Hey there snackies! If you are like me, then you are always looking for a ridiculously simple, yet ridiculously impressive dessert. As you may have guessed, the good news is that your search is over today! I’m referring to Ghost Oreo Balls and they are really easy to do and almost cheats!
They’re a sure crowd pleaser, ideal for Halloween parties, a movie night or simply when you need a treat that’s easy to put together. Crushed Oreos, creamy cheese and a smooth white chocolate finish – what’s not to love? Prepare to create some extremely cute and yummy creations!
Ghost Oreo Balls
Ingredients
-
-
- 1 (14.3 ounce) package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
-
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
- 16 ounces white melting wafers or white chocolate chips
-
- 48 mini chocolate chips (for ghost eyes)
-
Necessary Utensils & Equipment
-
-
-
- Food Processor (or Ziploc bag and rolling pin)
-
- Rubber Spatula
-
- Baking Sheet
-
- Parchment Paper
-
- Microwave-safe Bowl (or Double Boiler)
-
- Fork or Dipping Tools
-
-
Instructions
-
-
-
- Prep the Oreos: Place the entire package of Oreo cookies (including the cream filling!) into a food processor. Pulse until the cookies are finely crushed into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put them in a large Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
-
- Make the Dough: Add the softened cream cheese to the Oreo crumbs in the food processor (or a large mixing bowl). Blend or mix until everything is thoroughly combined and forms a thick, uniform “dough.” It should hold together easily when pressed.
-
- Roll the Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions of the Oreo mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth, round balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 24 balls.
-
- Chill: Pop the baking sheet with the Oreo balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them much easier to dip in chocolate later. Don’t skip this step!
-
- Melt the Chocolate: While the balls are chilling, melt your white melting wafers or white chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth, or use a double boiler on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat it, or it might seize.
-
- Dip the Balls: Take a chilled Oreo ball and carefully dip it into the melted white chocolate. You can use a fork or dipping tool. Gently tap off any excess chocolate. You want a smooth, even coating all around.
-
- Create the Ghosts: Immediately place the dipped ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, gently press two mini chocolate chips onto the top half of the ball to create the “eyes” of your ghost.
-
- Set: Once all your ghost Oreo balls are dipped and decorated, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the white chocolate coating is completely firm.
-
- Serve and Enjoy! Once firm, these spooky-sweet treats are ready to be devoured.
-
-
Expert Tips for Success with Your Ghost Oreo Balls
Making these is a breeze, but a few pointers can make them truly shine. Let’s make sure your Oreo ghosts are the best they can be!
Softening Cream Cheese is Key
On the first attempt making Oreo balls, I was a little rushed or impatient and used cold cream cheese. Big mistake! It wasn’t a smooth salad, it was a hard, clumpy salad. Believe me, give the cream cheese 30 minutes to soften if it is cold before you begin. It helps to smooth the mixing, and guarantees consistent Oreo dough. The texture-changing effect is just fabulous.
Chocolate Dipping Wisdom
Dipping can be a little tricky, but practice makes perfect! Here are a few things I’ve learned.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest white chocolate coating, add about a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to your melting wafers before heating. This helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to get a beautiful, even finish and helps prevent it from seizing.
Also, work with a few balls at a time. If your white chocolate starts to get too thick as you work, gently reheat it for 15-20 seconds in the microwave, stirring well.
Variations to Try
While these ghost Oreo balls are amazing as is, you’ve got options if you want to mix things up:
- Sprinkle Fun: Before the white chocolate sets, add some Halloween sprinkles for extra flair. Orange and black sprinkles look fantastic!
- Flavor Burst: Add a tiny splash of peppermint extract or a little orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a different taste.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Once the white chocolate is set, melt a little dark chocolate and drizzle it over the ghosts for a contrasting look and flavor.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: You can use vegan Oreo cookies, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan white chocolate alternatives to make these suitable for more dietary needs.
Storing Your Spooky Treats
These little ghosts keep really well, which is great because they’re perfect for making ahead of time. Store your Ghost Oreo Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you need them to last longer, you can actually freeze them for up to 1 month! Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Honestly, the crunch of the Oreo and the smooth, cool cream cheese filling, all covered in that sweet white chocolate, is such a delightful bite. I bet you can already taste them, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ghost Oreo Balls without a food processor?
Absolutely! While a food processor makes it super fast, you can definitely make these without one. Just place the Oreo cookies in a large, sturdy Ziploc bag, squeeze out the air, and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. For mixing with cream cheese, use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer.
What kind of white chocolate should I use for dipping?
For the best results, use white melting wafers or good quality white chocolate chips. These are formulated to melt smoothly and set firmly, giving you that beautiful, glossy coating. Regular white chocolate bars can work but might be a bit thicker or harder to work with.
My chocolate is seizing! What went wrong?
“Seizing” happens when a tiny amount of water gets into your melted chocolate, or if it overheats. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts (30 seconds) and stir well between each. If it seizes, sometimes adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously can save it, but sometimes it’s too far gone.
Can I use different cookie flavors for this recipe?
You sure can! While classic Oreos are what give it that true “Oreo ball” flavor, you could try golden Oreos, mint Oreos, or even peanut butter Oreos for different variations. Just be aware that the ghost look works best with the dark Oreo crumb showing through the white chocolate.
How far in advance can I make Ghost Oreo Balls?
These are a fantastic make-ahead treat! You can prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste just as fresh, if not better, after a day or two in the fridge.
***
