Introduction to Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Peppermint Oreo Truffles are a simple holiday treat made with crushed OREO COOKIES, softened CREAM CHEESE, and crunchy PEPPERMINT CANDY. The mixture comes together in one bowl, then chills until firm enough to shape into bite-size balls.
These truffles are part of Sweet Treats for a Happier Holiday Season, a collection of approachable recipes for sharing, gifting, and keeping on hand when a sweet bite is welcome. You do not need an oven or special candy-making equipment, but you do need enough chilling time for the mixture to set properly.
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- The recipe uses only three ingredients, so the shopping list is short and easy to remember.
- There is no baking, melting, or stovetop work involved, which keeps the process simple during a busy season.
- The soft cookie-and-cream-cheese center has a crisp peppermint coating that gives each truffle a festive finish.
- You can make the truffles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
- The small portions are easy to arrange on a dessert plate, pack in a tin, or include on a holiday sweets tray.
Ingredients for Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- OREO COOKIES
- CREAM CHEESE
- PEPPERMINT CANDY
Use regular OREO COOKIES rather than a variety with a different filling, since the standard filling gives the mixture its expected texture. Let the CREAM CHEESE soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it blends smoothly. Crush the PEPPERMINT CANDY into small pieces, stopping before it becomes a fine powder so the coating keeps some crunch.
How to Make Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Step 1: Prepare the Peppermint Candy
Place the PEPPERMINT CANDY in a sturdy resealable bag, press out excess air, and seal it. Wrap the bag in a clean kitchen towel, then gently crush the candy with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy measuring cup. Transfer the crushed candy to a shallow bowl. Aim for small pieces with a little fine candy mixed in, rather than large shards that will not stick well.
Step 2: Crush the Cookies
Add the OREO COOKIES, including their filling, to a food processor. Pulse until the cookies become fine, even crumbs with no large pieces remaining. If you do not have a food processor, place the cookies in a sturdy resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add the softened CREAM CHEESE to the cookie crumbs. Stir with a sturdy spatula or mix with an electric hand mixer on low speed until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture forms a thick, cohesive dough. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed so no dry crumbs remain.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes. Chilling makes the dough less sticky and easier to portion. If your kitchen is warm or the mixture still feels soft after 30 minutes, continue chilling it until it holds its shape when pressed together.
Step 5: Shape the Truffles
Line a rimmed baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture for each truffle, then roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between them. This recipe makes about 24 truffles, depending on the size of each one.
Step 6: Coat and Chill
Roll each truffle in the crushed PEPPERMINT CANDY, pressing gently so the pieces adhere to the surface. Return the coated truffles to the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Keep them refrigerated in a covered container until serving, and do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is above 90°F.
Tips for Success
- Use softened CREAM CHEESE, but do not warm it in a way that makes it runny. A soft, cool block blends more evenly than a cold one.
- Pulse the OREO COOKIES in short bursts so the crumbs stay even and do not overheat in the food processor.
- If the dough sticks to your hands, chill it for another 15 minutes instead of adding extra ingredients. Extra crumbs can make the truffles dry.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby and lightly dampen your fingertips if shaping becomes difficult. Dry your hands between truffles so the candy coating stays crisp.
- For clean storage, place parchment between layers in an airtight container. Refrigerate the truffles at 40°F or below and use them within 5 days.
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or sturdy resealable bag and rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl and sturdy spatula
- Rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper, and shallow bowl
Variations
- For a finer coating, crush part of the PEPPERMINT CANDY into a powder and combine it with the small pieces before rolling the truffles.
- Make smaller one-bite truffles for a cookie platter, and begin checking the yield after portioning about 2 teaspoons of mixture per piece.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling if you want a stronger mint flavor, keeping in mind that this adds an ingredient beyond the required three.
- For a softer candy finish, use finely crushed peppermint pieces. Larger pieces provide more crunch but may fall off during handling.
- Shape the mixture into a log, chill it until firm, and slice it into small rounds if you prefer a quick, less formal presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the truffles cold or let them stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the center softens slightly. Arrange them in mini paper liners on a dessert plate or holiday tray. Because the filling contains cream cheese, return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly and keep them covered. They are also easy to pack in a chilled container for a cookie exchange or short-distance gift.
FAQs about Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Can I make Peppermint Oreo Truffles ahead of time? Yes. Make them up to 5 days ahead, store them in a covered container, and keep them refrigerated at 40°F or below. Add parchment between layers to protect the candy coating.
Why is my truffle mixture too sticky? The CREAM CHEESE may be too warm, or the mixture may need more chilling time. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for another 15 to 30 minutes, then shape the truffles with lightly dampened hands.
Can I use a different flavor of OREO COOKIES? You can use another variety, but the filling and cookie texture may change the consistency. For the most predictable result, use regular OREO COOKIES and keep the amount equivalent to 36 cookies.
How should I crush the PEPPERMINT CANDY? Place the candy in a sealed, sturdy bag and cover it with a towel before crushing. This keeps small pieces from scattering and protects your work surface. Avoid crushing it into large, sharp shards.
Can Peppermint Oreo Truffles be frozen? Yes, freeze the shaped and coated truffles in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer container for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving, and expect the candy coating to soften slightly.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Oreo Truffles are a practical choice when you want a holiday sweet without turning on the oven. The cookie mixture is easy to shape, the peppermint coating adds a seasonal touch, and the finished truffles can be made ahead for sharing. Keep them cold, portion them evenly, and you will have a tidy treat ready for the dessert table.
Looking for more? This recipe is part of our roundup of 5 Sweet Treats for a Happier Holiday Season to Share.
Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crush the OREO COOKIES into fine crumbs, mix them with softened CREAM CHEESE, and chill the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into about 24 balls, roll each in crushed PEPPERMINT CANDY, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Keep the truffles refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Store them in a covered container with parchment between layers.
- Use within 5 days for the best texture and candy crunch.
