Description
Ever wondered how to make a dessert that’s as festive as fireworks and as easy as popping a cookie in your mouth? Say hello to Patriotic Oreo Balls! These no-bake treats combine creamy Oreo filling with a vibrant red, white, and blue chocolate coating, perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
Ingredients
The magic of Patriotic Oreo Balls comes from a handful of ingredients that create a creamy, crunchy, and colorful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
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Oreo Cookies (1 lb 2.12 oz Family Size package):
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The star ingredient, providing a chocolatey, crunchy base. Use the whole cookie, filling and all, for maximum flavor.
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Substitution: Use chocolate sandwich cookies or gluten-free Oreos for dietary needs.
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Cream Cheese (8-ounce block, softened):
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Binds the Oreo crumbs into a smooth, creamy filling that holds its shape.
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Substitution: Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version or low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
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Red Candy Melts (12-ounce bag):
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Creates a vibrant red coating for half the balls, perfect for the patriotic theme.
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Substitution: Use red-colored white chocolate or regular chocolate dyed with food-grade red gel coloring.
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Blue Candy Melts (12-ounce bag):
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Adds a bold blue coating for the other half, completing the red, white, and blue look.
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Substitution: Blue-colored white chocolate or dyed chocolate, as above.
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Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers (⅓ cup):
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Used for a decorative white drizzle that ties the patriotic colors together.
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Substitution: White chocolate chips or any white candy melts.
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White Star Confetti Sprinkles (for topping):
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Add a festive, starry touch to the blue-coated balls.
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Substitution: White sprinkles, silver dragees, or no sprinkles for a simpler look.
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Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing, and choose high-quality candy melts for a smooth, glossy coating.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Trays
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Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
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Tip: Wax paper works too, but parchment is sturdier for freezing.
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Step 2: Make the Oreo Filling
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Place the entire package of Oreo cookies in a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse into fine crumbs.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed until smooth.
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Add the Oreo crumbs to the cream cheese and mix on medium speed until well combined and dough-like.
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Tip: If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes to make rolling easier.
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Step 3: Shape the Balls
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Use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to portion out even-sized balls from the Oreo mixture.
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Roll each scoop between your palms to create smooth, round balls.
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Place the balls on the prepared baking trays, dividing them evenly (about 10 per tray).
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Refrigerate the trays for 2 hours to firm up the balls, or freeze for 15–20 minutes if you’re short on time.
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Tip: Keep balls uniform for a polished look and easier dipping.
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Step 4: Coat with Blue Candy Melts
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Remove one tray of chilled balls from the refrigerator.
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In a double boiler over low heat (or a microwave-safe bowl on low setting), melt the 12-ounce bag of blue candy melts, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
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Using a fork, dip one ball at a time fully into the blue melts, ensuring it’s completely coated.
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Lift the ball with the fork, tapping gently to remove excess coating, and place it back on the tray.
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Immediately sprinkle white star confetti on the blue-coated balls before the coating sets.
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Refrigerate the tray for 10–15 minutes to let the coating harden.
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Tip: Work in small batches to keep the candy melts smooth and the balls cold.
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Step 5: Coat with Red Candy Melts
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Remove the second tray of chilled balls from the refrigerator.
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In a clean double boiler over low heat, melt the 12-ounce bag of red candy melts, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
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Dip each ball fully into the red melts, tapping to remove excess, and place back on the tray.
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Tip: If the candy melts thicken, reheat gently to maintain a smooth dipping consistency.
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Step 6: Add the White Drizzle
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Microwave ⅓ cup white melting wafers in a small piping bag in 30-second increments, massaging the bag between intervals until fully melted.
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Snip a small piece off the tip of the piping bag.
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Drizzle white lines over the red-coated balls in a zigzag pattern for a festive look.
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Return the tray to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the drizzle.
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Tip: Practice your drizzle on a piece of parchment to get the flow right before decorating.
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Step 7: Serve
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Keep the Oreo balls refrigerated until ready to serve for the best texture.
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Arrange on a platter and enjoy!
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Tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for a slightly softer bite.
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