Now, who doesn’t love the classic combo of Oreos and cream cheese? These Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are the perfect no-bake treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a fun cooking project, this recipe has got you covered.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: With just three main ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different coatings or add-ins to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids, offering a hands-on cooking experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized treats are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, for coating
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, for thinning chocolate (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Toothpicks or fork, for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. No food processor? No problem! Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You’ll need about 3 cups of crumbs. Set aside a 1/2 cup for topping if desired.
Step 2: Mix with Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended and the mixture holds together when pressed. Tip: If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 24 balls. Once all are formed, freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial for easy dipping later.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler for more controlled melting. Tip: Adding a bit of coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for smoother dipping.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a toothpick or fork, dip each frozen Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on the parchment paper and sprinkle with reserved Oreo crumbs or other toppings immediately, before the chocolate sets. Chill in the fridge until the chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra smooth texture, sift the Oreo crumbs before mixing with cream cheese. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the freezing step, but the balls may be a bit harder to dip neatly. For a festive touch, use colored candy melts instead of chocolate chips. To avoid a mess when dipping, place a piece of parchment under your cooling rack to catch drips. If the chocolate starts to thicken as you work, reheat it briefly in the microwave or over the double boiler.
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Coating: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint Oreos and add a drop of peppermint extract to the mixture.
- Decadent Drizzle: After dipping in chocolate, drizzle with caramel or another type of chocolate for a fancy finish.
- Crunchy Coating: Roll the dipped balls in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind it may make the mixture a bit softer and harder to handle. Chilling the mixture before forming the balls can help counteract this.
How long do these Oreo balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Oreo balls will last up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Absolutely! As mentioned, you can place the Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the result is the same.
Summary
These Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a simple, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With endless customization options, they’re sure to please any crowd. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week!