Christmas Oreo Balls are little bites of holiday happiness that combine the rich chocolatey flavor of Oreo cookies with creamy cream cheese, all coated in festive red, green, or white chocolate. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist during the holiday season.
I love making these Christmas Oreo Balls because they’re so quick and easy—plus, they make great gifts or party treats. I usually roll the mixture into small balls, chill them until firm, and then dip them in colorful chocolate melts. Decorating with sprinkles or crushed candy canes is my favorite part because it adds a nice crunch and festive look.
These treats are always a hit at family gatherings and holiday parties. Everyone loves how simple but delicious they are, and I find myself sneaking a few before the guests arrive. If you want an easy, no-bake treat that feels special but doesn’t take all day, Christmas Oreo Balls are the perfect choice to brighten up your celebrations.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: The crushed Oreos give these balls a chocolatey crunch and structure. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free chocolate cookies or sandwich cookies.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind the crumbs. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Chocolate Coating: White and dark (or semi-sweet) chocolate melts are easiest to work with. If you don’t have melts, regular chocolate chips work but add a little coconut oil to smooth the melting.
Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles add color and fun. You can swap them for crushed candy canes or colored sugar for a different texture and flavor.
How Do I Get Smooth, Even Chocolate Coating on My Oreo Balls?
Coating the balls evenly in chocolate is key to a pretty, clean finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Chill the Oreo balls well before dipping so they’re firm and less likely to break.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip balls fully in melted chocolate; tap the fork gently on the bowl edge to remove excess coating.
- Place dipped balls on parchment paper to dry.
- Work quickly with sprinkles, adding them right after dipping before the chocolate sets.
- For smooth drizzles, melt a small amount of opposite color chocolate in a piping bag or small zip-top bag with a tiny cut corner.
- Keep your workspace cool to avoid melting or sticky balls.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin – I use it to crush Oreos into fine crumbs easily.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cookie crumbs and cream cheese.
- 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps to shape evenly sized balls.
- Parchment paper – keeps the balls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting white and dark chocolate melts or chips.
- Fork or dipping tool – to dip the balls into melted chocolate smoothly.
- Refrigerator – to chill the balls and set the chocolate properly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of white or semi-sweet for different flavor profiles.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract to the cream cheese for a festive minty taste.
- Mix in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes into the cookie mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
- Stir in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and taste.
Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about 1 package), crushed finely
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate melts or white chocolate chips
- 12 oz (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate melts or chips
Decorations:
- Red, green, and white Christmas-themed sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill the Oreo balls and another 30 minutes to set the chocolate coating. Overall, you’ll spend a little over 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that is chilling time, so it’s easy and hands-off.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos and Mix with Cream Cheese:
Start by placing the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they’re crushed into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Then, transfer the crumbs into a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and mix with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is smooth and sticks together like dough.
2. Shape and Chill the Oreo Balls:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up; this helps keep their shape when you dip them later.
3. Melt the Chocolate and Dip the Balls:
While the balls chill, melt the white chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring each time until smooth. Repeat this process with the semi-sweet or dark chocolate melts in a separate bowl. Once the balls are chilled, divide them into two batches. Dip half into white chocolate and the other half into semi-sweet or dark chocolate, coating each ball completely. Place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Decorate and Set:
Sprinkle festive red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles onto each ball before the chocolate sets so they stick well. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of the opposite colored chocolate over the balls using a fork or a piping bag. Finally, refrigerate the coated balls for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate coating is firm, arrange your Christmas Oreo Balls on a festive plate and enjoy! They are perfect as a holiday treat or gift, and everyone will love these creamy, chocolatey bites.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oreos for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, which work perfectly as a substitute and keep the same delicious texture.
How Should I Store Christmas Oreo Balls?
Store them 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 prepare and dip the balls a day or two ahead. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve for best freshness.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Food Processor?
No problem! Place the Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed. This method works just as well.
