When you need an impressive dessert that requires minimal ingredients and zero baking, Oreo cream cheese truffles are the answer. These rich, decadent treats combine crushed Oreos with cream cheese to create smooth, truffle-like centers that are then coated in chocolate for an elegant finish. With just three simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you can create sophisticated confections that taste like they came from an upscale chocolate shop. These truffles are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Valentine’s Day gifts, wedding favors, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The deep chocolate flavor from the Oreos combined with tangy cream cheese creates a perfectly balanced treat that’s neither too sweet nor too rich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These truffles deliver maximum impact with minimal work. The three-ingredient recipe means you don’t need a fully stocked pantry or specialty items. Everything you need is available at any grocery store, making these accessible for everyone.
The texture is what sets these apart. The cream cheese keeps the Oreo filling smooth and creamy rather than dry and crumbly. When coated in chocolate, they achieve that classic truffle consistency with a firm outer shell and soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
These truffles are incredibly versatile for customization. You can use different Oreo flavors, coating chocolates, and decorative toppings to create endless variations. They’re also shelf-stable when properly stored, making them ideal for gift-giving and shipping to distant friends and family.
The make-ahead nature is another huge advantage. Prepare them days before your event and store them until needed. They actually improve in flavor after sitting for 24 hours as everything melds together.
Ingredients for Oreo Cream Cheese Truffles
For the Truffle Centers:
- 36 Oreo cookies (one standard 14.3 oz package)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 16 ounces chocolate (semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate chips or melting wafers)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
For Decoration (Optional):
- Crushed Oreo crumbs
- Sprinkles (color-coordinated to your event)
- Drizzled chocolate in contrasting color
- Sea salt flakes
- Chopped nuts
Equipment Needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Fork or dipping tool for coating
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Place all 36 Oreo cookies (including the cream filling) into a food processor. Pulse until the cookies are finely crushed into crumbs with no large pieces remaining. The mixture should resemble fine sand or cocoa powder. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground.
Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix with Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese and a pinch of salt to the Oreo crumbs. Using a sturdy spoon, spatula, or your hands, mix everything together until completely combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no visible streaks of cream cheese remaining. It should hold together easily when pressed and have the consistency of cookie dough.
Pro Tip: Room temperature cream cheese is crucial. If the cream cheese is too cold, it won’t incorporate smoothly and will create lumps.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30-60 minutes. This chilling step makes the mixture firmer and much easier to roll into balls. Skipping this step can result in sticky, difficult-to-shape truffles.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or a spoon, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 40-45 truffles depending on size.
Place each rolled ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. They don’t need much space since they won’t spread.
Pro Tip: If the mixture becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate your hands under cold water periodically, or refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Freeze the Truffle Balls
Once all balls are rolled, place the entire baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step is essential for successful dipping. Frozen centers prevent the truffles from falling apart when dipped in warm chocolate and create a firmer final product.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While the truffles are freezing, prepare your chocolate coating. Place the chocolate chips or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes 1.5-2 minutes total.
Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth.
For a thinner coating that’s easier to work with, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening once the chocolate is melted. This creates a smoother, more fluid consistency.
Step 7: Dip the Truffles
Remove the frozen truffle balls from the freezer. Working quickly, drop one ball into the melted chocolate. Using a fork or dipping tool, roll it around to coat completely. Lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove extra chocolate.
Slide the coated truffle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately add any decorative toppings while the chocolate is still wet—crushed Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, or sea salt work beautifully.
Repeat with remaining truffles, working in batches if needed. If the chocolate begins to harden or thicken, reheat it briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds).
Step 8: Set the Chocolate
Once all truffles are coated and decorated, let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate shell hardens completely, about 30-45 minutes. For faster setting, refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes.
Step 9: Store or Serve
Transfer the finished truffles to an airtight container, layering parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve or package as gifts.
Expert Tips for Perfect Truffles
Freeze Before Dipping: This is the most important step. Frozen centers maintain their shape during dipping and create clean, professional-looking truffles. Room temperature centers will fall apart.
Work Quickly: Remove only a few truffle balls from the freezer at a time. If they warm up too much, they become difficult to handle and may fall off the fork during dipping.
Use Quality Chocolate: The coating is a major flavor component. Higher quality chocolate creates better-tasting truffles. Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Belgian chocolate melting wafers work exceptionally well.
Thin the Chocolate if Needed: If your chocolate coating seems too thick, add coconut oil or shortening a teaspoon at a time until you achieve the right consistency. Thinner chocolate creates a more delicate coating.
Keep Hands Cool: Run your hands under cold water and dry them thoroughly before rolling if the mixture becomes sticky. Cold hands prevent the mixture from warming and sticking.
Size Matters: Keep truffles uniform in size for professional presentation. A small cookie scoop ensures consistency.
Reheat Chocolate as Needed: Chocolate will thicken as it cools. Microwave for 10-15 seconds whenever it becomes too thick to work with easily.
Delicious Variations to Try
Golden Oreo Truffles: Use Golden Oreos instead of regular for a vanilla-based truffle with lighter color.
Mint Oreo Truffles: Use Mint Oreos and coat with dark chocolate for a refreshing mint-chocolate combination.
