Oreo Truffles

Oreo Truffles are what sweet dreams are made of! They Are easy to make, impressive and the first to go at any party!

These Oreo Truffles are the ideal no-bake recipe for entertaining, cookie exchanges, gifts, birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers or for the holidays.   I especially love them topped with crushed candy canes for Christmas!  This Oreo Balls recipe couldn’t be any easier to make with the mouthwatering trifecta of Oreos, cream cheese and chocolate.  To make, you’ll just blend the cream cheese & Oreos crumbs together, dip the balls in chocolate and then decorate however you like, for whatever occasion.  The decorated Oreo Cookie Balls can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator so they are perfect to make ahead! 

Bite size desserts are always a hit for the holidays or for gift giving. We especially chocolate peanut clusters, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate almond toffee and turtle brownies.

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how to make oreo balls video

up close of Oreo Ball Truffles stacked with a bite taken out showing the inside of the truffle


 

Oreo Truffle Recipe

I absolutely adore Oreo Truffles.  The rich, chocolaty truffle center with a blanket of snappy chocolate coating. It’s the perfect bite.

I have been making these Oreo Cream Cheese Truffles for years and didn’t really think about sharing the recipe because, honestly, they’re so easy, it doesn’t even seem like a recipe!   As I made them again this year, I decided I needed to sing their praises for anyone who hasn’t boarded the delightful Oreo Balls train yet.   All on board!

These Oreo Balls are always a favorite treat at parties, the prettiest dessert on the plate, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • It’s dizzyingly delicious
  • Guaranteed to impress
  • Easy, anyone can make them
  • Uses minimal ingredients
  • Easy to eat without any forks, napkins, etc.
  • Beautiful without using any fancy candy equipment
  • The perfect texture with the firm chocolate shell giving way to the soft, rich, fudgy interior 
  • Can be made in any color with endless topping options for any occasion like birthdays, Christmas and more
  • Can be spiked with peppermint extract and topped with candy canes like Trader-Joes Joe-Joes for the holidays (my fav!)
  • It’s easy to create multiple flavor combinations
  • It’s make ahead friendly up to two weeks!
  • It’s freezer friendly up to two months
up close of oreo truffle balls recipe with crushed candy canes with a bite taken out of one of the truffles

Ingredients for Oreo Truffle Balls:

Oreo Cooke Balls hands down win for creating the most delicious dessert with the fewest ingredients.  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Oreo Cookies: you’ll need one 14.3-ounce family-size package which now has 39 Oreos (used to be 45 but was reduced due to inflation)   Do not use double stuffed Oreos – they have too much filling so the ratio of fat to crumbs will be off and your Oreo Balls won’t firm up.
  • Cream Cheese: you will need 8 ounces cream cheese.  Make sure it’s super soft so it mixes completely with the Oreo crumbs. 
  • Almond bark or candy melts:  almond bark, Candy Melts®, melting wafers and candy wafers are all products made for dipping and coating that don’t need to be tempered and are very forgiving. They are developed specifically to melt beautifully, coat seamlessly, create a glossy finish, and set quickly without cracking. You can use whichever you like although I find almond bark is the easiest to work with and delivers the best end results (and no, despite its name, almond bark does not contain almonds). If you use melting wafers, it is best to splurge for Ghirardelli brand melting wafers. You can find these products located with the rest of the chocolate at your grocery store.  You’ll typically find almond bark sold in bricks or squares and candy wafers in disc form. As far as what flavor, you can use any you like! For classic Oreo Truffles, I like to use 8 ounces of both chocolate and white chocolate.
  • Vegetable shortening:  is added to the melted chocolate to thin it out to the perfect consistency and creates a smoother, glossier coating for the truffles. If you don’t have shortening, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil.  

