Soft Peppermint Oreo Balls

Peppermint Oreo Balls are the perfect nobake holiday treat with a soft, chocolatey inside and a sweet white chocolate coating that melts in your mouth. The subtle hint of peppermint and the crunchy candy cane topping make these little bites irresistibly festive and fun to eat. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and require no baking making them ideal for a lastminute dessert or an easy gift idea.

I first made these during a holiday party when I needed a quick dessert and everyone’s eyes lit up after a single bite. Now they’ve become my goto for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies: Use the regular kind not Double Stuft as the extra cream filling makes rolling difficult you can swap for other flavors but keep the classic for best texture
• Cream cheese: Softened at room temperature to mix easily and bind the crumbs together
• Peppermint extract: Adds a seasonal refreshing flavor use pure extract for the best taste
• White melting wafers: Melt smoothly and hold the coating well if unavailable try vanilla almond bark as an alternative
• Crushed candy canes: For a festive crunch and to signal the peppermint flavor before biting in use freshly crushed for the best texture and aroma

Instructions

Crush the Oreos:

Use a food processor or place the cookies into a ziptop bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. This creates the perfect texture to blend smoothly with the cream cheese.

Mix with cream cheese and peppermint:

In a large bowl combine the Oreo crumbs with soft cream cheese and a splash of peppermint extract. Stir thoroughly until fully incorporated into a doughlike mixture. This is the base that will hold the balls together.

Form the balls:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the mixture using a cookie scoop or spoon and roll between your hands to create uniform round balls. Place each ball carefully on the parchment.

Freeze the balls:

Place the baking sheet into the freezer for 30 minutes. Freezing firms up the balls so they dip cleanly into the melted chocolate without falling apart.

Melt the white chocolate:

Gently melt the white chocolate wafers in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Follow package times for best results to avoid overheating.

Coat the balls:

Using a fork dip each frozen ball into the melted chocolate. Shake off excess gently and return to the parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive finish.

Chill to set:

Refrigerate the coated balls for at least 15 minutes until the chocolate firms up. This ensures they hold their shape and the coating is crisp to the bite.

I love how the peppermint extract perfectly balances the richness of the Oreos and cream cheese. One year my kids helped me crush the candy canes and we ended up eating more sprinkles than we actually sprinkled on the balls. Those moments make these truffles more than just a recipe to me.

Storage tips

Store your Peppermint Oreo Balls in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the coating smooth for 2 to 3 days. They last much longer in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks which also helps maintain their shape and flavor. If you want to make a batch ahead freeze them in a sealed container for up to 6 to 8 weeks and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

If you have trouble finding white melting wafers vanilla almond bark works as a smooth coating alternative. For a different twist try flavored Oreos like mint or chocolate if you want to switch up the flavor profile. Just avoid Double Stuft varieties to keep the right texture. If peppermint extract is unavailable consider vanilla extract and add a pinch of finely crushed peppermint candies inside the mixture for flavor.

Serving suggestions

These Oreo Balls shine on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats. They pair well with hot cocoa or coffee as the creamy white chocolate complements warm beverages beautifully. For a fun presentation serve them in mini cupcake liners or on decorative holiday plates.

These Peppermint Oreo Balls are an effortless festive treat perfect for gifting and entertaining. Make a double batch so you have extras to enjoy and to share.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, these Oreo balls can be prepared the night before and stored chilled for convenience and enhanced flavor melding.

→ What can I use if white melting chips aren’t available?

Vanilla almond bark is an excellent substitute and widely available at grocery or craft stores.

→ How do I ensure a smooth coating with the white chocolate?

Work quickly when dipping balls and adding crushed candy canes, ensuring the chocolate is still melted and fluid for easy coverage.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

→ Can these be frozen for later use?

Freezing is possible for up to 6-8 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.