These Peppermint Oreo Balls are the perfect no-bake treat for the holidays—or anytime you want something sweet, minty, and chocolaty.
They come together fast, look super fancy, and taste like peppermint bark and cookies & cream had a baby.
They’re rich, creamy on the inside, with a crisp chocolate shell on the outside. Just 5 ingredients, and no oven needed!
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these for a holiday cookie swap, and they were the first thing to disappear. People raved about them, and now they’re a go-to every winter. They’re fun to make, especially when you get to drizzle the chocolate and sprinkle the crushed peppermint.
- No baking needed—just mix, chill, and dip
- Only 5 ingredients
- They look fancy but are super easy
- Great for gifting or bringing to parties
- That chocolate-mint combo is just unbeatable
Makes
About 24 peppermint Oreo balls
Total Time
45 minutes (plus chill time)
What You’ll Need
- 36 Oreo cookies (classic, not Double Stuf)
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 oz white chocolate (melting wafers or almond bark work best)
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor (or large zip bag + rolling pin)
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Fork or dipping tool
- Spoon for drizzling
Pro Tips
- Use room temp cream cheese—it blends smoother with the crushed Oreos.
- Crush the peppermint candies right before using so they stay crisp.
- Chill the balls before dipping, or they’ll fall apart in the melted chocolate.
- Use a fork to dip and tap off the extra chocolate—less mess, better finish.
- Add a little oil (like coconut or vegetable) to the chocolate if it’s too thick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use gluten-free Oreos if needed
- Swap peppermint extract for vanilla if you don’t want the mint
- Use all white chocolate or all dark chocolate if preferred
- Crushed chocolate mints or candy cane Hershey’s Kisses can replace crushed candy
Make Ahead Tips
Make the Oreo balls (before dipping) up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge, then dip in chocolate and decorate the day you serve for the freshest crunch from the peppermint topping.
How to Make Peppermint Oreo Balls
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Place 36 Oreo cookies in a food processor. Pulse until you get fine crumbs—no big chunks.
Step 2: Mix with Cream Cheese and Peppermint
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos, 1 (8 oz) block of softened cream cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a smooth ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all the mixture—makes around 24 balls.
Step 4: Chill the Balls
Place the tray of Oreo balls in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolates
In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt 8 oz of white chocolate and 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Step 6: Dip the Balls
Use a fork to dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate. Let excess drip off. Place back on parchment. Alternate using white and dark chocolate for variety.
Step 7: Add Crushed Peppermint
Immediately after dipping, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of each coated ball before the chocolate sets.
Step 8: Let Set and Serve
Let the balls sit at room temp or chill in the fridge until the chocolate is set. Place on a serving plate and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them (before or after dipping in chocolate) for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before eating.
Macros (Per Ball – Approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Crushing the cookies turns them into a dry base that blends perfectly with the cream cheese—creating a rich, truffle-like texture. The peppermint extract adds a clean, sharp contrast to the sweet Oreo base. Dipping in chocolate not only adds flavor but locks in moisture and gives you that satisfying snap when you bite into one.
Common Mistakes
- Not chilling the balls enough: If they’re too soft, they’ll fall apart in the chocolate.
- Using regular chocolate chips without thinning: They can seize or be too thick—use melting chocolate or add oil.
- Sprinkling peppermint too late: It won’t stick once the chocolate starts setting.
What to Serve With
- A mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
- A platter of assorted holiday cookies
- Crushed over vanilla ice cream
- Gifted in a holiday tin with tissue paper
FAQ
Can I use flavored Oreos?
Sure! Just skip the peppermint extract if using mint Oreos.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, just put the Oreos in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I skip the peppermint?
Totally. They’re still delicious with just the cookies and cream cheese.
How do I make them look neater?
Use a fork for dipping and a spoon to help slide them back onto the tray.
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Oreo Balls are a total crowd-pleaser, and you’ll feel like a pro when you bring them out. They’re simple but impressive, and you’ll want to make them on repeat this season. If you give these a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions you have. Happy treat-making!