Ingredient Question and Answers

  • Can I use a different flavor of Oreo?  Absolutely!  You can use any flavor Oreos as long as they are not double stuffed.  You can try:
    • Peppermint Bark
    • Peanut Butter
    • Golden
    • Mint
    • Chocolate-Filled
    • Birthday Cake
    • Carrot Cake 
  • Can I use chocolate chips?  No, chocolate chips are made with cocoa butter instead of vegetable fats which makes them temperamental to work with, turn grainy and crack more easily.  
  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?  Please only use full-fat cream cheese.  It delivers a much richer flavor and better fudgy consistency.  Most importantly, it holds the truffles together.  If you use non-fat or even ⅓ less fat, there isn’t enough fat to bind the ingredients together and your Oreo Truffles will be harder to work with and are more likely to fall apart.
  • Can I make them without cream cheese?   Try substituting with vegan cream cheese, vegan vanilla buttercream frosting, or coffee creamer.  Add just use enough creamer until the mixture sticks together.   Note, I have not personally tried these, so please let me know if you do!
  • Can I make them gluten free?  Yes!  Oreos now make gluten free Oreos; the rest of the recipe ingredients are gluten free.
top view of oreo truffles drizzled with chocolate and topped with crushed oreos

How to Make Oreo Balls:

  • Step: 1 Prepare a baking sheet. Line a half baking sheet (18 by 13-inch) with parchment paper or I just use a silicone baking mat.  This will not only make for easy cleanup but prevents the Oreo Truffles from sticking.   
  • Step: 2: Crush Oreos.  Add Oreos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs.  Reserve 2 tablespoons crumbs for topping.  
  • Step: 3: Blend Oreos with cream cheese.   Add very soft cream cheese to the food processor and pulse with the crumbs to form a sticky dough.
a collage showing how to make oreo truffle recipe by 1) adding Oreos to food processor, 2) processing into crumbs, 3) adding cream cheese, 4) blending into a dough
  • Step: 4: Shape mixture into balls. Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into balls.  Place balls on prepared baking sheet so they aren’t touching. 
showing how to make Oreo Truffle recipe by adding Oreo balls to a baking sheet to freeze before dipping
  • Step 5:  Chill.  Freeze Oreo Balls for at least 30 minutes or until ready to dip.  Meanwhile, line a second baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat. 
  • Step 6:  Melt chocolate. Melt almond bark or candy melts according to package directions until smooth.  Whisk in the shortening until smooth.   
showing how to make Oreo Truffle recipe by melting chocolate until smooth in a glass bowl
  • Step 7:  Dip Oreo truffles. Dip the bottom of one Oreo Ball in the chocolate then balance it on the end of a butter knife or fork and use a spoon to pour some chocolate over the top until fully covered.  Let the excess chocolate run off then use a toothpick to gently slide the truffle onto the parchment paper. See video for exactly how I do it. 
showing how to make Oreo Truffle Recipe by spooning chocolate over the Oreo Balls balancing on a knife
  • Step 8:  Add Oreos. If not drizzling the Oreo Cookie Balls with chocolate, then immediately sprinkle the top with crushed Oreos, crushed candy canes, etc. because the chocolate sets very quickly.  Do NOT wait until you dip all the Oreo balls to add the cookie crumbs or it will be too late.
showing how to make Oreo Ball Truffles by drizzling the Oreo Balls with chocolate and then topping with crushed Oreos
  • Step 9:  Drizzle chocolate.  If you want to drizzle the tops of the Oreo Truffles with contrasting chocolate, then let the chocolate set first, then drizzle, then add the Oreo crumbs. Once the truffles are set (about 10 minutes), melt the chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl or melt according to package directions.  You can either dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the truffles or let the chocolate cool slightly and then transfer it to a plastic bag, snip the corner, then drizzle over the truffles.
Oreo Balls drizzled with chocolate
  • Step 9:  Let set.   Place the Oreo Truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

How do you melt chocolate for oreo balls?

There are two methods to melt chocolate for these Oreo Truffles:  in a double broiler or in the microwave:

  •  Makeshift double broiler:  is my preferred method for silky chocolate every time because the chocolate melts slowly and steadily and is easy to keep your eye on so it’s pretty hard to scorch.  Make a double broiler by placing a heat safe bowl over a pot of shallow simmering water. The water should be high enough so its just surrounding the base of the bowl. Add the chocolate to the bowl and melt, stirring occasionally, until smooth, then immediately remove from heat.  Take care to not let any water get into the chocolate or it will seize.
  • Microwave:  Place the chocolate in a heat safe glass bowl and microwave at 50% power level for 1 minute, stir then continue to heat at 30 second intervals at 50% power level until chocolate is melted.  The first rounds of stirring, it won’t seem like anything is happening but keep on at stirring at 30 seconds.  Towards the end, you might have just a clump or two.  At that point, switch to stirring at 15-second intervals until completely smooth.

