Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday tradition! These no-bake peppermint balls are the ultimate festive treat, combining creamy, minty centers with a rich white chocolate shell. They are incredibly simple to make, require absolutely no oven time, and are perfect for everything from holiday parties to homemade gifts. If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and beautiful dessert, you’ve come to the right place.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe
In the whirlwind of the holiday season, finding a recipe that’s both stunning and stress-free is like finding a hidden gem. This is that gem. You’ll love this recipe because it’s practically foolproof, making it a fantastic activity for kids and beginner cooks. Plus, the refreshing peppermint flavor is the essence of Christmas in a single bite. They are the perfect sweet treat to follow a savory meal like Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice.
Holiday perfection in every single bite!
The Essential Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create these delightful peppermint cream cheese balls. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. It should be softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Powdered Sugar: This dissolves completely, giving the filling its sweetness and structure without any graininess.
Peppermint Extract: This is where all that wonderful minty flavor comes from! A little goes a long way.
White Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate melting wafers or a chopped white chocolate bar will give you the best results for a smooth, even coating.
Crushed Candy Canes: For that classic peppermint crunch and festive decoration. You can buy pre-crushed peppermint pieces or crush your own candy canes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these peppermint Oreo balls (if you choose that variation!) or the classic version is a simple, three-part process: making the filling, chilling and rolling, and finally, dipping and decorating. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
1. Create the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
The first step to perfection: creating the smooth and creamy peppermint filling.
2. Roll and Chill
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a crucial step to prevent the balls from sticking. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each portion between your hands to create a smooth, round shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Once all the balls are rolled, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential; it helps the balls firm up so they hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate.
3. Dip and Decorate
While the balls are chilling, prepare your white chocolate. Place the white chocolate wafers or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it. Remove the chilled peppermint balls from the freezer. Working one at a time, use a fork or a dipping tool to dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat it completely. Lift the ball out of the chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place the dipped ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets. Repeat with the remaining balls. Once all are dipped and decorated, let them sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Balls
Want to ensure your treats look like they came from a professional bakeshop? Here are a few expert tips:
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Freezing the balls before dipping is the secret to a smooth coating that doesn’t melt the filling.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Good quality chocolate wafers (like Ghirardelli) melt more smoothly and taste better than standard chocolate chips, which contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting.
The Two-Fork Method: Use one fork to drop and roll the ball in the chocolate and another clean fork to lift it out. This helps create a cleaner finish.
Work Quickly: The chocolate will begin to set as soon as you sprinkle on the crushed peppermint, so have your topping ready to go as soon as a ball is dipped.
These tips can also be applied to other sweet recipes like our popular Praline Crunch.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a clear winner, there are many ways to customize these no-bake peppermint balls. Try one of these fun and delicious variations:
Oreo Peppermint Balls: Add 1 cup of finely crushed Oreo cookies to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Balls: Swap the white chocolate for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Peppermint Bark Bites: After dipping in white chocolate, drizzle the balls with melted dark chocolate before sprinkling with crushed candy canes. This tastes incredible and is just as easy as making our Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls.
How to Store Your Treats
Proper storage is key to keeping your peppermint balls fresh and delicious. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead holiday dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Share Your Creations!
We are certain that these no-bake peppermint balls will become a star of your holiday dessert table. They are a joy to make and even more fun to share! If you craft these festive treats, we would be thrilled to see them. Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Your creations inspire our culinary community!
The perfect easy treat for the holidays! Get the recipe for these amazing No-Bake Peppermint Balls.
No-Bake Peppermint Balls Recipe
FL Recipes
No-Bake Peppermint Balls: The Easiest Holiday Treat
Discover the ultimate festive treat with these easy no-bake peppermint balls. A creamy peppermint center coated in smooth white chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes. The perfect no-oven Christmas dessert!
12ozwhite chocolate melting wafersor chopped white chocolate bar
1/2cupcrushed candy canesfor topping
Equipment
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Electric Mixer
1 Baking Sheet
1 Parchment Paper
Method
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract with an electric mixer until smooth and fully combined.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
Remove the chilled balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the melted white chocolate to coat fully. Place it back on the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them set completely before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalProtein: 1gFat: 7g
Notes
Tip 1: For best results, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling. Tip 2: Don't overheat your chocolate. Stir well between microwave intervals to ensure it melts evenly and stays smooth for dipping. Tip 3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
