Delicious Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls

Introduction

Are you a fan of peanut butter and Oreos? If so, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe for Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls is a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy Oreos. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. So, let’s get started and satisfy that sweet tooth!

Ingredients

For the peanut butter Oreo cookie balls:

• 1 package of Oreo cookies
• 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the chocolate coating:

• 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening

Steps

Step 1: Crush the Oreos

Start by crushing the Oreo cookies. You can use a food processor or simply place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Make sure the cookies are finely crushed, with no large chunks remaining.

Step 2: Mix the peanut butter filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and form a thick dough-like consistency.

Step 3: Shape the cookie balls

Using your hands, take small portions of the peanut butter Oreo mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Step 4: Chill the cookie balls

Once all the balls are shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the cookie balls to firm up. This will make them easier to dip in the chocolate coating.

Step 5: Prepare the chocolate coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Step 6: Dip the cookie balls in chocolate

Remove the cookie balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated ball back on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Refrigerate and serve

Once all the cookie balls are coated in chocolate, place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once set, the Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Variations

While these Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls are delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to add some extra flavor:

1. White chocolate coating:

Instead of using semisweet chocolate chips, melt white chocolate chips and coat the cookie balls for a creamy and sweet twist.

2. Add chopped nuts:

If you enjoy some crunch in your treats, consider adding finely chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds to the peanut butter Oreo mixture before shaping the balls.

3. Sprinkle with sea salt:

For a delightful sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate-coated cookie balls before the chocolate sets.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls:

• Make sure the peanut butter you use is creamy and not chunky. Chunky peanut butter will affect the texture of the cookie balls.
• For easier handling, lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or oil before shaping the cookie balls.
• If the mixture feels too sticky or soft, you can add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
• When dipping the cookie balls in chocolate, work quickly to avoid the chocolate hardening before coating all the balls.
• Store the Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can be enjoyed for up to a week.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter and Oreos into a bite-sized indulgence. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a special treat at home, these cookie balls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookie balls. However, keep in mind that the crunchiness of the peanut butter will affect the overall texture of the balls.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using semisweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. The choice of chocolate will alter the sweetness and flavor of the final product.

3. Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls?

Yes, these cookie balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I use gluten-free Oreo cookies?

If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can substitute regular Oreo cookies with gluten-free Oreo alternatives available in the market. Just make sure to check the packaging for allergen information.

5. Can I add other mix-ins to the peanut butter Oreo mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruits, or even a spoonful of Nutella to the peanut butter Oreo mixture for added flavor and variety.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get baking and enjoy these scrumptious Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls!