When the holiday season rolls around, there’s a palpable excitement in the air—family gatherings, festive decorations, and the tradition of sharing delightful homemade treats. One such treat that has taken the internet by storm this year, and one that is sure to add some cheer to your celebrations, is the Peppermint Oreo Balls. These delightfully creamy, mint-infused treats offer the perfect combination of sweet and salty, making them an ideal cookie recipe for Christmas. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making Peppermint Oreo Balls, from ingredient selection to storage tips, ensuring your holiday treats are both delicious and memorable.
What are Peppermint Oreo Balls?
Peppermint Oreo Balls are a festive dessert made with crushed Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and crushed peppermint candies, all coated in a layer of rich chocolate. These delightful treats are easy to make and are sure to impress, whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to neighbors, or simply indulging yourself.
The Appeal of Peppermint Oreo Balls
These cookie balls exemplify the joy of holiday cooking. They can be prepared in under an hour, requiring minimal ingredients, and even less time to make everyone fall in love with them. The vibrant pop of peppermint gives these Oreo balls that festive feel, making them a standout when placed among other holiday confections, such as Christmas Crack, or paired with a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
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Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive Peppermint Oreo Balls made with Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and a minty chocolate coating, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 package of Oreo cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 oz semi-sweet or white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: sea salt and holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering all needed items.
- Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and plastic bag.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and softened cream cheese, adding the peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill the balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the chilled Oreo balls into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies and optional sea salt before the chocolate dries.
- Refrigerate again for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For a fluffier texture, use a hand mixer to combine ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling and Coating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Peppermint, Oreo, Holiday, Dessert, Christmas, Treats
Ingredient Breakdown
Understanding each element that goes into your Peppermint Oreo Balls can help you customize and enhance the recipe according to your taste. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients required.
Core Ingredients
- Oreo Cookies: The primary base of this recipe. The iconic chocolate cookies contribute both flavor and texture. Feel free to use regular Oreo cookies or explore other variations, such as mint-flavored Oreos.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient serves as a binding agent, lending a smooth and creamy texture to the finished product. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Peppermint Extract: This is the hero ingredient, imbuing the mixture with refreshing minty flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Chocolate Coating: Semi-sweet or white chocolate chips work beautifully for coating. The coating not only adds sweetness but also provides a nice contrast to the Oreos.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: These add an extra crunch and intensify the peppermint flavor. Consider using candy canes or peppermint bark.
Optional Ingredients
- Decorative Sprinkles: Festive colors can elevate your Oreo balls’ visual appeal. Choose colors that correspond to the holiday spirit!
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the overall flavor, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty combination.
Step-by-Step Method
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating Peppermint Oreo Balls that are perfect for Christmas cooking!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients:
- 1 package of Oreo cookies
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 8 oz of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips
- ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: sea salt and holiday sprinkles for decoration
Step 2: Crush the Oreos
Using a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they turn into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo crumbs and softened cream cheese. Add in the peppermint extract and mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist and easy to form into balls.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Using your hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll it into a ball. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the balls makes them easier to coat in chocolate.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While the balls are chilling, melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
Step 7: Coat the Oreo Balls
Dip the chilled Oreo balls into the melted chocolate using a fork. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Step 8: Add Peppermint
Before the chocolate dries, sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies and optional sea salt for added flavor.
Step 9: Refrigerate Again
Place the tray back in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Oreo Balls
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
- Mixer Option: For a fluffier texture, consider using a hand mixer to combine the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to switch things up, try using flavored extracts or different types of chocolate for the coating.
- Storage Tips: Keep any leftover Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Variations and Swaps
Experimenting with different ingredients can yield exciting variations of Peppermint Oreo Balls:
- Nutty Twist: Mix in crushed nuts such as walnuts or almonds for an added crunch and flavor profile.
- Dye the Chocolate: Add festive food coloring to your melted white chocolate before dipping the balls for a colorful touch.
- Different Cookie Bases: Try using different types of cookies such as graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies for varied flavors.
- Vegan Options: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use dark chocolate that is dairy-free.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Peppermint Oreo Balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks, but we doubt they’ll last that long once your family gets a taste!
Reheating: If the chocolate coating hardens too much, it’s best to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving.
Nutritional Insights
While Peppermint Oreo Balls are surely a treat, being aware of their nutritional content can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s a rough breakdown (per ball):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: 6g (primarily from cream cheese and chocolate)
- Sugar: About 8g (from Oreos and coating)
- Protein: 1g
As with any sweet treat, moderation is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, Peppermint Oreo Balls can be made up to two weeks in advance! Just be sure to store them properly.
How do I make them gluten-free? Simply use gluten-free Oreo cookies and ensure your chocolate is gluten-free.
What’s the best way to crush the Oreos? A food processor is the easiest way, but a rolling pin and plastic bag work just as well if you don’t have one.
Can I use different flavors of Oreos? Absolutely! Mint Oreos work wonderfully with the peppermint extract, creating a more intense mint flavor.
Conclusion
Incorporating the festive spirit of Christmas into your baking is easier than ever with Peppermint Oreo Balls. These delightful treats are not only simple to make but promise to please even the pickiest eaters at your holiday gatherings. So why not gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and share the joy of baking with family and friends?
With the full guide from Pin by javius02 on Food – Peppermint Oreo Balls to various tips and tricks, we hope you’re inspired to make them this holiday season. Create your delicious tradition for years to come, and as you savor these tasty morsels, remember to share the love by gifting them to your neighbors or bringing them to festive parties. Happy baking!
With Peppermint Oreo Balls, let the holiday baking begin!
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