*Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and peppermint during the holiday season? These Peppermint Oreo Balls are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with their delicious flavor and adorable appearance.*
**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of Oreo cookies
– 1 block of cream cheese
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– 12 oz white chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the cream cheese and peppermint extract.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze the balls for 30 minutes.
5. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
6. Dip each Oreo ball into the white chocolate, coating it evenly.
7. Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
8. Chill the Oreo balls in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Cholesterol: 7mg
– Sodium: 88mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 13g
– Dietary Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 9g
– Protein: 2g
*Try out this easy and festive Peppermint Oreo Balls recipe for your next holiday gathering! Your friends and family will be begging for more.*
**Popular Questions:**
1. What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
– You can use peppermint oil or finely crushed peppermint candies as a substitute.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for coating?
– Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer for coating the Oreo balls.
3. How long do these Oreo balls last in the fridge?
– They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
4. Can I freeze these Oreo balls for longer storage?
– Yes, you can freeze the Oreo balls for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I make these Oreo balls without a food processor?
– Yes, you can crush the Oreo cookies in a resealable bag using a rolling pin.
6. How can I make these Oreo balls gluten-free?
– Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreo cookies.
7. Can I add other mix-ins to the Oreo mixture?
– You can add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.
8. Is it necessary to chill the Oreo balls before dipping them in chocolate?
– Chilling the balls helps them hold their shape better while being coated in chocolate.
9. Can I use mint chocolate instead of peppermint extract?
– Mint chocolate can be used for a slightly different flavor profile in the Oreo balls.
10. Can I drizzle melted chocolate on top instead of coating the balls?
– Yes, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top for a different presentation.
**Helpful Tips:**
1. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the white chocolate for a festive touch.
2. Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top for extra crunch.
3. Use a fork to dip the Oreo balls in chocolate for a smoother coating.
4. Decorate with edible silver or gold sprinkles for a glamorous look.
5. Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavors.
6. Serve the Oreo balls on a bed of crushed candy canes for a stunning presentation.
7. Dust the finished Oreo balls with cocoa powder for a rich finish.
8. Add a pinch of salt to the Oreo mixture to enhance the sweetness.
9. Use dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent flavor.
10. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished Oreo balls for a decorative touch.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Allow the Oreo mixture to chill in the freezer for a longer time for easier rolling.
2. Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Avoid warming the cream cheese too much as it can make the mixture too soft.
4. Work quickly when dipping the Oreo balls in chocolate to prevent the chocolate from hardening.
5. Use a toothpick to help handle the Oreo balls while dipping them in chocolate.
6. Let the crushed candy canes set on the chocolate-coated balls before chilling.
7. Store the Oreo balls in a single layer in the fridge to prevent sticking.
8. Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts for variety.
9. Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preferences.
10. Have fun with different shapes and sizes for a playful twist on the classic recipe.