Welcome to the enchanting world of holiday baking, where festive cheer meets irresistible flavor! As the holiday season approaches, we’re all looking for delightful treats that capture the magic of Christmas without demanding hours in the kitchen. Look no further than these charming Reindeer Oreo Balls – the ultimate no-bake holiday confection that brings smiles to faces young and old alike.
Imagine a velvety smooth Oreo truffle, transformed into an adorable reindeer with crunchy pretzel antlers, bright candy eyes, and a sweet red nose. These whimsical creations are not just incredibly cute but also astonishingly simple to make, making them an ideal project for family fun or a standout addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas party, contributing to a holiday potluck, or simply craving a sweet and easy treat, these Reindeer Oreo Balls are guaranteed to be a hit.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create these delightful holiday truffles. From selecting the perfect ingredients to expert tips for flawless dipping and decorating, you’ll discover how effortlessly you can whip up a batch of these iconic Christmas desserts. Get ready to sprinkle some extra joy into your holiday season with this ultimate Reindeer Oreo Ball recipe!
Why Reindeer Oreo Balls are Your Must-Make Holiday Treat
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. Amidst the hustle and bustle, finding a recipe that is both show-stopping and stress-free can feel like a Christmas miracle. These Reindeer Oreo Balls are precisely that – a miracle! Here’s why they should be at the top of your holiday baking list:
- Effortlessly Adorable: Their charming reindeer design instantly elevates any dessert spread, making them a festive centerpiece or a delightful edible gift. Kids (and adults!) will swoon over their cute appearance.
- No-Bake Simplicity: Forget preheating ovens and complex baking techniques. This recipe requires no baking, making it perfect for busy schedules and a fantastic entry point for novice bakers.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involving children in the kitchen creates cherished holiday memories. The simple steps of crushing Oreos, rolling balls, and decorating are perfect for little hands.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Who doesn’t love Oreos and cream cheese? This classic combination creates a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious truffle that appeals to almost everyone.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors and decorations to suit your preferences or holiday theme. More on this in our “Variations” section!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family movie nights to elegant holiday parties, these truffles fit right in. They’re also excellent for gifting to neighbors, teachers, or friends.
So, clear your counter, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a wave of holiday cheer. These Reindeer Oreo Balls are more than just a dessert; they’re a festive experience waiting to happen!
Common Questions & Expert Answers About Reindeer Oreo Balls
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure your Reindeer Oreo Balls turn out perfectly every time. From ingredient substitutions to storage tips, we’ve got you covered!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Oreos?
Absolutely! This is one of the joys of making Oreo truffles. While classic Oreos provide a universally loved base, feel free to get creative with other flavors. Imagine the refreshing zing of Mint Oreos, the cozy warmth of Gingerbread Oreos, or even the subtle sweetness of Golden Oreos. Each variation can add a unique twist to your reindeer balls, making them truly special. Just remember to use standard-sized Oreos (not Double Stuf or Mega Stuf) for the best texture in the truffle mixture, or adjust the cream cheese amount accordingly as extra cream filling can make the mixture too wet.
Do I Need a Food Processor to Crush the Oreos?
A food processor certainly makes the job quicker and ensures a super fine crumb, which is ideal for a smooth truffle texture. However, it’s not essential! If you don’t have one, simply place the Oreo cookies in a large Ziploc bag, seal it tightly (removing excess air), and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. This method is also a fantastic way to involve kids in the preparation, letting them have some fun smashing the cookies!
Can These Oreo Balls Be Made In Advance?
Yes, these Reindeer Oreo Balls are an excellent make-ahead treat, which is perfect for managing holiday stress. You can prepare the Oreo cream cheese balls and chill them for several days before dipping. However, it’s important to consider the pretzel antlers. Pretzels can soften over time when exposed to moisture in the refrigerator. For the best crunchy antlers, it’s ideal to add them closer to serving time or freeze the undecorated balls and add the antlers after thawing.
Storage Solutions for Your Festive Truffles
One of the many benefits of these no-bake Oreo truffles is their excellent shelf life, making them convenient for holiday entertaining. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious and visually appealing for as long as possible.
Refrigerator Storage:
Store your finished Reindeer Oreo Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be mindful that the pretzel antlers may lose some of their crispness and soften slightly due to the cool, damp environment of the fridge. If you prefer super crunchy antlers, consider adding them just before serving.
Freezer Storage:
For longer preservation, these Oreo balls freeze beautifully. It’s best to freeze them *without* the pretzel antlers or candy decorations. Place the undipped or dipped (but undecorated) Oreo balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator, then add the pretzel antlers and candy decorations for that fresh, festive look.