Tips for making oreo truffle Recipe

While making Oreo Cookie Balls are easy, there are a few helpful tips, tricks and techniques that will ensure your truffles are a stunning success every time!

tips for forming the oreo balls

  • Use the whole cookie.  I get this question in all of my Oreo crust recipes, so let me clarify that you do not separate the filling from the Oreo – you’ll blitz the whole cookie — the chocolate cookies and the cream center.
  • Pulse the Oreos into fine crumbs.  Make sure you don’t have any large cookie pieces because they won’t let the crumbs compact into a tight ball, which means you’re in danger of a crumbling truffle.   
  • If you don’t have a food processor, crush the Oreos with a rolling pin or side of a can in a resealable plastic bag. 
  • Start with soft cream cheese.  The cream cheese needs to be super soft before you add it to the food processor so it can seamlessly blend with the Oreo crumbs.  To soften cream cheese, I add cubed cream cheese to a microwave safe plate and microwave for 30 seconds then at 15 second intervals until it’s soft enough to poke all the way through with a finger.
  • Mix cream cheese until well combined. The dough should be well moistened and evenly combined.  If it seems dry, then it is probably not mixed well enough, so pulse a few more times.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese together in a stand or handheld mixer on low.
  • Use a cookie scoop.   A one tablespoon cookie scoop will make rolling the Oreo Cookie Balls super quick and easy and give you the most uniform balls with the best shape. 
  • You MUST freeze the Oreo Balls.  If you don’t freeze the balls before dipping, then the chocolate will be too hot and essentially melt the balls upon contact and they’ll fall apart in the chocolate leaving a mess of crumbs. I will often make the Oreo Balls the day before dipping and leave them in the freezer to break up the process and to ensure they are extra firm before dipping.

tips for coating the oreo balls so they don’t crumble

  • Don’t skimp on ingredients. I highly suggest almond bark and shortening.  Use anything else and it can be more difficult to work with and not deliver the desired results.
  • Melt chocolate gently.  As detailed above, don’t rush melting the chocolate or it can burn.   Low and slow is always best to prevent scorching. I highly recommend a makeshift double broiler.
  • Don’t allow any moisture to come in contact with the melted chocolate.  Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.  This includes using wet utensils to stir, or damp hands when dipping the balls, etc.
  • Only remove a handful of Oreo Balls from the freezer at a time to dip.  Complete these Oreo Truffles through adding the crushed cookies and then move on to the next batch.  This way the balls stay as firm as possible before dipping and are less likely to melt. 
  • Don’t leave the Oreo Cream Cheese Balls in the melted chocolate. To ensure the Oreo Truffles don’t melt and leave crumbles behind, only dip the base in the chocolate and immediealty remove them to a fork or knife so they don’t melt.  Once they are balanced on the knife, then spoon the chocolate over them. 
  • Balance the Oreo Cookie Balls on the end of the utensil.  It is easiest to slide the truffle off of the utensil if part of it is hanging off, otherwise, the chocolate base can stick to the utensil.  Occasionally clean the utensil from chocolate so it glides off more easily.   
  • Work quickly for a smooth finish.   The chocolate works best when it is warm and runny before it starts to cool and thicken.
  • Reheat chocolate.  I usually have to return the chocolate to heat once towards the end of dipping the Oreo Balls.   When the chocolate is no longer easily gliding over the truffles, return it to the double broiler or microwave at 5-10 second intervals until super smooth again. 
  • Use a toothpick to slide the Oreo Truffles off the fork/knife.  I have found a toothpick is the least obtrusive and doesn’t mar the chocolate.

tips for decorating the Oreo Truffles

  • Add Oreos immediately.  The chocolate hardens quickly, so if you are not adding a drizzle, make sure to add any extra toppings immediately after dipping.
  • Wait to add drizzle.  If you are adding a chocolate drizzle, let the coating set completely otherwise the drizzle will slide right off.  Once you add the drizzle, then immediealty add the crushed Oreos so they adhere to the chocolate drizzle. 
  • Slightly cool the chocolate drizzle. If you are adding the melted chocolate to a plastic bag to drizzle, then wait for it to cool down a little or it will melt the plastic!
  • Refrigerate until serving. These Oreo Truffles are best if refrigerated until serving otherwise the cream cheese can spoil and the balls won’t hold their shape.
  • Make them a gift!  A small box with a ribbon is all you need to make these a great gift!
up close of Oreo cookie balls with drizzled chocolate and crushed Oreos

