If you’re looking for a fun, sweet treat that scores big with both kids and adults, OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs are the way to go. These little dessert bites are playful, delicious, and ridiculously easy to make. Picture this: crunchy OREO crumbs mixed with creamy filling, rolled into perfect spheres, and decorated to look like tiny basketballs ready to dunk in chocolate. Whether you’re prepping for a game night, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookie balls bring a touch of whimsy and a lot of flavor to the table. Plus, you don’t need a fancy kitchen—just some basic ingredients, a little creativity, and maybe a hint of chocolatey obsession.
Why OREO Cookie Balls Are a Game-Changer
OREO cookie balls are more than just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter. Their texture is perfectly balanced: soft, creamy centers wrapped in chocolatey coating with a hint of crunch. Turning them into basketballs makes them visually appealing and perfect for themed events. These treats combine nostalgia with creativity, letting you enjoy the classic OREO taste in a fresh, fun way. You can decorate them with melted chocolate or icing to mimic basketball lines, making them look almost too good to eat.
Ingredients Overview and Variations
The base is simple: crushed OREO cookies and cream cheese. From there, you can get creative with coatings like milk, white, or dark chocolate. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored icing to match your favorite team’s colors. For a healthier twist, try sugar-free or gluten-free cookies. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with flavors while keeping the preparation quick and easy. OREO cookie balls are a crowd-pleaser and a perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Preparation
Ingredients for OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs
Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly list of ingredients to make these fun, basketball-shaped treats.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OREO cookies | 36 cookies | Regular or golden, crushed |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened, room temperature |
| Semi-sweet chocolate | 12 oz | For coating |
| Orange candy melts | 2 oz | Optional, for basketball lines |
| White chocolate | 1 oz | Optional, for decoration |
| Sprinkles or edible glitter | As needed | Optional, for extra flair |
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Place the OREO cookies in a food processor or seal them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Mix the crumbs with softened cream cheese in a bowl until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Step 3: Coat and Decorate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Dip each cookie ball into the chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place them back on parchment. If you want basketball lines, melt orange candy melts and use a piping bag to create the design. Let them set completely before serving.
Cooking Tips, Storage, and Serving Suggestions
Tips for Perfect OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs
For perfectly round cookie balls, use slightly chilled hands when rolling. This prevents the mixture from sticking too much. When dipping in chocolate, use a fork or toothpick to coat evenly and let excess drip off. Work in small batches so the chocolate doesn’t harden too quickly. For smooth basketball lines, melt candy melts carefully and practice piping on parchment first. These small tips ensure your OREO cookie balls look professional and taste amazing every time.
How to Store OREO Cookie Balls
Once coated and decorated, store the cookie balls in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for up to a month. When freezing, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. To enjoy, allow frozen cookie balls to thaw in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes. Proper storage preserves flavor, texture, and the vibrant basketball design.
Serving Suggestions
Serve OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs on a festive platter for game nights, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings. Pair them with milk, hot cocoa, or fruit for a balanced treat. For extra fun, create a basketball-themed dessert table with mini hoops or edible court markings. Kids love them for snacks, while adults enjoy them as a nostalgic sweet treat with a playful twist.
Creative Variations and Fun Ideas for OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs
Flavor Variations for OREO Cookie Balls
While classic OREO cookie balls are a hit, you can mix things up with creative flavors. Try mint OREO cookie balls by using mint-flavored cookies or adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream cheese. For a fruity twist, fold in strawberry or raspberry jam into the mixture before rolling. Chocolate lovers can add mini chocolate chips to the batter or use white chocolate coating instead of semi-sweet chocolate. These variations keep your dessert table exciting and cater to different taste preferences.
Fun Decoration Ideas
Turning cookie balls into basketballs is just the start. Use colored candy melts to mimic team colors or create mini basketball hoops for a themed presentation. Edible glitter or sprinkles can add a festive touch, while piping fun patterns allows for creativity and personalization. You can even make bite-sized basketball-themed gift favors for parties or sports events. With simple decorations, these treats are as visually fun as they are delicious.
Print
OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
Description
Sweet, fun, and easy no-bake OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs perfect for parties, game nights, and themed desserts.
Ingredients
- 36 OREO cookies, crushed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 2 oz orange candy melts (optional)
- 1 oz white chocolate (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter as desired
Instructions
- Crush the ookies: Combine OREO crumbs and softened cream cheese until smooth and sticky.
- Shape and chill: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Chill 30 minutes on parchment-lined tray.
- Coat and decorate: Dip balls in melted chocolate, then pipe basketball lines with candy melts. Let set completely.
Notes
- Store in airtight container in fridge up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Perfect for parties and themed desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: Chill Time: 30 minutes
FAQs About OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs
Can I make OREO cookie balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and roll the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dip and decorate.
Can I use different types of OREO cookies?
Absolutely! Classic, golden, or flavored OREOs all work. Flavored cookies like mint or birthday cake add a fun twist.
How long do OREO cookie balls last?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw before serving.
Can I decorate them without chocolate?
Yes! You can use colored icing, edible markers, or sprinkles to make fun basketball designs without chocolate.
Are these OREO cookie balls kid-friendly?
Definitely! They’re a no-bake, easy-to-make treat that kids love to help prepare and eat.
Conclusion
OREO Cookie Ball Basketballs are a fun, easy, and delicious treat that scores big with kids and adults alike. Their creamy centers, chocolate coatings, and playful basketball designs make them perfect for parties, game nights, or any festive occasion. With simple ingredients and no baking required, anyone can whip up these treats in minutes. Experimenting with flavors, colors, and decorations adds a personal touch, making every batch unique. Whether served on a dessert table or packaged as party favors, these cookie balls are a sweet slam dunk that brings joy, creativity, and nostalgia to every bite.