Christmas Oreo Balls are the perfect little festive treat that combines the rich chocolatey taste of Oreos with smooth, creamy cream cheese, all coated in a shiny layer of chocolate. These bite-sized delights are fun to make and even better to eat, with a crisp shell giving way to a soft, sweet center. The holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzles add just the right touch of cheer and sparkle.
I love making these during the holiday season because they’re so quick to put together and always a hit at parties or family gatherings. One of my favorite parts is mixing the crushed Oreos with cream cheese—it’s simple but makes the filling perfectly creamy and slightly tangy. I usually spend some extra time decorating them gently, making each ball feel special and personal.
When I serve Christmas Oreo Balls, I like to arrange them on a pretty platter with a little festive napkin or greenery, making them easy for everyone to grab and enjoy. They’re great for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa while sitting by the tree. These treats remind me of cozy holiday moments spent with loved ones, and I look forward to making them every year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: The classic Oreo cookie is the base here. I prefer original Oreos for their perfect balance of chocolate cookie and sweet cream. If you want a twist, try Golden Oreos or even gluten-free Oreos if needed.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds the creamy texture and slight tang. Use full-fat for the best taste and smoothness. For dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese alternatives – just make sure it’s softened well.
Chocolate Coating: Semi-sweet and white chocolate give nice contrast and festive looks. You can swap these for dark chocolate or colored candy melts. Just melt gently and don’t overheat to keep the chocolate smooth.
Sprinkles: Festive red, green, and white sprinkles make these balls feel special. If you can’t find holiday themes, any colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes work great too.
How Do You Make Smooth, Even Chocolate Coating on Oreo Balls?
Coating the balls in chocolate can be tricky. Here’s how I get a smooth, nice-looking finish:
- Chill the Oreo balls well before dipping, so they hold their shape.
- Use a fork or a dipping tool to lower the ball gently into the melted chocolate.
- Tap the fork gently on the bowl edge to let excess chocolate drip off.
- Place the dipped ball on parchment paper and avoid moving it until the chocolate sets.
- If the chocolate thickens, warm it briefly in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
- Quickly add sprinkles or crushed Oreos before the coating hardens for better sticking.
Patience is key – cool, steady hands help the best results. Practice on one or two balls first to get the feel of dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin – I find this makes crushing the Oreos quick and easy.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps you get evenly sized balls that look nice.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – so the balls don’t stick and are easy to move.
- Microwave-safe bowls or double boiler – for melting the chocolates smoothly.
- Dipping forks or toothpicks – to dip the balls without getting messy.
- Decorating tools, like spoons or a piping bag – for adding sprinkles or drizzles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate to customize the taste.
- Use peppermint or orange-flavored chocolate melts for a seasonal twist.
- Add crushed candy canes or peppermint bits on top for extra holiday flair.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit into the Oreo filling for texture and flavor variations.
Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about one standard package)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
For the Coating and Decoration:
- 12 oz (340g) semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips, melted
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate or white chocolate chips, melted
- Red, green, and white holiday sprinkles
- Optional: extra crushed Oreos for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus an hour to chill the Oreo balls so they firm up. Adding chocolate coating and decorations takes another 15-20 minutes, plus extra time for the chocolate to harden. All in all, budget about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish including chilling and setting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos:
Put the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crushed. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries! Just place the cookies into a clean plastic bag, seal it well, and crush them using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
2. Make the Oreo Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the crushed Oreos with the softened cream cheese. Stir until it forms a smooth, dough-like mixture that holds together well.
3. Form the Balls:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and roll each portion into a 1-inch ball with your hands. Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill the Balls:
Put the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill the Oreo balls for at least 1 hour until they become firm and easier to coat.
5. Dip in Chocolate:
Prepare two bowls—one with melted semi-sweet chocolate and another with melted white chocolate. Dip half of the chilled balls into the white chocolate and half into the semi-sweet chocolate. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each ball evenly, then place them back onto the lined baking sheet.
6. Decorate:
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the balls with festive red, green, and white sprinkles. If you like, add some crushed Oreos on top too. For extra flair, drizzle contrasting melted chocolate over some balls using a spoon or piping bag.
7. Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the chocolate to harden fully at room temperature, or pop the tray into the fridge for faster setting.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the coating is firm, arrange the Christmas Oreo Balls on a festive plate or platter and get ready to enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and a smooth texture. If your cream cheese is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Oreo Balls?
Store leftover Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make These Oreo Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the balls and chill them overnight. For best results, dip them in chocolate and add decorations right before serving to keep the coating fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Oreos if Needed?
If Oreos aren’t available, use any chocolate sandwich cookie with cream filling. Just make sure the cookies are finely crushed for the best texture.