These Pumpkin Oreo Balls are the perfect festive treat for Halloween or Thanksgiving. They’re cute, delicious, and super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, who doesn’t love Oreo cookies dipped in candy melts?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: No baking required — just mix, shape, dip, and decorate!
- Fun and festive: These Oreo balls look like little pumpkins, making them perfect for fall celebrations.
- Kid-friendly: Let the kids help with shaping the pumpkins or decorating with pretzels and leaf icing.
Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies: Any flavor will work, but classic Oreos give the best result.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This helps bind the Oreo crumbs together and adds a creamy texture.
- 12 oz orange candy melts: For dipping and giving the balls their pumpkin-like color.
Variations
- Flavor swap: Try using different Oreo flavors like Golden Oreos, Peanut Butter, or Pumpkin Spice Oreos for a fun twist.
- Chocolate drizzle: Add a chocolate drizzle on top for an extra decorative touch.
- Different colors: If you can’t find orange candy melts, try using white chocolate and adding orange food coloring.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Prepare the Oreo Mixture:
Start by pulsing the 36 Oreo cookies in a food processor until finely crumbled. Add the 8 oz softened cream cheese and mix until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
2. Shape the Oreo Balls:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
3. Score the Pumpkin Lines:
Take the chilled Oreo balls out of the fridge. Using a toothpick, gently score lines into each ball to create a pumpkin-like appearance. Place them back in the fridge for another 10 minutes.
4. Melt the Candy Melts:
While the Oreo balls are chilling, melt the 12 oz orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, according to package directions. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
5. Dip the Oreo Balls:
Remove the Oreo balls from the fridge and dip each one into the melted candy melts, shaking off any excess. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Decorate:
While the candy coating is still wet, stick a small pretzel stick on top of each ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Add a leaf icing decoration if desired.
7. Refrigerate:
Place the decorated Oreo balls back in the fridge until the coating is set and ready to serve.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Keep your hands cool: If the mixture starts to get sticky while rolling the balls, run your hands under cold water and dry them before continuing.
- Work in batches: If the candy melts start to harden, reheat them in the microwave in 15-second intervals.
- Use a fork for dipping: A fork works great for dipping the Oreo balls into the melted candy coating and shaking off the excess.
How to Serve
Serve these Pumpkin Oreo Balls chilled at your next Halloween party, Thanksgiving gathering, or any fall-themed event. They’re a crowd-pleaser and disappear fast!
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: You can prepare the Oreo balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- To Freeze: Freeze the undecorated Oreo balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just dip and decorate them before serving.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but you’ll want to add some orange food coloring if you want them to look like pumpkins.
What can I use instead of a pretzel stick for the pumpkin stem?
You could use green M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even a small piece of Tootsie Roll.
Do I have to chill the Oreo balls before dipping them?
Yes, chilling helps them hold their shape during the dipping process.
Conclusion
There you have it — adorable Pumpkin Oreo Balls that are as fun to make as they are to eat! Perfect for any fall occasion, these little bites of Oreo goodness will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!
