Christmas Oreo Balls are little treats that mix the classic Oreo cookie taste with a smooth, creamy filling and a chocolate coating, all dressed up with festive sprinkles. They’re bite-sized, sweet, and perfect for the holiday season when you want something special but easy to share.
I love making these because they’re so simple and quick, yet everyone always asks for more. Crumbling the Oreos and mixing them with cream cheese feels like a fun kitchen project, and the whole process makes your house smell cozy and inviting. Plus, decorating them with red and green sprinkles adds that cheerful Christmas touch that makes them extra fun to give as gifts or bring to parties.
My favorite way to enjoy these Oreo Balls is right out of the fridge with a cold glass of milk. They’re the perfect sweet snack to have while wrapping presents or watching holiday movies. Making them is one of those little holiday traditions I look forward to every year because they bring a bit of festive magic and a whole lot of smiles to everyone who tries them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo Cookies: The crushed Oreos are the base and bring that classic cookie flavor. You can swap them for other sandwich cookies or gluten-free versions if needed. They always add a great crunch.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the crumbs into a smooth mixture. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese. It may slightly change the taste but still holds everything together well.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet and white chocolate create the lovely coatings. You can substitute with dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness. For dipping, use good-quality melting wafers or chocolate chips that melt nicely.
Sprinkles: Festive red, green, and white sprinkles make these special for Christmas. If you’re short on sprinkles, crushed candy canes or edible glitter work nicely too!
How Do You Get Nice, Smooth Chocolate Coating on Oreo Balls?
Coating Oreo balls smoothly in chocolate is easier than it looks. Here’s how to get it right:
- Melt chocolate slowly using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler to avoid burning.
- Dip the cold Oreo balls quickly to prevent them from melting or falling apart.
- Use a fork to lift the balls out of the chocolate and tap it lightly on the bowl’s edge to let the excess drip off.
- Place the balls on parchment paper and add sprinkles right away before the chocolate sets.
- Chill them in the fridge until the chocolate is fully firm; this helps keep a nice shine and snap.
Patience and cool Oreo balls are your best friends here. This technique gives you that neat, professional look every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin – I use it to crush the Oreos easily and quickly.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mixing the cookie crumbs with cream cheese.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps make uniform-sized balls so they look neat.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – keeps the Oreo balls from sticking and makes clean-up simple.
- Microwave-safe bowls – for melting both the semi-sweet and white chocolate.
- Fork – I find it easiest for dipping and coating the Oreo balls evenly.
- Sprinkles or holiday candies – to decorate your festive treats.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract to the cream cheese for a holiday peppermint twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the stuffing for extra texture.
- Crush peppermint candies or add raspberry jam before forming the balls for added flavor pockets.
Christmas Oreo Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies (about 1 package), finely crushed
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
For the Coating and Decoration:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for dipping)
- 12 oz white chocolate, melted (for dipping)
- 2 oz white chocolate (for drizzling)
- Red, green, and white Christmas-themed sprinkles or crushed holiday candies
Time You’ll Need:
Plan for about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes chilling time before dipping, and another 15-20 minutes after dipping for the chocolate to set. So, roughly an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crush the Oreos:
Put the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they’re crushed into fine crumbs. Don’t have a food processor? No problem—place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs.
2. Mix with Cream Cheese:
In a large bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with softened cream cheese. Stir well until the mixture looks like dough, smooth and easy to work with.
3. Shape the Balls:
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
4. Chill the Oreo Balls:
Pop the tray into the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the balls firm up so they hold together nicely when you dip them.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
While the balls chill, melt the semi-sweet and white chocolates separately in microwave-safe bowls. Heat in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and melt-ready.
6. Dip the Oreo Balls:
Remove the chilled balls from the fridge. Dip half into the melted semi-sweet chocolate and the other half into the white chocolate. Use a fork to lift each ball out, tapping gently to drip off extra chocolate.
7. Decorate:
Place the dipped balls back on the parchment-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with your festive red, green, and white sprinkles or crushed candies to add a cheerful holiday look.
8. Add Drizzle:
Melt the remaining white chocolate and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle it over the dark chocolate coated balls for a pretty finishing touch.
9. Set the Coating:
Chill the decorated balls in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These little Christmas Oreo Balls are best enjoyed chilled—perfect for holiday parties or gifting to friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Oreo Balls for Dipping?
Yes! You can freeze the Oreo balls before dipping, but make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes first. This helps prevent cracking or breaking when dipped in melted chocolate.
Can I Substitute Different Cookies for Oreos?
Absolutely! Any sandwich cookie or chocolate cookie crumbs can work as a base. Just make sure they’re finely crushed and will combine well with the cream cheese.
How Should I Store Christmas Oreo Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep them chilled to maintain the chocolate coating’s firmness and the creamy texture inside.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Oreo balls and coat them a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge until serving to keep them fresh and delicious.