Variations for Oreo Truffle Balls Recipe:

The possibilities for this Oreo Truffle recipe are endless!  Here are a few ideas:

  • Peppermint Oreo Truffles:  pulse Oreos into fine crumbs then add the softened cream cheese and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract; pulse until smooth.  Dip in white chocolate and/or chocolate and top with about 3 crushed candy canes.
  • Mix up the chocolate.  Use all chocolate, all white chocolate or half and half.   You can also use other candy melt flavors such as birthday cake, salted caramel, chocolate mint, pumpkin spice, and candy cane wafers just to name a few.
  • Color the chocolate.  Transform the white melted chocolate into any color with just a few drops of food coloring.  Add 4 drops of oil-based food coloring to melted white chocolate and stir until it’s a uniform color.  Do not use water-based food coloring or the chocolate will seize. 
  • Use different types or Oreos.  I use traditional Oreos for this recipe but any Oreo will work as long as it is not thin or double stuffed.  Choose from Peanut Butter, Golden, Birthday Cake at any time and look for seasonal Oreos during the holidays like Peppermint Bark, Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread. 
  • Use different chocolate drizzles.  Mix up the flavor profile by mixing chocolate drizzles – use chocolate on chocolate or chocolate on white chocolate for a cookies and cream flavor, etc.
  • Use different type of sprinkles. There are countless types of sprinkles!  Use festive sprinkles for the holidays, colorful sprinkles for birthdays, blue or pink for baby showers, etc. 
  • More sprinkling ideas.  Try topping the Oreo Truffles with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, colored sanding sugar, candy crumbs (Butterfinger would be delish), etc. You can also dip the coated balls into a bowl of these toppings for more of a coating vs. a sprinkle.

Tips for serving and storing Oreo cookie balls

Should Oreo Cookie Balls be served cold?

Oreo Cookie Balls are best served chilled straight from the refrigerator (how most people prefer them), although they also transport well and can be served at room temperature.  Keep in mind, however, that they will continue to soften and won’t hold their shape as well the longer they sit out.  If you are making a trek with them, I suggest freezing them first and they will thaw on the ride.

Do Oreo Cream Cheese Truffles need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Oreo Truffles need to be refrigerated because they contain cream cheese which can spoil.  According to the FDA, cream cheese should not be left out longer than 2 hours. 

How do I store Oreo Truffles?

To store in the refrigerator, place on a plate or baking sheet in a single layer and cover tightly with plastic wrap or stack in an airtight container with sheets of parchment paper or wax paper in between each row so they don’t stick together.  

How long are Oreo Cooke Balls good for? 

Oreo Truffles will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to two months.  

Can I freeze Oreo Cream Cheese Balls?

Yes! To freeze, line the Oreo Balls on a baking sheet so they are not touching and flash freeze in the freezer for 30 minutes or until they are hard, this will prevent them from sticking together later.  Transfer to a resealable bag and squeeze out excess or to a freezer safe airtight container.  Freezer for up to 2 months.  Thaw in a single layer the in the refrigerator before serving.

a stack of Oreo truffles on a plate showing how shiny they are

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Oreo Truffles

These Oreo Truffles are the ideal no-bake recipe for entertaining, cookie exchanges, gifts, birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers or for the holidays.   I especially love them topped with crushed candy canes for Christmas!  This Oreo Balls recipe couldn’t be any easier to make with the mouthwatering trifecta of Oreos, cream cheese and chocolate.  To make, you’ll just blend the cream cheese & Oreos crumbs together, dip the balls in chocolate and then decorate however you like, for whatever occasion.  The decorated Oreo Cookie Balls can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator so they are perfect to make ahead! 
Servings: 36 balls
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 39 Oreos plus filling (NOT double-stuffed) (one 14.3 oz pkg.)
  • 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, very soft
  • 16 oz. white almond bark or chocolate almond bark or 8 each (may also use vanilla and/or chocolate candy melts)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 6 ounces almond bark, candy melts or baker's chocolate for drizzling (optional) (chocolate, white chocolate or half and half)

