Christmas Reindeer Oreo Truffle Treats
Crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and milk chocolate come together in these Christmas Reindeer Oreo Truffle Treats, which chill in the fridge until firm before they are dipped. Each truffle is dipped, then decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M nose before the coating sets. They are a fun, low-stress project for a holiday cookie tray or a kid-friendly afternoon.
Christmas Reindeer Oreo Truffle Treats Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies (crushed) — Oreo cookies form the base of the truffle. Crush them into fine crumbs so the dough holds together without any gritty bits. A food processor gives the most even result, and any large pieces left behind will create weak spots in the rolled balls.
- 4 oz cream cheese — Cream cheese binds the crumbs into a soft, rollable dough. Let it soften to room temperature first so it blends in without lumps. Cold cream cheese stays stiff and leaves streaks of white throughout the dough.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips — Milk chocolate chips make the coating. I’d stick with the milk chocolate chips here rather than chocolate bars, since chips contain stabilizers that help the coating melt smoothly and set with a clean surface.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil — Adding coconut oil to the melted milk chocolate keeps it fluid enough to coat each truffle evenly, and it sets with a glossy surface. It is only a small amount, so the chocolate still tastes like milk chocolate rather than oil.
- 24 mini pretzel twists — Mini pretzel twists become the antlers. Pick twists that are sturdy enough to stand upright in the coating, and avoid any that are bent or broken before you start.
- 24 candy eyes — Candy eyes give each reindeer its face. Press them in while the coating is still soft so they stick, since they will not hold once the chocolate has fully set.
- 12 red M&Ms — Red M&Ms are the noses. Their bright color is what makes these read as reindeer, so place one at the center of each truffle, just below the antlers.
Substitutions And Additions
Oreo Cookies
Regular chocolate sandwich cookies can stand in for Oreos if needed, but the flavor and color will shift slightly. I’d use double-stuf cookies if you have them, but chill the balls a little longer before dipping since the dough will be softer. Crush the cookies just as finely so the texture stays smooth.
Milk Chocolate Chips
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work in place of milk chocolate. The truffles will taste less sweet and a bit more intense. Use the same amount and the same coconut oil, and keep the melting slow so the darker chocolate does not scorch.
Mini Pretzel Twists
Slivered almonds can replace the pretzel antlers for a nut-free option, though they are less sturdy than pretzels and may not stand upright. Press them in gently so they do not snap off once the coating sets. Use the same count of two per reindeer.
How To Make This Christmas Reindeer Oreo Truffle Treats Recipe
- Crush and mix the dough. Crush the 24 Oreo cookies in a food processor until they form fine crumbs with no large pieces. Add the 4 oz cream cheese and mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough looks crumbly, press a bit more until it holds together when squeezed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once so no dry crumbs are left unmixed.
- Shape and chill the balls. Roll the mixture into 12 uniform 1.5-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill the balls for 30 minutes until firm. Pro Tip: Keep the balls even in size so each reindeer looks consistent and coats evenly. If a ball cracks while rolling, press it back together with damp fingers.
- Melt and dip the balls. Melt the 2 cups milk chocolate chips with the 1 tbsp coconut oil until smooth, stirring in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds. Dip each chilled ball to coat it completely, then lift it out with a fork and tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to let the excess drip off. Pro Tip: If the coating thickens, rewarm it for a few seconds at a time rather than all at once, since overheating makes the chocolate seize and turn grainy.
- Decorate before the coating sets. Work quickly while the coating is still wet. Press in two pretzel antlers, two candy eyes, and a red M&M nose on each ball. Use a little extra melted chocolate as glue if a piece does not stick. If the coating has already firmed up, warm the spot lightly with a dab of melted chocolate first, then add the decoration. Let the truffles set fully for about 20 minutes at room temperature before moving them so the decorations stay in place.
How To Serve And Store
Arrange the reindeer on a platter for the holiday table or box them up as a gift. They are rich, so one or two per guest is plenty after a big meal. Keep them out of direct sun or a warm room, since the coating can soften and the decorations may slide.
In The Fridge
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Layer them with parchment between the rows so the decorations do not smudge. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving so the center softens slightly and the flavor comes through.
In The Freezer
Freeze the truffles in a single layer on a tray until the coating is firm, then move them to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving so the coating does not sweat and the candy eyes stay in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make these ahead?
Yes, you can make them up to a week ahead and keep them chilled. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve, and decorate them the same day if you want the pretzels and candy to look their freshest.
Why is my dough too soft to roll?
This usually means the cream cheese was too warm or the dough needs more time to chill. Chill the dough or the rolled balls for 15 minutes more, then roll them again. Working with cool hands also helps keep the dough firm while you shape it.
Do the pretzel antlers need to be fresh?
No, slightly stale pretzels are fine, but they should still be firm and unbroken. Soft pretzels will bend rather than stand up once they are pressed into the coating, so choose the sturdiest twists you can find.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Christmas Chocolate Pudding Truffles
- Christmas Oreo Gift Box Truffles
- Chocolate Oreo Bat Truffles
- Christmas Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies
Follow Follow Hailee Recipes on Pinterest for more holiday treat ideas.
Christmas Reindeer Oreo Truffle Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Crush the 24 Oreo cookies in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. Add the 4 oz cream cheese and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into 12 uniform 1.5-inch balls, place on a parchment-lined tray, and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt the 2 cups milk chocolate chips with the 1 tbsp coconut oil until smooth, then dip each chilled ball to coat completely.
- Before the coating sets, press in two pretzel antlers, two candy eyes, and a red M&M nose using extra melted chocolate if needed.
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