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These Oreo balls became our family's Christmas staple after I whipped them up years ago. The mix of minty cookies, smooth filling, and decadent chocolate creates something truly special with each taste. They stand out beautifully on holiday platters, and seeing kids' excitement when they spot these goodies makes all that rolling and chocolate-dipping totally worth it.
Delightful Holiday Tradition
The magic happens when basic ingredients come together in something totally amazing. I get everyone involved in making them, and the kids turn into little decoration experts with those sprinkles. They make wonderful gifts too - just tuck them into a cute container and watch your friends get excited.
What You'll Need
- Mint Oreo Cookies: A family size pack (15.5 oz) smashed into tiny bits forms our foundation.
- Cream Cheese: An 8 oz block left out to soften ensures everything blends perfectly.
- Almond Bark: You'll want 16 oz for plenty of dipping that covers everything nicely.
- Sprinkles: Get about 1/2 cup in festive colors ready before you start dipping since you'll need to work fast.
- Colored Candy Melts: Grab 4 oz each of red and green if you want those fancy holiday drizzles.
Let's Start Rolling
- Prepare the Filling
- Grind those Oreos in your food processor until they turn into fine dust with no bits left. Blend with your soft cream cheese until it looks like dark cookie dough, usually taking 2-3 minutes.
- Shape the Balls
- Grab your 1-tablespoon cookie scoop for consistent sizes. Roll them between your hands until they're smooth, then place on your lined tray. They should chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate
- Break your almond bark into chunks and heat in 30-second bursts, giving it a good stir each time until it's completely smooth, around 2 minutes total.
- Dip and Decorate
- Dunk each ball into your melted chocolate until fully covered, lifting it out with a fork. Gently tap against the bowl to shake off extra chocolate, then slide onto parchment. Sprinkle your decorations right away before the coating hardens.
My Best Dipping Tips
Almond bark works wonders because it melts so nicely. For candy melts, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of oil per cup to get the right thickness. Keep decorations within arm's reach of your dipping area since you'll need to move quickly. Working with two forks helps you get that perfect coating and makes moving them easier.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store these treats in your fridge in a sealed container and they'll stay good for a week. I often make them days before parties since they freeze so well for up to three months. Just transfer them to your fridge the evening before you need them and they'll be ready to enjoy next day.
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Common Questions
- → Why should these be kept cold?
Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is essential. They're safe at room temperature for a few hours while serving.
- → Can I swap mint Oreos for another kind?
Absolutely! Any flavor can work well. While mint gives them holiday vibes, classic or golden Oreos are great options too.
- → How can I stop the coating from cracking?
Ensure the balls are well-chilled but not frozen, and don’t overheat the chocolate. Cold balls and overly hot chocolate can cause cracks.
- → Is it okay to make these in advance?
Yes, you can prep them a week ahead and store them in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.
- → What’s the benefit of almond bark over chocolate?
Almond bark is easier to handle and stays sturdy at room temperature, which makes it more reliable for coating.