Expert Tips for Perfect Reindeer Oreo Balls
While this is an incredibly straightforward recipe, a few simple tips can elevate your Reindeer Oreo Balls from good to absolutely spectacular. Follow these suggestions for the best results, ensuring smooth truffles, perfectly coated chocolate, and charming decorations.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it much easier to beat until smooth and ensures it combines seamlessly with the Oreo crumbs, preventing lumps and creating a truly velvety truffle mixture.
- Achieve Consistent Size: For uniformly sized and professional-looking Oreo balls, use a small cookie scoop (a 1.5-inch scoop is ideal). This also helps ensure even chilling and dipping.
- Chill Thoroughly Before Dipping: This step is non-negotiable! Chilling the rolled Oreo balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or even freezing them for 30 minutes) is crucial. Cold balls will hold their shape better and prevent the chocolate coating from melting them, making the dipping process much cleaner and easier.
- Decorate While Chocolate is Wet: Speed is your friend when decorating! Once you dip a truffle, immediately add the pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red nose while the chocolate coating is still wet and pliable. This allows the decorations to adhere firmly as the chocolate sets.
- Gentle Chocolate Melting: Whether using a double boiler or a microwave, melt your dark chocolate wafers gently and slowly. Overheating chocolate can cause it to “seize” – becoming thick, grainy, and unworkable. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring well after each interval until just smooth. A double boiler offers more controlled, even melting.
- Use Good Quality Melting Wafers: For the smoothest coating and easiest dipping experience, opt for high-quality chocolate melting wafers or almond bark. These are specifically designed to melt smoothly and set firmly, unlike standard chocolate chips that can be too thick or won’t set as well.
- Break Pretzels Strategically: When breaking your pretzel twists for antlers, aim for pieces that resemble small “Y” shapes or V-shapes for the most realistic look. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; natural variations add to their charm!
Simple Ingredients for Magical Reindeer Oreo Balls
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Quality ingredients will shine through, so pick your favorites!
- Oreo Cookies: Approximately 18.12 oz, which is about 45 standard-sized Oreo cookies. The classic chocolate sandwich cookie is perfect, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors!
- Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This is essential for a smooth, creamy truffle consistency.
- Pretzel Twists: About 2 cups of small pretzel twists. These will be broken in half to create the iconic reindeer antlers. Their salty crunch provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet truffle.
- Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers: Approximately 15 ounces. Melting wafers (like Ghirardelli or Wilton Candy Melts) are recommended for their smooth melting and easy setting properties, ensuring a beautiful, glossy coating.
- Black Sugar Pearls (or edible candy eyes): For the expressive reindeer eyes. Edible candy eyes are also widely available during the holiday season and are super convenient.
- Red Hots (or other small red candies): These vibrant little candies make the perfect bright red nose for Rudolph! Mini M&M’s or other small red round candies can also be used.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Reindeer Oreo Balls
Get ready for some holiday fun! This simple no-bake recipe is not only delicious but also a joy to create, especially with family. Follow these easy steps to bring your adorable Reindeer Oreo Balls to life.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface will be crucial for placing your rolled and dipped truffles without them sticking. Set it aside.
- Crush the Oreos: Place your Oreo cookies into a food processor or a high-speed blender. Pulse the cookies until they are completely crushed into very fine crumbs. Ensure there are no large chunks left for a smooth truffle texture. If using a rolling pin, place cookies in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crush thoroughly.
- Cream the Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it is perfectly smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fine Oreo crumbs to the bowl with the cream cheese. Mix on medium speed until the crumbs and cream cheese are thoroughly combined and form a thick, uniform dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Roll the Truffles: Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop (or about 1 tablespoon per truffle), scoop out even portions of the Oreo dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Place these rolled balls onto the prepared baking tray.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the Oreo balls for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is vital, as it allows the dough to firm up, making the dipping process much easier and preventing the truffles from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the truffles are chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. In a double boiler over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl (heating in 15-30 second intervals, stirring well each time), gently melt the dark chocolate wafers. Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
- Dip the Truffles: Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip one chilled Oreo truffle at a time into the melted dark chocolate. Ensure it’s fully coated. Lift the truffle out, gently tapping the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate, creating a clean, even coating. Place the dipped ball back onto the parchment-lined baking tray.
- Add the Antlers: Immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still soft, carefully insert two broken pretzel pieces (the “antlers”) into the top of the truffle, about ¼-½ inch deep.
- Attach the Nose: Place a Red Hot candy (or your chosen red candy) onto the front of the truffle for the reindeer’s nose. Hold it in place gently for about 10 seconds to allow the chocolate to start setting around it, preventing it from sliding down.
- Place the Eyes: Right above the nose, firmly place two black sugar pearls or candy eyes to complete your reindeer’s face.
- Repeat and Reheat: Continue this process with the remaining truffles. If your dark chocolate melting wafers begin to thicken, gently reheat them over low heat or in the microwave on a low/defrost setting until smooth again.
