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Pumpkin Oreo Balls are the ultimate no bake treat that look festive on any dessert table and taste like pure nostalgia. This recipe transforms classic Oreos and cream cheese into a chewy bite covered in a playful orange candy shell that looks just like tiny pumpkins. You do not need any fancy equipment here and these little pumpkin balls are so fun to make with kids or for gatherings.
I first made these for a family Halloween party when I needed a no fuss dessert and everyone gobbled them up I have been asked every year to bring them back.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: use the original chocolate kind for the classic flavor and make sure they are fresh not stale
- Cream cheese: softened to room temperature for easy mixing and the best creamy texture choose a brick style block for best results
- Orange candy melts: pick a good quality brand for smooth coating check for vibrant color as some brands can look pale
- Pretzel sticks: adds crunch and completes the pumpkin stem choose mini sticks that are not broken
- Leaf shaped icing decorations: these are optional but add the cutest pumpkin detail you can find them at most craft or baking stores
How to Make It
- Pulse the Cookies:
- Pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor until you have very fine uniform crumbs no large pieces should remain for the smoothest dough
- Mix Cream Cheese and Oreos:
- Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix until it is fully blended and forms a sticky dough
- Shape the Balls:
- Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop or spoon and roll about one inch balls place each ball on a parchment lined baking sheet and chill for at least fifteen minutes this helps them firm up before coating
- Score Pumpkin Ridges:
- When chilled use a toothpick to gently press vertical lines into each ball it takes a little patience but creates that pumpkin look then chill another ten minutes so they hold their shape
- Dip in Candy Coating:
- Melt orange candy melts according to package directions use a toothpick or fork to dip each ball into the coating turning to cover completely tap off any extra coating
- Add Stems and Leaves:
- While the coating is still wet press a pretzel stick gently into the top to make a pumpkin stem add a leaf icing decoration for a whimsical pumpkin finish
Storage Tips: Store these Pumpkin Oreo Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days To keep the coating snappy line the container with wax paper If stacking place a layer of paper between to prevent sticking
Flavor Boosters
Switch up the cookie flavor and use golden Oreos for a vanilla based version Dairy free cream cheese works if you need a vegan treat For the coating white chocolate tinted with gel food color is a tasty alternative to candy melts
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cute pumpkin treats alongside a platter of caramel apples or spiced nuts at your next fall get together They also make adorable edible gifts packaged in cellophane bags with ribbon
Creative Twists
While these balls are showstoppers for Halloween and Thanksgiving they shine at any fall themed baby shower or birthday I have even made them for Thanksgiving teacher gifts and they always bring out smiles
If you love creative kid friendly treats this recipe will be on repeat all autumn long I cannot help but smile each time I see a tray of these little pumpkins at the table.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use a different cookie instead of Oreos?
Yes, you can substitute Oreos with any chocolate sandwich cookie of your choice to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
- → How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing, and chill the balls well before dipping to keep them firm.
- → What is the best way to melt the candy coating?
Gently melt the candy melts in short intervals using a microwave or a double boiler, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, these can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to keep their shape and freshness.
- → Are there alternative decorations for the pumpkin look?
You can use pretzel sticks as stems and add icing leaves or other edible decorations to enhance the pumpkin appearance.