No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Truffles are a holiday treat that packs big flavors and stunning bite-sized beauty into every chocolatey orb. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, these truffles deliver creamy, cool peppermint joy wrapped in a crisp dark chocolate shell and finished with a snowy sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Every bite is the best of fudgy cookies, creamy cheesecake, and classic chocolate-mint magic, all rolled into one perfect pop.
Peppermint Oreo truffles are the kind of dessert that checks every seasonal box: easy to make ahead (ideal for busy holidays), infinitely giftable, and always a hit at cookie swaps, parties, and family gatherings. Their rich flavor and pretty presentation—piled high on a platter or tucked into festive tins—make them an instant favorite for all ages.
Little helpers love to roll and dip, and everyone loves the creamy center reminiscent of cookies-and-cream fudge laced with wintery, refreshing peppermint. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fast, impressive sweet, this is the recipe to save and make on repeat.
Ingredients
- 1 (14–15 ounce) package Oreo cookies (regular or mint)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (plus more to taste)
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate melting wafers)
- 4–5 peppermint candy canes or 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
- White chocolate for drizzling (optional)
The Magic and Ease of No-Bake Truffles
Oreo truffles became an internet-favorite treat for good reason—they deliver rich, fudgy flavor and craveable texture with almost no effort. Crushing the Oreos (filling and all) and blending them with cream cheese creates a truffle base that tastes both elegant and nostalgic, smooth and chocolatey with luscious, cheesecake tang.
The peppermint upgrades classic Oreo truffles to true Christmas-cookie status, making them perfect for wintry celebrations, edible gifts, or an after-dinner treat alongside steaming mugs of cocoa.
The process is simple enough for anyone—especially those who don’t love baking or are short on time. And since the recipe is totally no-bake, it’s safe and fun for kids to help with every step, from rolling the filling to sprinkling on crushed candy canes.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Begin by placing all the Oreo cookies in a food processor. Pulse until they become fine, even crumbs (no big chunks remain). If you don’t have a processor, put cookies in a zip-top bag and smash with a rolling pin. Pour the crumbs into a large bowl or a stand mixer bowl and add the softened cream cheese and peppermint extract.
Beat or stir until the mixture forms a thick, uniform dough. Taste and add more peppermint extract if you like a stronger mint flavor. The mixture should be sturdy and not sticky; if it feels very soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Scoop or roll the dough into one-inch balls, using about a tablespoon per truffle. Place on the baking sheet and chill for 30–40 minutes, or freeze for 15 if in a hurry. Chilling helps them stay round and neat when dipping.
While the truffles chill, crush candy canes by putting them in a zip-top bag and pounding with a rolling pin. Melt the chocolate gently—either in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or over a double boiler on the stove. If desired, stir in coconut oil or shortening for shinier shells.
Use a fork or dipping tool to lower each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, and place back on the parchment. Immediately sprinkle the top with crushed candy cane or candies so it sticks before the chocolate hardens.
Let the chocolate set at room temperature, or refrigerate briefly until firm. For extra festivity, drizzle finished truffles with white chocolate or more melted dark chocolate.
Variations and Festive Twists
This recipe is wide open for personalization. Use golden Oreos for a “white chocolate–peppermint” version, chocolate Joe-Joes for extra fudge, or mint-chocolate sandwich cookies for maximal mint flavor. Swap peppermint for orange or almond extract for new holiday spins, or use colored sprinkles instead of peppermint if you serve outside the winter season.
Dip in milk, dark, or white chocolate—or all three for a dazzling truffle tray. Roll freshly dipped truffles in sparkling sugar, dust with cocoa powder, or top with mini chocolate chips for texture and extra style.
Want a boozy truffle? Add a teaspoon of peppermint schnapps to the mixture (reduce the extract slightly).
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Gifting
No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Truffles keep beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to two months. Let frozen truffles thaw in the fridge before serving. They’re perfect for holiday meal prep, cookie swaps, and edible gifts—simply package in mini cupcake liners inside a festive box or tin.
Because their chocolate shell seals in freshness, these truffles even travel well for shipping (include an ice pack for warm climates).
For the best flavor and texture, serve the truffles chilled, but let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why are my truffles sticky? Chill the mixture before rolling, and don’t skip refrigeration before dipping. If melting chocolate, be sure no water gets in—it can seize the chocolate.
How do I get smooth chocolate shells? Use high-quality melting wafers or chopped bar chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil stirred in. Dipping with a fork lets you tap off the excess for a clean edge.
Can I use other cookies? Yes! Ginger snaps, Biscoff, or sandwich cookies all work; adjust extract flavor as desired.
Do I have to use candy canes? Not at all! Try sprinkles, mini chips, edible glitter, or chopped nuts.
How long can I store them? Up to two weeks in the fridge and two months in the freezer.
Nutrition and Festive Indulgence
These truffles are a seasonal treat—sweet, rich, and perfect for sharing. Like all holiday goodies, they’re best enjoyed in good company and as part of a joyful, celebratory season.
Each truffle packs chocolate, cream cheese, and peppermint into a small, energy-dense bite that satisfies any dessert craving.
The Final Word
No-Bake Peppermint Oreo Truffles prove that magic in the kitchen takes only minutes and a few simple ingredients. They’re beautiful, festive, and always the first to disappear from a cookie tray—guaranteed to bring smiles, holiday spirit, and chocolate-mint bliss to every celebration.