Peanut Butter Oreo Truffles: Use Peanut Butter Oreos and coat with milk chocolate for peanut butter cup-inspired treats.
Red Velvet Oreo Truffles: Make with Red Velvet Oreos and coat with white chocolate, then drizzle with red chocolate.
Birthday Cake Truffles: Use Birthday Cake Oreos, coat with white chocolate, and top with rainbow sprinkles.
Peppermint Bark Truffles: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the mixture, coat with white chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Espresso Truffles: Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder to the Oreo-cream cheese mixture for coffee-enhanced flavor.
Cookies and Cream Truffles: Coat with white chocolate and immediately roll in additional crushed Oreo crumbs for extra texture.
Double Chocolate Truffles: Use chocolate cream cheese in place of regular, and coat with dark chocolate for intense chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking. The chocolate coating protects the filling and extends shelf life.
Room Temperature: In cool weather (below 70°F), truffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This is ideal for gift-giving or displaying on dessert tables.
Freezer: Freeze truffles for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Serving Temperature: These truffles taste best when slightly chilled but not frozen. Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Serving and Gifting Suggestions
Present truffles in mini cupcake liners arranged in decorative boxes or on tiered serving platters. The individual liners prevent fingerprints and make them easier to pick up.
For holiday gifts, package truffles in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. Include a handwritten note with storage instructions. Mason jars lined with tissue paper also make charming gift containers.
Create variety boxes by making multiple flavor variations and arranging them together. Label each variety with small tags so recipients know what they’re enjoying.
Serve truffles as part of a dessert board alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and cheese for contrast. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with tart raspberries or crisp apple slices.
For weddings or showers, display truffles on elegant cake stands or in vintage dishes. Add fresh flowers around the base for sophisticated presentation.
Pair with coffee, espresso, dessert wine, or champagne for adult gatherings. For family events, serve with cold milk or hot chocolate.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 42 truffles
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on chocolate type and decorations used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese? Full-fat cream cheese works best for texture and flavor. Reduced-fat versions can make the mixture too soft and may not hold together as well during rolling and dipping.
Do I have to freeze them before dipping? Yes, freezing is essential. It prevents the truffles from falling apart in the warm chocolate and creates the proper texture. Chilling in the refrigerator doesn’t firm them enough.
Why did my truffles fall apart when dipping? They weren’t frozen long enough, the chocolate was too hot, or you didn’t work quickly enough. Ensure truffles are frozen solid and work in small batches.
Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate? Yes, candy melts (like Wilton or CandiQuik) work perfectly and are often easier to work with than chocolate chips. They melt smoothly and set quickly.
How do I prevent chocolate from seizing? Keep all water away from the chocolate. Even a drop can cause it to seize and become grainy. Make sure bowls and utensils are completely dry.
Can I make these without a food processor? Yes, place cookies in a heavy-duty zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. It takes more effort but works fine. Crush until very fine for best results.
Why are my truffles too soft? The mixture may have too much cream cheese, or they weren’t chilled long enough. Freeze them longer before serving, or add more crushed Oreos to firm up the mixture.
Can I ship these truffles? Yes, they ship well when properly packaged. Place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, then pack the container in a box with padding. Ship with cold packs in warm weather.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mixture Won’t Hold Together: The cookies weren’t crushed finely enough, or the cream cheese is too cold. Ensure fine crumbs and room temperature cream cheese.
Chocolate Coating Is Too Thick: The chocolate is cooling down or needs thinning. Reheat briefly or add coconut oil one teaspoon at a time.
Truffles Have Chocolate Feet: Too much excess chocolate dripped down when placed on the sheet. Tap the fork more thoroughly on the bowl edge before transferring.
Coating Has Bubbles: Stirring too vigorously incorporated air. Stir melted chocolate gently and let it sit for a minute before dipping.
Toppings Won’t Stick: You waited too long to add them. Apply decorations immediately after dipping while chocolate is still wet.
Centers Show Through Coating: The chocolate coating is too thin. Use less coconut oil, or double-dip truffles after the first coat sets.
Making Truffles for Special Occasions
Weddings: Create elegant white chocolate-coated truffles with edible gold dust or pearl sprinkles. Package in clear boxes with satin ribbons matching wedding colors.
Christmas: Use crushed candy canes on top of white chocolate coating for festive peppermint truffles. Red and green sprinkles also work beautifully.
Valentine’s Day: Coat with pink or red candy melts and drizzle with white chocolate. Top with heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter.
Baby Showers: Use pastel-colored candy melts (pink, blue, or yellow) and top with coordinating sprinkles. Package in gender-appropriate colors.
Graduation: Use school colors for coating and sprinkles. Create two-tone truffles by dipping half in one color and half in another.
Conclusion
These irresistible Oreo cream cheese truffles prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With just cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate, you’ll produce elegant confections that rival expensive chocolatier creations. The easy no-bake method makes them accessible to anyone, while the sophisticated appearance and rich flavor make them special enough for any celebration. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones, serving them at parties, or simply treating yourself, these truffles deliver consistent, crowd-pleasing results. The endless customization options mean you’ll never tire of making them. Master this basic recipe and you’ll have a reliable solution for every gift-giving occasion and celebration on your calendar. Once people taste your homemade truffles, you’ll become the designated dessert-bringer for every event!
