsweetened chocolate and add a sweetener of choice to taste. Crushed candy canes can be swapped with peppermint extract and red sugar sprinkles for a similar festive appearance and flavor without the hard candy texture.
Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2100
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 250-280 g
Ingredients
- 36 mint-flavored oreo cookies (see notes)
- 4 to 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- 8 ounces chocolate (melting wafers recommended)
- 6 crushed candy canes
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Crush Ingredients
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place candy canes in a blender or food processor and crush them into small pieces.
Reserve about 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes for topping.
Add Oreos to the blender with the remaining candy cane pieces and blend until the mixture turns into fine crumbs.
Step 2: Make the Oreo Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with cream cheese.
Use a hand mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If the mixture isn’t coming together, use your hands to mix it thoroughly.
Adjust the texture by adding more cream cheese if too dry, or additional Oreo crumbs (without the cream) if too wet.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough Balls
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
Freeze the Oreo balls in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until slightly firm but not too cold.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Use a fork to dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, tapping the fork on the edge of the bowl to create a smooth finish.
Use a toothpick to gently slide the coated ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Let Harden
Immediately sprinkle the reserved crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate-coated Oreo balls before the chocolate sets.
Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you’re in a hurry.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Once the chocolate has set, store the Oreo balls in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion!