Why make this recipe
Peppermint Oreo Balls are a festive treat that brings joy and flavor to any celebration. They are simple to make and are a delightful blend of chocolate and mint, perfect for the holiday season. These bite-sized treats are great for parties, as gifts, or even just to enjoy at home. The crunch of the Oreo combined with the smooth cream cheese and the refreshing taste of peppermint makes these balls irresistible. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table.
How to make Peppermint Oreo Balls
Making Peppermint Oreo Balls is a straightforward process that can be done in a few easy steps. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, you’ll have a delicious treat that will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (15.25 ounces) of Oreo cookies
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1 package (12 ounces) of white chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for garnish
Directions:
Crush the Oreos: Place the Oreos in a food processor. Pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the Oreos in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Mix with Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and softened cream cheese. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Add Peppermint Extract: Stir in the peppermint extract until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Form Balls: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze: Once all the balls are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate.
Melt Chocolate: While the balls are freezing, melt the white chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Dip the Balls: Remove the Oreo balls from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each ball in the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
Garnish: Place the dipped Oreo balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch.
Chill Again: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is set.
Serve and Enjoy: Once set, your Peppermint Oreo Balls are ready to be served! Enjoy them with friends and family during the holiday season.
Nutriments benefits
Peppermint Oreo Balls, while indulgent, can contain some small benefits. Here’s a quick overview:
Chocolate: Dark chocolate or high-quality white chocolate contains antioxidants which can be beneficial for health. However, these treats mainly consist of sugar and fat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.
Peppermint: Peppermint is known for its soothing properties, aiding digestion, and offering a fresh flavor that can uplift your spirits.
Cream Cheese: While it is high in fat, cream cheese also provides some calcium and protein, contributing a little nutritional value to your treat.
Even though Peppermint Oreo Balls are not a health food, enjoying them occasionally can still be part of a balanced diet during the festive season.
What to Serve With Peppermint Oreo Balls
Peppermint Oreo Balls can be served alongside various festive treats. Here are some ideas:
| Pairing Treats | Description |
|—————————-|——————————————————-|
| Hot Chocolate | A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the minty flavor. |
| Christmas Cookies | Create a dessert platter with assorted cookies, including classic gingerbread and sugar cookies. |
| Peppermint Bark | For a delightful chocolate mint experience, serve them with peppermint bark. |
| Coffee or Espresso | The rich flavors of coffee pair excellently with these sweet treats. |
| Milk | A classic glass of milk can enhance the flavor and enjoyment of these cookies. |
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll fall in love with Peppermint Oreo Balls for several reasons:
Simple to Make: The recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. All you need is a few ingredients and some time to let them set.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and mint is a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Perfect for Festivities: These balls are festive and eye-catching, making them perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or just to enjoy at home with family.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor by adding different extracts or garnishes, making these treats versatile and fun to create.
Make Ahead: They can be prepared ahead of time and stored, which makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
How to store Peppermint Oreo Balls
To keep your Peppermint Oreo Balls fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two weeks when stored this way.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
To ensure your Peppermint Oreo Balls turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t Skimp on Freezing Time: Freezing the balls before dipping helps them hold their shape. Don’t skip this step.
Use Quality Chocolate: A high-quality chocolate or chocolate chips will melt better, providing a smoother coating.
Mix Well: Make sure your cream cheese and Oreo mixture is fully combined. This ensures every bite has the same delicious flavor.
Keep Crushed Peppermint Handy: You can use the crushed candies as soon as the chocolate is dipped. If you wait too long, the chocolate will set, and the peppermint will not stick.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Peppermint Oreo Balls! Here are a few fun ideas:
Chocolate Dip: Instead of white chocolate, use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Flavored Extracts: Swap out peppermint extract for other flavors, like almond or orange, for a unique twist.
Sprinkles and Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Use colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even drizzles of colored chocolate for a fun look.
Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts to the Oreo mixture for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Peppermint Oreos?
Yes, regular Oreos can be used, but the peppermint flavor will not be there. You can always add extra peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture to give them a minty kick.
How long do Peppermint Oreo Balls last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks. If frozen, they can last up to three months.
Can I make Peppermint Oreo Balls without cream cheese?
You can experiment with different binders, but cream cheese is the most common for this recipe. Alternatives like mascarpone cheese or even nut butter may be used for a different taste and texture.
How can I make them without a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, crush the Oreos by placing them in a zip-lock bag and using a rolling pin or another heavy object to smash them into fine crumbs.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for dipping?
Yes, dark chocolate is a great alternative for dipping. It will add a richer flavor and a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Oreo balls.
Enjoy making your Peppermint Oreo Balls, and don’t forget to share with friends and family! These delightful treats are sure to be a hit during the festive season.
Print
Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive peppermint-flavored treats combining Oreos, cream cheese, and white chocolate, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 package (15.25 ounces) of Oreo cookies
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1 package (12 ounces) of white chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Crush the Oreos using a food processor or a zip-lock bag and rolling pin until fine crumbs.
- In a large bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and softened cream cheese; mix until well combined.
- Stir in the peppermint extract until evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth, heating in intervals.
- Dip each ball in the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top of the dipped balls before the chocolate sets.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until chocolate is set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigerating, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
