Get ready to deck your dessert table with Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies, a delightful no-bake treat that marries creamy Oreo centers with festive peppermint bites, all enrobed in sweet white chocolate. These little cookie balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or a cozy night in with family. Their crunchy peppermint candies and colorful sprinkles make every bite merry and bright—trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first taste!
Key Ingredients
Here’s the shopping list for these festive cookie balls. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that creamy, minty, and gorgeous white chocolate treat.
- 1 package of regular Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies): Crisp chocolate wafers crushed into fine crumbs to form the base of our peppermint cookie balls.
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the crumbs into smooth, scoopable balls.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses a cool minty flavor that brightens every bite and complements the sweet chocolate.
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Provides crunchy peppermint bursts and festive flair with every chew.
- 1 package of white chocolate chips (12 oz): Melts into a silky coating that envelops the cookie balls in sweet, glossy goodness.
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration: Sprinkled on top to add colorful, holiday-themed sparkle.
- A pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the peppermint flavor for a perfectly rounded taste.
How To Make Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Ready to create a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? In this section, we’ll guide you from crushing your Oreos and combining them with creamy cheese and peppermint to chilling the dough balls for firmness. Then you’ll learn how to achieve a silky white chocolate coating, decorate with festive sprinkles and crushed peppermint bits, and set them to perfection. Follow these steps for cookies that look as magical as they taste.
1. Begin by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Place them in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and use a rolling pin to tap and roll until uniform and powdery. Or pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds until finely ground.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo crumbs, softened cream cheese, and peppermint extract. Use a spatula or electric mixer to thoroughly blend until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the Oreo–cream cheese mixture and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up—this ensures they hold their shape during dipping.
5. While the Oreo balls are chilling, prepare the white chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring thoroughly after each interval until completely melted and glossy.
6. Remove the chilled Oreo balls from the fridge. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat fully. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating, then place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet.
7. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and red and green sprinkles over the warm white chocolate before it sets to lock in the festive decoration.
8. Allow the dipped cookies to set at room temperature, or return them to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
9. Once the coating is firm, transfer the cookies to a serving platter and enjoy these festive, minty bites!
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint Oreo cookie balls shine on their own, but you can elevate their presentation to wow friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party, assembling a dessert board, or giving them as gifts, these ideas will make your treats pop with festive cheer.
- Festive Platter Display: Arrange cookies on a large platter lined with holiday-themed parchment paper, alternating red and green sprinkles for a colorful pattern.
- Gift Box Treats: Place cookies in a decorative box with crinkled tissue paper and tie a ribbon around it for an edible gift that doubles as decor.
- Cookie Board Layering: Combine alongside gingerbread men, candy canes, and fudge squares on a wooden board to create a gorgeous holiday dessert spread.
- Hot Cocoa Companion: Serve with steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a candy cane stirrer for a cozy winter pairing.
Tips For Perfect Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Craving cookies that look straight out of a Christmas card? These friendly tips will help you streamline the process, keep flavors fresh, and unleash your creativity when making these peppermint Oreo balls.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a fun twist, try adding a splash of food coloring to the melted white chocolate for a festive look.
- You can also use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- These cookies make fantastic gifts for friends and family during the holiday season!
How To Store It
Proper storage ensures your peppermint Oreo cookies stay fresh, minty, and ready for snacking. Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, these storage methods will maintain their texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep them fresh for up to one week.
- Freeze for longer storage: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Short-term countertop keeping: If you plan to enjoy within 24 hours, store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Re-chill after thawing: Once thawed, let cookies sit in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to restore that firm bite and glossy white chocolate finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about these festive cookie balls.
- How long does it take to prepare Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies?
Active preparation time is about 20 minutes to crush the cookies, mix the batter, roll the balls, and melt the chocolate. You’ll need to chill the Oreo balls for 30 minutes, dip and decorate, then allow the chocolate coating to set for another 15 minutes. In total, plan for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese or white chocolate chips with other ingredients?
Yes. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer a different flavor, you can use a dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternative. For the coating, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted for white chocolate for a richer flavor. Just be aware that melting times and the final color will vary slightly.
- What is the purpose of the pinch of sea salt in this recipe?
The sea salt enhances the sweetness of the cream cheese mixture and the white chocolate coating by creating a subtle contrast. It also deepens the peppermint flavor and balances the overall sweetness so the cookies aren’t cloying.
- How can I crush the Oreo cookies without a food processor?
Place the Oreos in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and use a rolling pin or heavy skillet to gently crush the cookies into fine crumbs. Tap the rolling pin repeatedly and rotate the bag to ensure even crushing. Shake out any large chunks and continue rolling until the mixture is uniformly fine.
- What is the best way to melt white chocolate chips without them seizing?
Melt the chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Make sure there is no moisture in the bowl or on your spatula, as water causes chocolate to seize. If the chocolate becomes too thick, stir in a small teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to smooth it out.
- How should I store these cookies and how long will they stay fresh?
Once the chocolate has fully set, place the cookies in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I customize the decorations or add other flavors?
Absolutely. You can tint the melted white chocolate with gel food coloring for red, green, or striped effects. Instead of crushed peppermint candies, try colored sanding sugar, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for contrast. You can also stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate for extra depth.
What Makes This Special
These Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies are a festive mashup of creamy Oreo goodness, cool mint, and silky white chocolate that deliver holiday joy in every bite. Their no-bake simplicity means you can whip them up during a movie marathon, a cookie exchange, or an impromptu family bake-off. The pop of red and green sprinkles adds that cheerful flourish, while crushed candy canes bring crunchy excitement. Go ahead, print and save this recipe for countless merry moments—drop a comment if you gave them a try or need any baking tips—I’m here to help!
Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Description
These peppermint Oreo cookies blend creamy, minty filling with crisp candy bits, enrobed in melted white chocolate and topped with red and green sprinkles for a bright, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor until they are finely ground.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies, softened cream cheese, and peppermint extract. Mix well until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the Oreo mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is rolled into balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up.
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While the Oreo balls are chilling, prepare the white chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
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Remove the chilled Oreo balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and return the coated balls to the baking sheet.
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Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint and red and green sprinkles on top of the melted white chocolate before it sets.
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Once all the cookies are dipped and decorated, allow them to set at room temperature or place them back in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
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After the chocolate has set, transfer the cookies to a serving platter and enjoy these festive treats!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 38kcal
Note
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a fun twist, try adding a splash of food coloring to the melted white chocolate for a festive look.
- You can also use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- These cookies make fantastic gifts for friends and family during the holiday season!
