A quick, fun Thanksgiving treat you can make at home
These Thanksgiving Oreo balls are a simple, festive dessert kids and adults enjoy. They look like little turkeys and taste like rich chocolate and Oreo. If you want a short guide to similar treats, see this best Oreo balls guide for more ideas.
What makes these Oreo turkeys worth baking
They come together fast, need few ingredients, and use store-bought candy and pretzels for easy decorating. You can make them ahead, chill, and serve from the fridge. If you like savory party bites too, check this fun twist on cheese balls with bacon and jalapeño: Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls.
Step-by-step: how to assemble Thanksgiving Oreo Balls
Below are the parts you need and the clear steps to make them. Read the full steps before you start so everything goes smoothly.
What you need (Ingredients)
- 1 package Oreo Cookies (14 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting discs
- 22 Regular pretzels
- 22 Straight pretzels (plus more if making a fan tail)
- 44 googley eyes
- 12 M&M’s
Clear directions to build the turkeys
- Put the whole Oreos into a food processor. Do not separate them. Pulse until you have fine crumbs.
- Add the cream cheese. Process until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to form balls. Roll each with your hands so the surface is smooth. Place the balls on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze 15 minutes, then move to the refrigerator until you are ready to coat.
- Break the straight pretzels to the length you want for the necks. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and place the pretzels about 2 inches apart. Melt a small bit of chocolate in the microwave at 50% power. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate over the top of each straight pretzel and shape it into an oval. Add two googley eyes and half an M&M for the beak. Put the sheet in the freezer a few minutes to set.
- Melt enough chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl to cover about five balls. Microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and liquid.
- Place an Oreo ball on the flat part of a fork and dip it in the chocolate immediately, or pour chocolate over the ball. Use a sharp knife to slide the ball off the fork onto parchment. Repeat and add more chocolate as needed. Keep the coated balls in the refrigerator until you decorate.
- Before the chocolate fully hardens, add the decorations. For a simple tail press a regular pretzel dipped in chocolate into the back of the ball. For a fan tail, dip the ends of straight pretzels in chocolate and push several into the back to form a fan. Gently press the neck piece into the ball for the head.
- Put the finished turkeys in the freezer a few minutes until the chocolate sets, then store in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Simple ways to plate and serve these turkeys
Serve them on a platter with napkins nearby. Arrange a few leafy salad greens or paper doilies under the turkeys for a festive look. They are bite-sized, so guests can grab one or two. For a party, place them near coffee and other small desserts.
Best ways to store your Thanksgiving Oreo Balls
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. If you want tips for storing different kinds of dessert balls, see this air fryer cheese balls guide for ideas on packing and timing.
Smart tips to make these look great
- Chill the Oreo balls before dipping so the coating sets faster.
- Work in small batches when melting chocolate to keep it smooth.
- Use a fork to tap off excess chocolate and a knife to slide the ball off cleanly.
- If the chocolate thickens, warm briefly at 50% power and stir.
- Make the heads and eyes on a separate tray so you can press them into the ball easily.
Easy variations you can try
- Use dark or white melting chocolate for different looks.
- Swap M&M beaks for small candy corns in fall colors.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm fall flavor.
- Make mini versions using a smaller scoop.
Quick nutrition notes
A single Oreo ball is a small treat; exact calories vary by size and ingredients. Roughly, one may range from 90–140 calories depending on how much chocolate and cream cheese you use. For precise numbers, weigh portions and check package nutrition facts.
Serving ideas for family events
- Place a few on dessert plates with pumpkin cookies.
- Make a platter with mixed holiday candies and chocolate-covered pretzels.
- Add to a kids’ table as a fun edible craft they can decorate.
What pairs well with these Oreo turkeys
They go well with hot coffee, hot chocolate, or a milk bar for kids. Serve alongside light cookies or fruit to balance the richness. A cup of spiced tea also complements the chocolate and Oreo flavor.
Frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving Oreo Balls
Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but the texture may be a bit firmer. Chill the mixture well before scooping.
Q: Can I make these without a food processor?
A: You can crush Oreos in a sealed bag with a rolling pin until fine, then mix in the cream cheese by hand.
Q: How long can I keep them in the freezer?
A: Freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Will regular chocolate chips work for coating?
A: You can use chocolate chips, but melt them with a small spoon of coconut oil or shortening to get a smoother dip.
Conclusion
If you want inspiration or similar turkey-style Oreo treats, try this detailed take on Turkey OREO Balls. For another version with step-by-step photos, see Turkey Oreo Balls (Thanksgiving Truffles) – Butter & Baggage. If you like pumpkin-themed Oreo treats, check this Pumpkin Oreo Balls – A Pumpkin And A Princess for more fall ideas.
Thanksgiving Oreo Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo Cookies (14 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting discs
Decorations
- 22 Regular pretzels
- 22 Straight pretzels Plus more if making a fan tail
- 44 googly eyes
- 12 M&M's
Instructions
Preparation
- Put the whole Oreos into a food processor. Do not separate them. Pulse until you have fine crumbs.
- Add the cream cheese. Process until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to form balls. Roll each with your hands so the surface is smooth. Place the balls on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze 15 minutes, then move to the refrigerator until you are ready to coat.
Decoration
- Break the straight pretzels to the length you want for the necks. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and place the pretzels about 2 inches apart.
- Melt a small bit of chocolate in the microwave at 50% power. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate over the top of each straight pretzel and shape it into an oval. Add two googly eyes and half an M&M for the beak. Put the sheet in the freezer a few minutes to set.
- Melt enough chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl to cover about five balls. Microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and liquid.
- Place an Oreo ball on the flat part of a fork and dip it in the chocolate immediately, or pour chocolate over the ball. Use a sharp knife to slide the ball off the fork onto parchment. Repeat and add more chocolate as needed. Keep the coated balls in the refrigerator until you decorate.
- Before the chocolate fully hardens, add the decorations. Press a regular pretzel dipped in chocolate into the back of the ball for a simple tail. For a fan tail, dip the ends of straight pretzels in chocolate and push several into the back to form a fan. Gently press the neck piece into the ball for the head.
Storage
- Put the finished turkeys in the freezer a few minutes until the chocolate sets, then store in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
