These Turkey Oreo Balls are the cutest no-bake Thanksgiving treat. With a creamy Oreo center and a glossy chocolate shell, each little turkey gets candy corn feathers and sweet candy eyes that make everyone smile.
Turkey Oreo Balls (Cute No-Bake Treat)
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or zip-top bag + rolling pin to crush cookies
- 1 Microwave-safe Bowl for melting chocolate
- 1 Microwave to melt chocolate
- 1 Fork for dipping
- 1 Parchment Paper for setting coated truffles
- 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 1 Cookie scoop 1 tablespoon size; or measure with a tablespoon
- 1 Refrigerator to chill before dipping
Ingredients
Oreo Balls
- 36 Oreos standard chocolate sandwich cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 12 oz chocolate melting wafers semisweet or milk chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening as needed to smooth the coating
Decorations
- Candy corn 3 to 5 pieces per turkey for tail feathers
- Candy eyes 2 per turkey
- Orange mini M&M or Reese’s Pieces for the beak
- Red heart sprinkle or a dot of red icing for the wattle
- Mini pretzel sticks broken in half, for optional legs
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Oreos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. No processor? Seal in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until sandy.
- Add softened cream cheese to the crumbs and process until the mixture looks like thick, fudgy dough with no streaks. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. Scoop into 1 tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls. Chill again 15 minutes so they dip cleanly.
- Microwave melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil if the chocolate seems thick.
- Using a fork, dip each ball, tap off excess, and set on parchment. While the coating is still wet, press 3 to 5 candy corn pieces into the back for tail feathers, add two candy eyes, and attach a halved mini M&M for the beak and a red sprinkle for the wattle. For legs, add two short pretzel sticks near the base.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature 30 to 40 minutes, or chill 10 minutes to speed it up. Arrange on a platter and enjoy.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Oreo Balls
- Adorable centerpiece dessert that doubles as edible decor
- No-bake and beginner friendly with simple pantry ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday hosting
- Easy to customize with different coatings and candies
- Kid-approved activity for little helpers
Turkey Oreo Balls Ingredients & Substitutions
- Oreos: 36 standard chocolate sandwich cookies. Swap with Golden Oreos, gluten-free sandwich cookies, or flavored varieties like pumpkin spice.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened. For dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese. If using lower fat cream cheese, chill longer for easier rolling.
- Chocolate melting wafers: 12 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate. White chocolate or dark chocolate work too. Chocolate chips can be used with 1 teaspoon coconut oil to thin.
- Coconut oil or shortening: 1 to 2 teaspoons as needed to smooth the coating.
- Candy corn: 3 to 5 pieces per turkey for tail feathers. Swap with mini Reese’s Pieces or coated chocolates.
- Candy eyes: 2 per turkey. If unavailable, pipe dots with white and dark chocolate.
- Beak and wattle: Orange mini M&M or Reese’s Pieces for the beak, red heart sprinkle or a dot of red icing for the wattle. A tiny triangle of orange fondant works too.
- Optional legs: Mini pretzel sticks broken in half.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Turkey Oreo Balls
Crush the Oreos
Add Oreos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. No processor? Seal in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until sandy.
Make the Filling
Add softened cream cheese to the crumbs and process until the mixture looks like thick, fudgy dough with no streaks. Scrape the bowl as needed.
Chill and Roll
Refrigerate the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. Scoop into 1 tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls. Chill again 15 minutes so they dip cleanly.
Melt the Chocolate
Microwave melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil if the chocolate seems thick.
Dip and Decorate
Using a fork, dip each ball, tap off excess, and set on parchment. While the coating is still wet, press 3 to 5 candy corn pieces into the back for tail feathers, add two candy eyes, and attach a halved mini M&M for the beak and a red sprinkle for the wattle. For legs, add two short pretzel sticks near the base.
Set and Serve
Let the chocolate set at room temperature 30 to 40 minutes, or chill 10 minutes to speed it up. Arrange on a platter and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Crumbs matter: Process Oreos very fine so the mixture binds smoothly without lumps.
- Temperature is key: Slightly chilled balls dip more cleanly and hold their shape.
- Work in batches: Keep half the balls chilled while you dip the rest to avoid softening.
- Decorate fast: Add candy corn and eyes while the coating is wet so everything sticks.
- Thin coating gently: A teaspoon of coconut oil creates a smooth, glossy shell.
Variations of Turkey Oreo Balls
- Flavor twist: Use Golden Oreos with white chocolate for a vanilla version.
- Cookie butter: Replace half the cream cheese with cookie butter for spiced warmth.
- Nutty note: Stir in 2 tablespoons finely ground pecans or hazelnuts.
- Chocolate swap: Roll in cocoa, sprinkles, or crushed cookies instead of dipping.
- Allergy-friendly: Use gluten-free sandwich cookies and dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Turkey Oreo Balls
- Arrange on a dessert board with brownies, mini pies, and apple slices.
- Serve with hot apple cider, coffee, or chai for cozy fall vibes.
- Add a bowl of leftover candy corn and pretzels for snacking alongside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let stand 10 minutes before serving. Do not reheat. Keep chilled if sitting out more than 2 hours due to cream cheese.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every Thanksgiving, I set these little gobblers on the kids’ table and watch tiny hands point out their favorite feather colors. They always disappear before the pie.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Oreo Balls ahead? Yes. Shape and freeze the undipped balls up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then dip and decorate the day of serving.
My candy corn keeps sliding off. What should I do? Add feathers while the chocolate is freshly dipped and still wet. If it sets, use a dab of melted chocolate as glue and hold 10 to 15 seconds.
Can I use white chocolate? Absolutely. White chocolate makes a sweet vanilla shell. Tint a small portion orange and red to pipe beaks and wattles if you do not have sprinkles.
Do I need to remove the Oreo filling? No. The filling helps bind the mixture and adds creamy sweetness.
How many does this make? About 24 truffles, depending on scoop size and candy decorations.
Final Thoughts
With a few pantry staples and a little candy creativity, these Turkey Oreo Balls turn your holiday dessert spread into a playful celebration. Make them once and they will become a yearly tradition.