There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining sweet, salty, and creamy flavors into one perfect bite. These Pretzel Oreo Balls Stuffed with Salted Caramel are a testament to that magical combination. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these treats are sure to impress. They’re simple to make, require no baking, and can be stored for those moments when you need a little indulgence. Let’s dive into how you can create these irresistible bites of joy!
Ingredients
Before we get into the steps, let’s go over what you’ll need:
- 1 bag Oreos (36 cookies)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups pretzels (about 2 oz.)
- 12 oz. candy coating (Ghirardelli White & Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers recommended)
- 1 batch homemade salted caramel (stored in a condiment squeeze bottle)
Toppings:
- Homemade salted caramel
- Crushed pretzels
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crumble
- In a food processor, finely crush the Oreo cookies until they reach a sandy texture.
- Transfer the crushed Oreos to a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Crush the Pretzels
- Use the food processor to crush the pretzels by pulsing until they are chopped into small pieces.
Step 3: Form the Dough
- Add the cream cheese to the crushed Oreos in the large bowl.
- Mix until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
- Mix the crushed pretzels into the Oreo dough until well blended.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
- Using a measuring spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out 1 heaping tablespoon of dough at a time.
- Place each piece on a large sheet of parchment paper.
- Roll each piece of dough in your hands to form a ball, then flatten it into a disk shape.
- Lay each disk back on the tray and repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 5: Add the Caramel Filling
- Squeeze about ½ teaspoon of caramel onto the center of each Oreo disk.
Step 6: Seal and Roll
- Fold all sides of the Oreo disk over the caramel, rolling it into a ball.
- Place each rolled ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Freeze
- Freeze the tray of Oreo balls for about 1 hour, or until they are very firm.
Step 8: Coat with Candy
- Melt the candy coating according to the package instructions.
- Roll each Oreo ball in the melted candy coating to completely coat it.
- Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper-lined tray.
Step 9: Add the Final Touch
- Drizzle the tops with salted caramel and sprinkle with crushed pretzels.
- For easier drizzling, warm the caramel bottle in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Step 10: Serve
- Keep the Oreo balls refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These Pretzel Oreo Balls are best served chilled. The cold helps maintain their structure, and the flavors meld beautifully together when served straight from the fridge. For a more sophisticated presentation, serve them on a decorative platter with extra crushed pretzels and caramel drizzle on the side.
- Storage: Store these Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to make a larger batch, these treats can also be frozen. Just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Helpful Notes
- Crushing the Oreos: Make sure to crush the Oreos finely to achieve a smooth texture in the dough. A food processor works best for this task, but if you don’t have one, place the Oreos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Pretzel Texture: The pretzels should be chopped small but not pulverized. You want to maintain some crunch for texture contrast within the Oreo balls.
- Candy Coating: Use high-quality candy coating for the best results. Ghirardelli White & Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers are recommended for their smooth melting and excellent flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Warming the caramel slightly makes it easier to drizzle. If it’s too thick, you can warm it up a bit more in the microwave.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: “When making no-bake treats like these Oreo balls, using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps the dough come together smoothly and ensures even mixing.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for an extra burst of flavor, or mix in some chopped nuts for added texture.”
- Chef Jacques Torres: “Quality ingredients make all the difference. Using high-quality chocolate and real cream cheese will elevate these treats and give them that professional touch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
- Yes, you can use store-bought caramel if you’re short on time, but homemade caramel will give a richer and more authentic flavor.
- Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?
- Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out of the Oreo balls?
- Ensure that you fully encase the caramel in the Oreo dough before rolling it into a ball. Freezing the balls before coating them also helps.
- Can I add other ingredients to the Oreo dough?
- Yes, you can add ingredients like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- How do I make the Oreo balls vegan?
- Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate to make these Oreo balls vegan-friendly. Ensure your Oreos and pretzels are also vegan.
- What can I use instead of pretzels?
- You can substitute crushed graham crackers, toasted nuts, or even cereal for the pretzels.
- Do I have to freeze the Oreo balls before coating them?
- Freezing helps the balls stay firm during the coating process, making it easier to handle them without them falling apart.
- Can I make these Oreo balls gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free Oreos and pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free.
- How long do these Oreo balls last?
- When stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to one week. In the freezer, they can be stored for up to three months.
- Can I make these Oreo balls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare these Oreo balls a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
These Pretzel Oreo Balls Stuffed with Salted Caramel are a decadent treat that brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of making them and savor each bite!