Feastical

Your New Favorite Holiday Treat is Just a Crush, Mix, and Roll Away!

Hey friends, Beau here! Is there anything better than that feeling when you find a dessert recipe that’s an absolute slam dunk? You know the one—it’s the dish that makes people’s eyes light up, the one they ask for the recipe for before they’ve even finished their first bite. Well, pull up a chair and get ready to meet your new holiday hero: Peppermint Oreo Balls.

Imagine this: the deep, chocolatey crunch of an Oreo, transformed into a rich, creamy truffle. Now, give it a cool, festive kick of peppermint and envelop the whole thing in a smooth, sweet coat of white chocolate. Finish it with a sprinkle of crushed candy cane for a little holiday crunch, and you’ve got a treat that’s basically Christmas in a single, irresistible bite. The best part? We’re not turning on the oven. That’s right, these gorgeous little gems are 100% no-bake.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro who can pipe frosting with your eyes closed or you’re just starting your kitchen journey (we’ve all been there, and that’s why we keep the number for pizza delivery handy), this recipe is for you. It’s incredibly forgiving, wildly fun to make, and perfect for getting the whole family involved. These Peppermint Oreo Balls are more than just a dessert; they’re a memory-making activity and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. So, let’s ditch the stress and dive into some seriously delicious, feel-good food.

A Sweet, Crumb-Filled Memory

This recipe takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, which during the holidays was less of a kitchen and more of a festive, flour-dusted command center. She had a rule: if you were tall enough to see over the counter, you were old enough to help. My job, from about age eight onward, was the “Official Oreo Crusher.”

Grandma would hand me a giant Ziploc bag and a whole sleeve of Oreos, and I’d take my job very seriously, whacking that bag with a rolling pin with the focused intensity of a tiny, apron-wearing superhero. The kitchen would fill with the sound of rhythmic thumping and the smell of chocolate. She’d be softening the cream cheese, and I’d proudly present my bag of finely crushed crumbs. We’d mix everything together with our hands, and I’d be in charge of rolling the mixture into slightly lopsided, but made-with-love, balls. The memory isn’t just about the taste—though that was incredible—it’s about the laughter, the shared mess, and the proud feeling of contributing to our family’s holiday spread. That’s the spirit I want to bring to your kitchen with this recipe.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Chef’s Guide

Simplicity is the name of the game here. You only need a handful of ingredients to create pure magic. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and my little chef insights for each one.

• 36 Oreo Cookies: That’s one standard package. And here’s my biggest tip: do not remove the cream filling! We’re using the whole cookie, cream center and all. That filling is the secret weapon that adds sweetness and helps bind our balls together. It’s part of the magic!
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: This is the glue that holds our dream team together. Using full-fat, brick-style cream cheese is crucial for the best texture and flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature! If it’s too cold, you’ll have a lumpy, difficult-to-mix situation. Leave it on the counter for about 30-45 minutes before you start.
• 1/3 cup Crushed Candy Canes: This is where the festive peppermint punch comes from. You can buy pre-crushed peppermint, but it’s super easy (and therapeutic) to do it yourself. Unwrap a few candy canes, place them in a Ziploc bag, and use a rolling pin to crush them into small bits. You want a mix of fine powder and little crunchy pieces.
• 12 oz White Chocolate or White Candy Melts: This is the beautiful, glossy coating. Here’s the deal: high-quality white chocolate bars (like Ghirardelli or Baker’s) will give you the best flavor. However, white candy melts or almond bark are more forgiving when melting—they set firmer and are less prone to seizing up. For your first time, candy melts might be your best friend. If you’re a chocolate purist, go for the bar, but be gentle when melting it!
• Extra Crushed Peppermint for Topping: This is for that gorgeous, festive finish. Have this ready in a small bowl before you start dipping!

Let’s Get Rolling: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, team, it’s go time! This process is a blast. Put on some holiday music, and let’s create some deliciousness.

1. Crush the Oreos into Fine Crumbs. This is my favorite step! You have two options here. The food processor method is fast and efficient: just pulse the whole Oreos until they become a uniform, sandy crumb. No food processor? No problem! The Ziploc bag and rolling pin method works perfectly. Place the cookies in a sturdy freezer bag, seal it tightly (seriously, double-check that seal!), and go to town with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even a heavy-bottomed pot until you have fine crumbs. Chef’s Hack: A few larger pieces are okay, but try to get it as fine as possible for the smoothest texture.
2. Mix with Cream Cheese and Candy Canes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs, softened cream cheese, and that 1/3 cup of crushed candy canes. Now, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, but I’m a big fan of getting in there with a sturdy spatula or even clean hands. Mix until everything is fully combined and you have a uniform, dark, and slightly sticky dough. It should hold together when you pinch it.
3. Roll into 1-Inch Balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size) or a spoon, portion out the mixture. Then, roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, a little pro-tip: lightly dampen your hands with water. This creates a non-stick barrier! Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Freeze for 20-30 Minutes. This is the most important step for successful dipping! Pop the entire baking sheet into the freezer. This firms up the balls, making them much easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart when you coat them in the warm chocolate. Don’t skip this!
5. Melt the White Chocolate. While the balls are chilling, melt your coating. The key here is low and slow. You can use a double boiler on the stove, but my go-to method is the microwave because it’s easy. Place the chopped chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals on 50% power, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until completely smooth. Chef’s Warning: Do not overheat! White chocolate is delicate and can easily burn or seize (become a clumpy mess). If it seizes, a tiny splash of vegetable oil or shortening can sometimes save it.
6. Dip and Decorate! Remove the balls from the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge one ball at a time into the melted chocolate. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. Carefully place it back on the parchment paper. Immediately, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with the extra crushed peppermint. Work relatively quickly here!
7. Chill Until Set. Once all the balls are dipped and decorated, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm to the touch.

