Pretzel Oreo Balls Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that checks all the boxes—salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy—let me introduce you to Pretzel Oreo Balls! These little bites of bliss combine iconic Oreos, tangy cream cheese, salty pretzels, and a hidden surprise of gooey homemade salted caramel all wrapped up in a silky chocolate coat. They’re as impressive for parties as they are easy for weeknight cravings, and the best part is you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create them. If you’re ready to wow everyone (including yourself), Pretzel Oreo Balls might just become your next dessert obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pretzel Oreo Balls is their simplicity—a handful of staple ingredients, each bringing their own personality to the party. From the signature chocolatey Oreo base to the irresistible crunch and salt from pretzels, every component matters.

• Oreos (1 bag, 36 cookies): These are the rich, chocolatey backbone of the recipe and supply that classic cookies-and-cream flavor we all love.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz., room temperature): Soft cream cheese binds the crushed cookies together while adding tang and creaminess.
• Pretzels (2 cups, about 2 oz.): Pretzels provide crunch and bring a salty contrast that really wakes up the sweetness.
• Candy Coating (12 oz., white & dark chocolate melting wafers): Ghirardelli makes a smooth, glossy shell, but pick your favorite chocolates for coating!
• Homemade Salted Caramel: Tucked inside and drizzled on top, this adds a luscious, gooey factor and a hit of salt to balance the whole bite.
• Extra Crushed Pretzels (for garnish): Not just a topping—these amp up the crunch and make the balls look gorgeous.

How to Make Pretzel Oreo Balls

Step 1: Crush the Oreos

Grab your food processor and pour in the entire bag of Oreo cookies. Pulse until you have a fine, sandy texture—don’t leave any big chunks behind, as this helps the dough mix evenly later. No food processor? No problem! Toss the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Step 2: Crush the Pretzels

Next, use your food processor again (or a clean bag and rolling pin) to pulse the pretzels into small, pebble-sized pieces. You want some texture here—not totally powdered, but no large chunks either, so each bite gets that salty snap.

Step 3: Make the Oreo Dough

In a stand mixer (or a big sturdy bowl), combine the crushed Oreos with softened cream cheese. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If you have a paddle attachment, now’s the time to use it for best results! The dough should hold together easily when squeezed.

Step 4: Mix in the Pretzels

Gently fold your crushed pretzels into the Oreo-cream cheese dough. Blend until the pretzels are evenly distributed, being careful not to smash them entirely—those crispy bits are gold!

Step 5: Shape the Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined sheet. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your hands, then gently flatten to make a thick disk—this makes them easier to stuff.

Step 6: Fill with Caramel

Now comes the fun part: squeeze about half a teaspoon of salted caramel into the center of each disk. (If your caramel is cold, briefly warm the bottle in the microwave until it flows easily.)

Step 7: Seal the Caramel & Shape Again

Carefully pull the edges of dough up and around the caramel, pinching to seal and rolling gently to reshape into a ball. Place each filled ball back onto the parchment—you don’t want any leaks, so take your time with this part!

Step 8: Freeze to Firm Up

Pop the tray into the freezer for about an hour, or until the balls are really firm. This makes them much easier to dip without falling apart.

Step 9: Coat in Chocolate

Melt your candy coating according to package directions. Use a fork or dipping tool to dunk each frozen ball, let the excess drip off, and place them back on the lined tray. If you want both white and dark chocolate, alternate for a showstopping mix.

Step 10: Decorate

While the coating is still wet, drizzle with extra salted caramel and sprinkle with more crushed pretzels. This not only amps up the flavor, but also makes each Pretzel Oreo Ball look deliciously irresistible. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, then serve and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Pretzel Oreo Balls

Garnishes

Go wild with the toppings! Beyond the signature salted caramel drizzle and crushed pretzels, you can finish Pretzel Oreo Balls with mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for added flair.

Side Dishes

Pretzel Oreo Balls pair beautifully with a platter of fresh fruit, like strawberries or sliced bananas, to balance the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside espresso or iced coffee for an unforgettable dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Display Pretzel Oreo Balls in decorative paper cups for a clean, treats-at-a-party look. For special occasions, set them on a tiered dessert tray or skewer each with a lollipop stick for Oreo Ball pops—easy for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pretzel Oreo Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week—if they even last that long! The cold keeps the centers creamy and the caramel perfectly gooey.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Pretzel Oreo Balls for longer storage. After the chocolate has set, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No actual reheating is needed, but if you prefer a slightly softer caramel center, let the balls sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying. For an indulgent twist, warm one for just a few seconds in the microwave—careful not to melt the chocolate!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine in Pretzel Oreo Balls, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thick enough to sit in the center and not ooze out during assembly.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you need a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese or even thick coconut yogurt, though the final flavor and texture will be a bit different. Stick to original cream cheese for classic results.

Do I have to use a food processor?

Not at all! A sturdy zip-top bag and rolling pin are great for crushing both Oreos and pretzels if you don’t have a food processor. It may take a little more elbow grease, but it works perfectly.

Can I dip them in only one type of chocolate?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard white chocolate fan or love dark chocolate, choose whichever you like—or go crazy with both for a fun variety on your tray!

Is it possible to make Pretzel Oreo Balls gluten-free?

It sure is. Swap in gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and gluten-free pretzels, and double-check your candy coating to be certain. Everyone should get to enjoy Pretzel Oreo Balls!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to delight a crowd or just treat yourself to a seriously crave-worthy bite, Pretzel Oreo Balls are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and full of that magical sweet-salty charm. Promise me you’ll try them—you’ll never look at Oreos or pretzels the same way again!

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