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These Christmas Oreo balls bring a burst of festive joy with every bite. They are simple to whip up without baking, making them an ideal holiday treat that everyone will love. Soft cream cheese combined with crushed Oreo cookies is coated in smooth white chocolate for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
I first made these during a last-minute holiday rush, and now they have become a tradition where friends and family always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: one whole package about 15 ounces – provides crunchy chocolate flavor, choose your favorite variety
- Cream cheese: eight ounces softened – brings a creamy texture that binds the crumbs together, use full fat for best flavor
- White chocolate chips: one cup – melts smoothly for the coating, white chocolate quality affects taste, so opt for a trusted brand
- Vegetable oil: one tablespoon – thins the white chocolate to make dipping easier and gives a glossy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crush the Oreos:
- Using a food processor or placing cookies in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin, crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs to ensure a smooth texture without large chunks.
- Mix with cream cheese:
- In a bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the softened cream cheese. Use a spoon or your hands to mix evenly until the mixture holds together well and feels like dough.
- Form the balls:
- Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls about one inch in diameter and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the balls:
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes so they become firmer and easier to dip into the chocolate coating without falling apart.
- Melt the white chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil by heating in short intervals and stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
- Dip and coat:
- Use a fork or toothpick to dip each chilled ball into the melted white chocolate, turning gently to coat fully. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing back onto the baking sheet.
- Set the coating:
- Allow the coated balls to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. You can sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles on top before the coating sets for extra holiday cheer.
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My favorite ingredient is the cream cheese because it transforms crushed Oreos into something creamy and smooth rather than dry crumbs. I remember making these with my nieces one Christmas and how proud they were to gift them to neighbors.
Storage Tips
Store the Christmas Oreo balls in a covered container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about one week this way. You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe container, which helps when you want to prepare ahead of a party.
Ingredient Substitutions
If white chocolate is not your favorite you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips though the flavor and appearance will change. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate melts. Using crushed chocolate sandwich cookies from other brands also works well.
Serving Suggestions
These Oreo balls pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday afternoon. They also look lovely arranged on a festive platter with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
Cultural Context
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Oreo balls are a fun modern twist on traditional fudge balls and truffles that have become very popular around the holidays in the United States. Their no-bake ease and crowd-pleasing taste make them a go-to party treat in many American households.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cookies work best for these balls?
Classic chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos provide the ideal texture and flavor balance for melting smoothly with cream cheese.
- → How can I get the balls to hold their shape?
Chilling the formed balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape during coating.
- → What’s the best way to melt white chocolate without burning it?
Microwave the white chocolate chips with a little vegetable oil in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- → Can I add toppings to the balls after coating?
Yes, sprinkling crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles on the coating while it’s still wet adds a colorful, seasonal decoration.
- → How should the balls be stored after preparation?
Keep the balls refrigerated to maintain firmness and freshness. A covered container will preserve their texture for several days.