TheChic_OREO-peppermint-truffle-balls

All year I look forward to the holidays when it is suitable to load up on peppermint, chocolates, and sweets.  This is an ode to one of my favorite winter treats – peppermint bark.

Peppermint bark is a layered dessert that consists of dark chocolate, white chocolate and a heavy sprinkling of crushed candy canes.  It sounds delicious, huh?  This year, I’ve taken that dessert a step further and added Oreos to the mix.  Not just any Oreos, but one of their limited edition seasonal specials- Candy Cane Oreos!

TheChic_OREO-truffles-peppermint-bark

These Oreo peppermint bark cookie balls are a beautiful and delicious treat.  They look similar to chocolate truffles, but taste better!  No need to make a ganache or temper any chocolate.  These cookie balls only require Oreos and cream cheese.  (You can use any Oreos, even the double-stuffed ones!) Plus, they allow to you show off your creativity.  While I wanted mine to look like peppermint bark, you can decorate them any which way you’d like.

And these make amazing holiday gifts!  By using mini cupcake liners, these Oreo cookie balls look like those fancy truffles and caramels you’d get at a chocolate shop.  All you need to do is box them up and wrap a little pretty bow on top.  If you’d like additional food gift ideas, be sure to check out Rachel’s best homemade gifts.

TheChic_OREO-cookie-ball-ingredients

These sweet, creamy, and luscious treats are sure to become a holiday family favorite.  This one bite dessert is packed with enough holiday flavor to get you into the spirit!

OREO Peppermint Bark Cookies Balls, makes 45 truffles

Ingredients

36 Candy Cane OREOS, ground or crushed, about 3 cups

8 oz cream cheese, softened

12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted

4 oz white chocolate candy coating, melted

1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Either grind Oreo cookies in a food processor or crush Oreos in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin to break up cookies.

TheChic_OREO-cookie-balls-shaping

2.  Mix together ground Oreos and cream cheese until smooth.  Using a small cookie scoop, portion out 1-inch balls.  Place cookie balls on a parchment (or wax paper) lined sheet tray.  Freeze for 10-15 minutes until balls are firm.

3.  Meanwhile, melt chocolate over a double boiler.  Alternatively, melt chocolate in the microwave at half power in 30 second intervals.  Melt white chocolate according to package instructions.  Transfer melted white chocolate in a small piping bag.

TheChic_OREO-cookie-ball-dipping-station

4. Using a fork, dip chilled Oreo ball into melted chocolate.  Allow any excess chocolate to run off and drain back into the chocolate bowl.  Place chocolate coated Oreo balls on parchment (or wax paper) lined sheet tray.  Drizzle white chocolate over Oreo ball.  Garnish with crushed candy canes.

note: If the chocolate starts to thicken and get cold, microwave at 10-15 seconds intervals at half power until warm and liquid.

5.Place Oreo balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the chocolate to set up.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.  Keep in freezer for longer storage.

TheChic_Oreo-candy-cane-cookie-balls

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by OREO.  Recipe adapted from OREO cookie ball.  All opinions are my own.