Looking to impress your guests with a fun and festive treat that’s irresistibly creamy, chocolatey, and bursting with fall flavor? These Pumpkin Oreo Balls are the ultimate no-bake indulgence that deserves a special place on your Thanksgiving dessert table. Simple to make, decadently delicious, and easy to decorate, they’re the perfect bite-sized sweet to complete your holiday spread.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Pumpkin Oreo Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Oreo Balls:
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36 Oreo cookies (regular, not Double Stuf)
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6 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
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1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
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12 oz white chocolate chips or white candy melts
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1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)
Decoration (Optional but Fun):
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Orange food coloring (if using white chocolate)
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Crushed graham crackers
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Crushed Oreos
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Melted dark chocolate or milk chocolate drizzle
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Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles
Required Kitchen Tools
To streamline the process, gather these kitchen tools before you begin:
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Food processor or high-speed blender
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Mixing bowls
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Spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or wax paper
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Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
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Fork or dipping tool
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Optional: Piping bag or zip-top bag for drizzling chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Pumpkin Oreo Balls:
1: Crush the Oreos
Add the Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
2: Make the Pumpkin Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
3: Add the Oreo Crumbs
Add the crushed Oreos to the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until you have a uniform dough. You may use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a sturdy spatula.
4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about 30–45 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll into balls.
5: Roll into Balls
Once chilled, scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get around 24–30 balls depending on size.
6: Freeze for Dipping
Place the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps the balls firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate.
7: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If needed, add a bit of coconut oil to thin the chocolate.
(Optional: Stir in a few drops of orange food coloring to enhance the festive pumpkin color.)
Step 8: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place them back on the parchment paper.
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, Oreo crumbs, or festive sprinkles. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate for a fancy finish.
Step 9: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the finished Pumpkin Oreo Balls for at least 30 minutes to let the coating harden completely.
Helpful Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Oreo Balls
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Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may not set as firmly.
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Pumpkin puree should be well-drained if watery. Excess moisture can make the balls too soft.
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Decorate immediately after dipping each ball. The chocolate sets quickly!
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If you want to shape them like little pumpkins, roll the balls and press a pretzel stick in the center before chilling.
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Use gloves when rolling to avoid sticky hands and get smooth, uniform shapes.
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These can be made 3–4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions for Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table
These Pumpkin Oreo Balls are a hit whether served on a rustic wooden platter or nestled in paper mini-cups. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
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Arrange them around a pumpkin pie or cake as a decorative edible wreath.
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Place a few in small clear treat bags as take-home goodies for guests.
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Serve alongside spiced apple cider or a pumpkin latte for a festive pairing.
They’re not just treats – they’re edible conversation starters, perfect for mingling and grazing at your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Ball, Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 120–140 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 16g |
Sugar | 10g |
Fat | 7g |
Protein | 1g |
Fiber | <1g |
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the brand of ingredients used and decoration additions.
Why Pumpkin Oreo Balls Belong on Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table
Thanksgiving is all about warmth, comfort, and sharing delicious food with the people you love. While traditional pies and cakes often take center stage, Pumpkin Oreo Balls offer something whimsical, modern, and delightful.
They require no baking, which frees up your oven for turkey or casseroles. Plus, their small size makes them ideal for portion control and kid-friendly desserts. Their creamy pumpkin center wrapped in a sweet, chocolatey shell is simply irresistible – and the flavor nod to pumpkin spice makes them a seasonal winner.
When planning your Thanksgiving dessert table, variety matters. These Pumpkin Oreo Balls add texture, color, and that perfect bite of indulgence between bites of pie and pumpkin roll.
Conclusion: Add These to Your Holiday Traditions
Whether you’re looking for something different to wow your guests or just want a fun project to make with family, these Pumpkin Oreo Balls are a must-try. They’re festive, delicious, and practically foolproof – a sweet reward for hosts and guests alike.
Don’t let your Thanksgiving dessert table fall into a rut. Surprise everyone with this playful, fall-inspired treat that blends the cozy flavor of pumpkin with the beloved crunch of Oreos. Make a batch (or two), and watch them disappear before your eyes!