Nothing brings a smile quite like festive treats, and this Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe hits all the right notes of cute, chocolatey, and fun for any holiday gathering. These little reindeer faces made from Oreo balls are as adorable as they are delicious — trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!

The image shows five round chocolate balls decorated as reindeer, each with two small pretzel twists as antlers on top, two white candy eyes with black pupils in the center, and a red candy nose placed in the middle front. The reindeer treats are arranged on a white plate with a speckled texture. Next to them, several plain pretzels and a single chocolate sandwich cookie lie on the plate near the bottom right. In the background, there is a green cup with white snowflake designs and pinecones and green pine branches scattered around, all set on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is not visible in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making these for the first time last Christmas with a bunch of friends—it was a hit instantly! It’s one of those no-fail, festive recipes that balance ease, fun, and outstanding flavor. Plus, who doesn’t want a dessert that doubles as party decor?

Super Simple: You only need a handful of ingredients and no baking involved—perfect for last-minute treats.
Delightfully Festive: The pretzel antlers and candy eyes turn classic Oreo bites into adorable reindeer.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping to assemble and decorate these — it’s great for a family activity.
Versatile Flavors: You can easily swap Oreos or candies to customize based on your preferences or what’s in the pantry.

The image shows a round chocolate truffle cut in half, revealing a dark, crumbly chocolate inside. The truffle is coated in a smooth, shiny layer of milk chocolate. Two small pretzel sticks are inserted on top, shaped like antlers. The truffle is placed on a light beige surface with a white marbled texture. In the background, there is a dark green cup with white snowflake designs and a pine cone, adding a cozy, holiday feel. A whole Oreo cookie is visible next to the truffle, and part of a woman's hand holding another truffle is in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe is chosen for both flavor and texture. The cream cheese brings the perfect creamy, smooth base to combine with the crushed Oreos, while the dark chocolate coating adds a rich finish. The pretzels and candy provide the festive charm—and a bit of crunch!

Flat lay of a small stack of whole Oreo cookies with creamy black-and-white filling visible, a block of smooth cream cheese, a pile of glossy dark chocolate melting wafers, a handful of golden pretzel twists broken in half, a collection of tiny candy eyes with white and black pupils, and a few bright red M&M’s arranged in a simple white ceramic bowl, all perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oreo Cookies: Crushed into fine crumbs, they form the base with that familiar chocolate and cream flavor you love.
Cream Cheese: Softened to room temp, it blends the crumbs into a moldable, smooth dough.
Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers: They coat the balls evenly and set nicely, offering a shiny, luscious exterior.
Pretzel Twists: Broken in half, these make the perfect antlers—salty and crunchy contrast.
Candy Eyes: Simple candy eyes bring the reindeer faces to life with minimal effort.
M&M's or Red Hots: These bright noses add a pop of color and cinnamon or chocolate flavor with each bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. I’ve played around with different Oreos and candies, and honestly, it’s fun to put your own spin on it.

Variation: Once, I swapped regular Oreos for mint Oreos—giving these reindeer a cool, minty twist that was a pleasant surprise.
Diet-Friendly: You can try gluten-free Oreos and dairy-free cream cheese if needed, just make sure your chocolate melts well for coating.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the Oreo-cream cheese mixture for a seasonal flair.
Difficulty Level: If your kids are helping, pre-break pretzels and prep the candies so assembly goes smoothly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe

Step 1: Crush the Oreos to Fine Crumbs

I use a food processor to blitz 45 Oreo cookies until they’re crumbs with no big chunks left. If you don’t have one, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin carefully—the finer the crumbs, the smoother your balls will be.

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese until Smooth

Make sure your cream cheese is soft at room temperature to avoid lumps. I use a hand mixer set to high speed to get a nice, creamy texture. This step’s important so your Oreo mixture binds well without being too crumbly.

Step 3: Combine and Shape the Mixture into Balls

Fold the Oreo crumbs into the cream cheese with your mixer until well combined. Then, using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mix and roll each into smooth balls between your palms. Placing wax paper on your baking tray helps prevent sticking. Chill them for at least 2 hours so they firm up and’re easier to dip.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Coating

I prefer the double boiler method for smooth, even melting — it gives me more control and I avoid burning the chocolate. If you’re short on time, microwaving in intervals works too, just remember to stir frequently!

Step 5: Dip, Decorate, and Set

Use a fork to dip the chilled Oreo balls one at a time into the melted chocolate. Give the fork a gentle tap on the edge of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate, then place the ball on the tray. Quickly press two pretzel antlers in, add candy eyes above, and a bright red nose. I hold the nose gently until the chocolate firms up a bit to stop sliding. Repeat with all, reheating chocolate as needed.

Top Tip

From my many batches, I’ve learned that chilling the balls before dipping is a game-changer. It keeps your hands cleaner, helps the chocolate set faster, and maintains the shape beautifully.

Chill First: Don’t skip the 2-hour refrigeration before dipping — it saves you from sticky hands and melty messes.
Use a Fork for Dipping: It lets excess chocolate drip off so the coating is even and doesn’t pool at the bottom.
Work Quickly on Decorations: Add the pretzels, eyes, and nose while chocolate is still wet for secure placement.
Prevent Sliding: Hold the nose candy in place a few seconds to avoid it slipping off before the chocolate sets.

How to Serve Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe

Reindeer Oreo Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving them as-is because their charm stands out, but dusting a little powdered sugar or edible glitter on the platter adds a snowy effect perfect for holiday parties. Sometimes, I throw in a few fresh evergreen sprigs on the tray for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

As a sweet treat, these are best paired with warm drinks like hot cocoa or mulled wine. For a party platter, having a mix of salty snacks like spiced nuts or cheese crackers balances the sweetness really well.

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange these reindeer balls on a tiered stand or create a woodland-themed platter with faux moss and pinecones for a winter centerpiece. Wrapping each one in colorful mini cupcake liners adds a polished look if you’re gifting them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay moist and perfect for up to five days. Just make sure they're not stacked too tightly to avoid smooshing the decorations.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze them on trays first to keep their shape, then transfer to a sealed container. When thawing, I let them sit in the fridge a few hours to avoid condensation messing with the chocolate coating.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—just enjoy these chilled or at room temperature. Warming up will melt the chocolate and ruin the shape, so keep them cool until you're ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other flavored Oreos in this Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve tried mint, birthday cake, and even golden Oreos, and each gives a fun twist to these treats. Just make sure to use the same amount specified for regular Oreos.

What’s the best way to get the chocolate coating smooth and even?

Melting your chocolate slowly over a double boiler helps prevent burning and keeps it smooth. When dipping, use a fork to lift the balls out, gently tapping the fork against the bowl’s edge to get rid of excess chocolate before placing it on parchment.

How long should I chill the Oreo balls before coating?

I recommend chilling for at least 2 hours. This ensures the balls are firm enough to dip without falling apart or melting in your hands. It also helps maintain their shape once coated.

Can I make the Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These are fantastic make-ahead treats. You can prepare and refrigerate the Oreo balls, then coat and decorate them the day before your event. Just keep them refrigerated until serving to maintain the chocolate coating’s shine and firmness.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, the Reindeer Oreo Balls Recipe holds a special place on my holiday dessert table—it’s not just a treat but a conversation starter and a source of joyful memories. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. They’re simple, adorable, and absolutely delicious—give them a try and watch them disappear fast!