How to Serve These Minty Marvels

Presentation is part of the fun! These treats look stunning on a simple white platter, letting their red and white speckled tops shine. For a real “wow” factor, arrange them in a festive holiday tin lined with wax paper—they make incredible edible gifts. If you’re serving them at a party, place them in mini cupcake liners; it keeps them neat and makes them easy for guests to grab. They’re rich, so one or two per person is usually perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a strong coffee. Trust me, they’ll be the star of your dessert table!

Mix It Up! Creative Twists on the Classic

Once you’ve mastered the classic, the world of Oreo balls is your oyster! Here are a few of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:

• The Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap the white chocolate coating for dark or semi-sweet chocolate. It’s incredibly rich and decadent.
• Peppermint Patty Style: Omit the crushed candy canes from the mixture and use mint Oreos instead of the original! The mint flavor will be infused throughout the entire ball.
• Non-Minty Fun: Not a peppermint fan? No problem! Leave out the candy canes entirely. You can roll the finished balls in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even cocoa powder for a different look and flavor.
• Festive Swirl: After dipping in white chocolate, drizzle the tops with a little melted dark chocolate for an elegant, marbled effect.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan cream cheese and ensure your Oreos and chocolate are dairy-free. Many dark chocolates are naturally vegan, and most classic Oreos are surprisingly vegan-friendly (always double-check the label!).

Beau’s Kitchen Confidential

This recipe has been a part of my holiday tradition for years, and it’s evolved in funny ways. One year, I was in a huge rush and tried to dip the balls without freezing them first. Let’s just say I ended up with more of a “Peppermint Oreo Puddle” situation—delicious, but not exactly gift-worthy! Another time, my nephew decided to “help” by adding what felt like a whole bottle of green food coloring to the mixture. We ended up with strangely festive, mint-green insides that were a huge hit with the kids. The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to have fun with it. Even the “mistakes” usually taste amazing.

Your Questions, Answered!

Q: My chocolate coating is thick and clumpy. What happened?
A: Ah, you’ve encountered “seized” chocolate! This usually happens if a tiny bit of water or steam gets into the melting chocolate, or if it’s overheated. To try and save it, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening at a time until it smooths out. Prevention is key: make sure your bowl and tools are completely dry, and melt slowly on low power.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These are a fantastic make-ahead treat. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: My mixture is too sticky to roll. Help!
A> If your kitchen is warm or your cream cheese was very soft, this can happen. Don’t panic! Just pop the whole mixture into the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up. And remember, lightly wetting your hands before rolling works wonders.

Q: Why do I have to use full-fat cream cheese?
A> The fat content in full-fat cream cheese is essential for the right creamy, firm texture. Low-fat or Neufchâtel varieties have more water, which can make the mixture too soft and prevent it from setting properly.

Peppermint Oreo Balls

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• Author: BeauCollier

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Description

Hey friends, Beau here! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s an instant crowd-pleaser, I’ve got just the thing: Peppermint Oreo Balls. Chocolatey, creamy, and festive, these no-bake treats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Imagine an Oreo transformed into a peppermint-infused truffle, coated in glossy white chocolate, and finished with crushed candy cane. Absolute magic in every bite.

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Ingredients

• 36 Oreo cookies (full cookies, cream included)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/3 cup crushed candy canes

• 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts

• Extra crushed candy canes for decorating

Chef Tips:

• Keep cream cheese at room temp for smooth mixing.

• Crush candy canes in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin for that perfect texture.

• Use candy melts for a firmer coating; high-quality white chocolate gives superior flavor.

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Instructions

1. Crush the Oreos:

• Food processor: pulse whole cookies to fine crumbs.

• No processor: seal in a sturdy Ziploc and crush with a rolling pin.

2. Mix:

• Combine Oreo crumbs, cream cheese, and 1/3 cup crushed candy canes in a bowl.

• Mix by hand, spatula, or mixer until uniform and slightly sticky.

3. Roll into Balls:

• Scoop ~1 tbsp of mixture, roll into 1-inch balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Tip: lightly dampen hands to prevent sticking.

4. Chill:

• Freeze 20–30 minutes to firm up for dipping.

5. Melt the Chocolate:

• Microwave or double boiler: melt chocolate slowly in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

• Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.

6. Dip and Decorate:

• Submerge chilled balls into melted chocolate, tap off excess, and sprinkle with crushed candy cane.

• Refrigerate 15–20 minutes until chocolate sets.

Notes

• Arrange on a white platter or in mini cupcake liners.

• Perfect for gifting: place in a festive tin lined with wax paper.

• Pair with cocoa or coffee for a full holiday indulgence.

Nutrition

• Calories: 140 Cal per ball
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 16g

Nutritional Information*

Okay, let’s be real—these are a treat, through and through! But I believe in transparency. Here’s a general breakdown per ball (assuming the recipe makes 24). Remember, this is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands you use.

Per Ball (Approx.): Calories: 140 | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 16g | Sugar: 12g | Protein: 1g

*This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using a calculator with the exact brands and quantities you use.

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours

Friends, I hope you fall in love with these Peppermint Oreo Balls as much as I have. They’re proof that the most memorable dishes aren’t always the most complicated. It’s about the joy of creating something with your own hands and sharing it with the people you love. So this holiday season, gather your ingredients, maybe enlist a little helper or two, and whip up a batch of these no-bake wonders. I have a feeling they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, too.

If you make them, I’d be absolutely thrilled to see your creations! Tag me on social @Feastical or use the hashtag #FeasticalEats. Happy cooking, and from my family to yours, have a deliciously wonderful holiday!