See notes for peppermint variation

    Instructions

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone mat; set aside.
    • Pulse Oreos in a food processor into fine crumbs. Reserve 2 tablespoons crumbs for topping.
    • Add softened cream cheese and pulse until well combined into a sticky dough.
    • Use a 1 TBS cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop mixture and roll into balls. Place balls on prepared baking sheet so they aren’t touching
    • Freeze Oreo balls for at least 30 minutes or until ready to dip. Meanwhile, line a second baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat.
    • Melt almond bark or candy melts according to package directions until smooth. Whisk in the shortening until smooth. Note, I usually have to reheat the chocolate towards the end of dipping because it starts to thicken up (I use a double broiler), but you can also microwave for 5-10 seconds.
    • Remove only a few truffles from the freezer at a time so they stay firm, otherwise, they will soften and melt in the chocolate. Dip the bottom of one ball in the chocolate then balance it on the end of a butter knife or fork and use a spoon to pour some chocolate over the top until fully covered. Let the excess chocolate run off then use a toothpick to gently slide the truffle onto the parchment paper.
    • If not drizzling with chocolate: immediately sprinkle the top with crushed Oreos, crushed candy canes, etc. because the chocolate sets very quickly. If you want to drizzle the tops with contrasting chocolate, then let the chocolate set first, then drizzle, then add the Oreos.
    • To drizzle: once the truffles are set (about 10 minutes), melt the chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl or melt according to package directions. You can either dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the Oreo balls or let the chocolate cool slightly, then transfer it to a plastic bag, snip the corner, and drizzle over the truffles.
    • Place the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. If not serving immediealty, cover the truffles once set or store in a tightly sealed container with parchment paper in between any rows for up to 2 weeks.

    Video

    Notes

    *See post for detailed tips and tricks

    recipe Variations

    The possibilities for this Oreo Truffle recipe are endless!  Here are a few ideas:

    • Peppermint Oreo Truffles:  pulse Oreos into fine crumbs then add the softened cream cheese and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract; pulse until smooth.  Dip in white chocolate and/or chocolate and top with about 3 crushed candy canes.
    • Mix up the chocolate.  Use all chocolate, all white chocolate or half and half.   You can also use other candy melt flavors such as birthday cake, salted caramel, chocolate mint, pumpkin spice, and candy cane wafers just to name a few.
    • Color the chocolate.  Transform the white melted chocolate into any color with just a few drops of food coloring.  Add 4 drops of oil-based food coloring to melted white chocolate and stir until it’s a uniform color.  Do not use water-based food coloring or the chocolate will seize. 
    • Use different types or Oreos.  I use traditional Oreos for this recipe but any Oreo will work as long as it is not thin or double stuffed.  Choose from Peanut Butter, Golden, Birthday Cake at any time and look for seasonal Oreos during the holidays like Peppermint Bark, Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread. 
    • Use different chocolate drizzles.  Mix up the flavor profile by mixing chocolate drizzles – use chocolate on chocolate or chocolate on white chocolate for a cookies and cream flavor, etc.
    • Use different type of sprinkles. There are countless types of sprinkles!  Use festive sprinkles for the holidays, colorful sprinkles for birthdays, blue or pink for baby showers, etc. 
    • More sprinkling ideas.  Try topping the Oreo Truffles with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, colored sanding sugar, candy crumbs (Butterfinger would be delish), etc. You can also dip the coated balls into a bowl of these toppings for more of a coating vs. a sprinkle.

    how to serve and store 

    • To serve:  Oreo Cookie Balls are best served chilled straight from the refrigerator (how most people prefer them), although they also transport well and can be served at room temperature.  Keep in mind, however, that they will continue to soften and won’t hold their shape as well the longer they sit out.  If you are making a trek with them, I suggest freezing them first and they will thaw on the ride.
    • To store:  Store in the refrigerator in a single layer covered tightly with plastic wrap or stack in an airtight container with sheets of parchment paper or wax paper in between each row so they don’t stick together.  Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
    • To freeze: line the Oreo Balls on a baking sheet so they are not touching and flash freeze in the freezer for 30 minutes or until they are hard, this will prevent them from sticking together later.  Transfer to a resealable bag and squeeze out excess or to a freezer safe airtight container.  Freezer for up to 2 months.  Thaw in a single layer the in the refrigerator before serving.

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    2 Comments

    1. Sheila says

      I had trouble making these with another recipe but yours made them to perfection!! The overnight chilling and that little bit of shortening in the chocolate REALLY makes a difference!! Thank you! I’ve shared this recipe 3 times with family already who couldn’t get enough!

      • Jen says

        I’m so glad this recipe worked so well for you! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate you!