No-Bake Oreo Christmas Balls Are Your Holiday Lifesaver

Well, honey, I’ve been there—it’s December 23rd, the house is a whirlwind of wrapping paper and glitter, and you suddenly remember you promised to bring a dessert to the party tomorrow. Who has the time or energy to fire up the oven? That’s where these No-Bake Oreo Christmas Balls swoop in to save the day. They’re so ridiculously simple, irresistibly delicious, and look like you spent hours crafting them. Seriously, what’s not to love about a dessert that requires zero baking and tastes like a little piece of holiday magic?

Top Reasons To Make It

Let me count the ways! First, the no-bake part is a total game-changer for busy weeks. You don’t have to heat up the kitchen or worry about over-baking anything. Second, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met a soul, young or old, who can resist that chocolatey, creamy goodness. And third, they are just plain fun to make. It’s a fantastic recipe to get the kids involved with—rolling these into balls is a perfect little kitchen task for little hands. A total win.

Ingredients

1 (14.3 oz) package Oreo cookies – The classic chocolate sandwich cookie base.
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened – This binds everything together for that perfect creamy, rollable texture.
16 oz vanilla-flavored candy coating (aka almond bark) – For that smooth, sweet, festive shell.
1 tsp coconut oil or shortening – Helps thin the candy coating for a smoother dip.
Festive sprinkles – For that instant holiday cheer and crunch.

Instructions

Place the whole Oreo cookies (creme filling and all!) into a food processor. Pulse until you have fine, even crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, you can pop them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin—very therapeutic after a long day!
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This should only take about 30 seconds.
Add the Oreo crumbs to the cream cheese and mix on low speed until a thick, uniform dough forms. It will look and feel like a dark, fudgy play-dough.
Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This firming-up step is crucial—it makes rolling the balls so much easier and less sticky.
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, one-inch ball. Place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. You should get about 30-36 balls.
Place the tray of rolled balls back in the fridge for another 15 minutes to firm up again while you melt the coating.
In a microwave-safe bowl, break the candy coating into chunks. Add the coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted coating, letting the excess drip off. Place it back on the parchment paper and immediately top with holiday sprinkles before the coating sets. Repeat with all balls.
Let the coating set completely at room temperature, which takes about an hour. You can pop them back in the fridge to speed things up if you’re in a hurry!

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a peppermint twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you need a dairy-free version, use your favorite vegan cream cheese and dark chocolate coating. You can also roll the plain, un-dipped balls in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simpler, yet still delicious, treat. And honestly, if you’re not a vanilla coating fan, melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips instead—it’ll be just as fabulous.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Arrange these little gems on a festive platter as the star of your dessert table. They pair perfectly with a spread of other simple Christmas desserts like fudge or fruit salad, offering a rich chocolate option. For a coffee break, serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee—the bitterness of the brew cuts through the sweetness beautifully. They also make a fantastic addition to a cookie swap or as a sweet edible gift packaged in a cute holiday tin.

Storage & Reheating

Store your No-Bake Oreo Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and perfect for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat them—they are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.

Holiday Baking Tips

Here are a few pointers to ensure your holiday treats turn out perfect every time. First, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature—it mixes so much easier and prevents lumpy bits. If your coating gets too thick while dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for 15 seconds. To keep your hands clean while rolling, I like to lightly spray them with cooking spray. And my best tip? Double the batch. They disappear fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cookie? Absolutely! Any creme-filled chocolate cookie will work. I’ve used generic store brands with great success.
My coating is cracking after it sets. What happened? This usually means the chilled balls were too cold when dipped, causing the warm coating to contract too quickly as it hit the cold surface. Let them sit out for 5-10 minutes before dipping next time.
Are these a good make-ahead Christmas dessert? They are one of the best make-ahead Christmas desserts! Their flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge, making them a fantastic stress-free option for your Christmas party desserts.
Can I decorate these with something besides sprinkles? Of course! Drizzle them with melted white chocolate, or a little crushed candy cane for a pop of color and texture.