Reese’s Oreo Balls: No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Treat
Reese’s Oreo Balls start with the rich, chocolatey crunch of Oreos, then get a creamy, peanut buttery boost from cream cheese and chopped peanut butter cups, all enrobed in smooth chocolate. These are the ultimate mashup of two beloved treats. I love making these for holidays, but honestly, any day feels like a special occasion when these are around. The combination of textures and flavors is just spot-on, with the familiar crumble of Oreos meeting the satisfying melt of chocolate and the unmistakable sweetness of peanut butter. They’re surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for a quick dessert fix, a party treat, or just because you deserve something undeniably delicious. The secret is in the balance – not too sweet, not too rich, just perfectly satisfying with every bite. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear from the dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Oreos (14.3 oz). I find the peanut butter Oreos add an extra layer of peanut butter goodness, but regular chocolate Oreos work perfectly too.
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened so it blends smoothly into the cookie crumbs without any lumps.
- Peanut butter cups (one for each Oreo ball). You’ll be chopping these up, so make sure you have enough.
- Chocolate Candiquik or Almond Bark. This is what we’ll use for the coating. It melts easily and sets up nicely, giving you that glossy finish.
- Toppings: chopped Reese’s Pieces and/or peanut butter candy melts. These add visual appeal and another pop of flavor.
Making the Oreo Ball Mixture
The base of these delightful treats is a simple yet effective combination of crushed Oreos and cream cheese. First, you’ll want to get your Oreos into fine crumbs. The easiest way to do this is to place the whole cookies into a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine sand. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put them in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, though it might take a bit more effort to get them as fine. You’ll need about 2 cups of finely crushed Oreo crumbs. In a large bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the softened cream cheese. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix them thoroughly. The mixture should be moist and crumbly but hold together when squeezed. If it seems too dry, add another tablespoon of softened cream cheese. If it’s too wet, you can add a few more crushed Oreos, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Reese’s Oreo Balls
These Reese’s Oreo Balls are the ultimate mashup of two beloved treats. They start with the rich, chocolatey crunch of Oreos, then get a creamy, peanut buttery boost from cream cheese and chopped peanut butter cups, all enrobed in smooth chocolate. They’re surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for a quick dessert fix, a party treat, or just because you deserve something undeniably delicious. I love making these for holidays, but honestly, any day feels like a special occasion when these are around. The combination of textures and flavors is just spot-on.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Oreos (14.3 oz). I find the peanut butter Oreos add an extra layer of peanut butter goodness, but regular chocolate Oreos work perfectly too.
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened. It’s important that the cream cheese is fully softened so it blends smoothly into the cookie crumbs without any lumps.
- Peanut butter cups (one for each Oreo ball). You’ll be chopping these up, so make sure you have enough.
- Chocolate Candiquik or Almond Bark. This is what we’ll use for the coating. It melts easily and sets up nicely, giving you that glossy finish.
- Toppings: chopped Reese’s Pieces and/or peanut butter candy melts. These add visual appeal and another pop of flavor.
Making the Oreo Ball Mixture
The base of these delightful treats is a simple yet effective combination of crushed Oreos and cream cheese. First, you’ll want to get your Oreos into fine crumbs. The easiest way to do this is to put the whole cookies into a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine sand. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the Oreos in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just be sure to get them as fine as possible; any large chunks will affect the texture of the finished balls. You’ll need about 2 cups of finely crushed Oreo crumbs.
Once your Oreos are crushed, you’ll combine them with the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. It’s really important that the cream cheese is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate into the crumbs and you’ll end up with a lumpy mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when squeezed.
Now for the Reese’s Pieces! Take your peanut butter cups and chop them up into small pieces. You want them small enough so that each bite of your Oreo ball gets a little bit of peanut butter cup goodness. Stir these chopped peanut butter cup pieces into the Oreo and cream cheese mixture. Again, mix until everything is evenly distributed. The goal is to have a cohesive dough that you can easily roll into balls.
Forming and Chilling the Balls
With your delicious mixture ready, it’s time to form the balls. I find it easiest to use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a firm ball, about 1 inch in diameter. It helps to slightly dampen your hands with water if the mixture feels a bit sticky. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
Once all the balls are formed, it’s time for a crucial step: chilling. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step is essential. It firms up the balls so they hold their shape perfectly when you dip them in chocolate. If you try to dip them without chilling, they’ll likely fall apart and make a mess. Don’t skip this!
Melting and Dipping
While the Oreo balls are chilling, you can prepare your chocolate coating. Melt the Chocolate Candiquik or almond bark according to the package instructions. This usually involves microwaving in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to seize up. A double boiler is another reliable method if you prefer.
Once the chocolate is melted and the Oreo balls are nicely chilled and firm, it’s dipping time. Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing the coated ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Decorating and Setting
This is where you can really have some fun and make these Reese’s Oreo Balls your own. While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle them with your toppings. I love using chopped Reese’s Pieces for a pop of color and extra peanut butter flavor, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter candy melts for an added flair. You can get creative with your designs. Some people like to drizzle extra chocolate on top or even add a tiny whole Reese’s miniature cup.
After decorating, let the dipped Oreo balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set. This can take a couple of hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the baking sheet back into the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Just watch them to make sure they don’t get too cold and develop condensation. Once they’re firm and the chocolate is dry to the touch, they’re ready to be enjoyed or stored.
Storage and Serving
These Reese’s Oreo Balls are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might want to store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture. They make an excellent addition to any dessert platter, cookie exchange, or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Enjoy every bite of this incredible chocolate and peanut butter creation!
Conclusion:
These Reese’s Oreo Balls are a fantastic, no-bake treat that brings together the best of two worlds. They’re simple enough for a weeknight craving but impressive enough for any gathering. The rich chocolate, crunchy cookie, and creamy peanut butter combination is always a winner. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – sprinkles, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a tiny piece of a peanut butter cup on top can make them even more special. They store well, so you can make them ahead for parties or holidays, making your event planning a little less stressful. Give these Reese’s Oreo Balls a try; I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without peanut butter cups inside?
Yes, you can absolutely make them without the chopped peanut butter cups inside the mixture. They will still be delicious with just the Oreo and cream cheese base. If you omit them from the inside, you could add some extra chopped peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces to the topping for added peanut butter flavor.
How should I store Reese’s Oreo Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Because they are made with cream cheese, it’s important to keep them chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving if they’ve been refrigerated, so the chocolate coating isn’t too hard.
Can I use different kinds of cookies?
While Oreos are key to the name and texture, you could experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies. Just ensure they are finely crushed. Other chocolate cookies might result in a slightly different flavor profile or texture, but it could still be a tasty variation.
Reese’s Oreo Balls
A delightful no-bake treat combining the classic flavors of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Oreos, perfect for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
-
1 package Oreos (14.3 oz, peanut butter Oreos recommended)
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
Peanut butter cups (one for each Oreo ball)
-
Chocolate candy melts or almond bark
-
Chopped Reese’s Pieces
-
Peanut butter candy melts (optional topping)
Instructions
-
Step 1
Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. -
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined and a dough-like consistency forms. -
Step 3
Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place one peanut butter cup in the center and carefully wrap the Oreo mixture around it, forming a ball. Repeat with remaining ingredients. -
Step 4
Chill the Oreo balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. -
Step 5
Melt the chocolate candy melts or almond bark according to package directions. Dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off. -
Step 6
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with chopped Reese’s Pieces and/or drizzles of peanut butter candy melts, if desired. -
Step 7
Place the coated Oreo balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