- Allow to Set: Once all truffles are dipped and decorated, allow them to set completely before serving. This usually takes about 15 minutes at room temperature, or you can place them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Keep the finished Reindeer Oreo Balls refrigerated until you are ready to serve them. Enjoy your adorable and delicious holiday treats!
Essential Kitchen Supplies for Your Reindeer Oreo Balls
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. For these Reindeer Oreo Balls, you’ll need a few basic kitchen items to help you crush, mix, roll, and dip with ease. Don’t forget that parchment paper – it’s a real lifesaver!
- Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: For efficiently crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. A sturdy Ziploc bag and a rolling pin can be used as an alternative.
- Large and Small Mixing Bowls: A large one for mixing the truffle base and a smaller one for melting chocolate.
- Hand Mixer: To ensure the cream cheese is perfectly smooth and to thoroughly combine it with the Oreo crumbs.
- Baking Tray Lined with Parchment Paper: Crucial for placing your rolled truffles for chilling and your dipped truffles for setting. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Candy Melt Melting Pot, Double Boiler, or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For safely and effectively melting the chocolate wafers. A double boiler offers the most control, but a microwave works well with careful monitoring.
- Cookie Scoop (1.5-inch): For portioning out the truffle mixture, ensuring all your Reindeer Oreo Balls are uniform in size.
- Fork or Dipping Tool: Essential for dipping the truffles into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off easily.
Pairing Perfection: What to Serve With Reindeer Oreo Balls
These festive Reindeer Oreo Truffles are undeniably delicious on their own, offering a delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty goodness. However, pairing them with other holiday treats or beverages can elevate the experience and make them part of a grander festive spread. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Cozy Hot Cocoa: A warm, rich cup of hot chocolate is the ultimate companion for these sweet treats. The creamy drink beautifully complements the chocolatey truffles, making for a truly comforting holiday snack.
- Grand Festive Dessert Spread: Incorporate these adorable reindeer truffles into a larger display of holiday desserts. They’ll look fantastic alongside traditional Christmas cookies, gingerbread cakes, peppermint bark, and other seasonal favorites, adding a playful touch.
- Classic Glass of Milk: Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best. A cold glass of milk cuts through the richness of the truffles and highlights their classic Oreo flavor – a perfect treat for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
- Holiday Coffee or Espresso: For an adult pairing, serve them alongside a festive coffee drink like a peppermint mocha or a cinnamon latte. The flavors will intertwine beautifully.
- Gift-Giving: Package a few Reindeer Oreo Balls in decorative boxes or bags with a festive ribbon. They make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, or hosts.
The Undeniable Charm: Why These Reindeer Oreo Balls Are a Must-Make
Let’s recap why these Reindeer Oreo Balls are more than just a recipe – they’re a holiday experience that you simply can’t miss. From their irresistible charm to their delightful taste, they embody everything wonderful about the festive season.
- Unmatched Festive Fun: These truffles instantly inject a cheerful and playful spirit into your holiday celebrations. Their adorable reindeer faces are a guaranteed conversation starter and a favorite among all ages.
- Irresistibly Delicious Flavor: The combination of crushed Oreos and creamy, tangy cream cheese creates a rich, sweet, and perfectly balanced truffle base. Coated in smooth dark chocolate, they offer a delightful textural contrast with the salty, crunchy pretzel antlers.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: As a no-bake recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels – from beginners to seasoned pros looking for a quick win. It’s a fantastic project to do with kids, fostering precious holiday memories.
- Perfect for Every Holiday Party: Whether it’s a school event, an office potluck, or your family’s annual Christmas gathering, these truffles are a surefire hit. They’re easy to transport, look impressive, and disappear quickly!
- Customizable Creativity: With simple tweaks, you can personalize them to your taste or dietary needs (within reason). Explore different Oreo flavors, chocolate coatings, or candy decorations.
In essence, Reindeer Oreo Balls are the quintessential holiday treat: festive, delicious, and delightfully simple. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of edible holiday magic.
Creative Variations and Delightful Add-Ins for Your Reindeer Oreo Balls
While the classic Reindeer Oreo Ball recipe is a holiday masterpiece, don’t hesitate to unleash your inner culinary artist! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for endless customization to suit different tastes or occasions. Feel free to experiment and make these truffles uniquely yours.
- White Chocolate Wonderland: For a snowy, magical look, dip your Oreo balls in melted white chocolate or white almond bark instead of dark chocolate. You can even drizzle dark chocolate over the white coating for an elegant contrast, or add festive sprinkles.
- Explore Flavored Oreos: As mentioned, various Oreo flavors can drastically change the profile of your truffles. Try Mint Oreos for a refreshing twist, Peanut Butter Oreos for a nutty delight, or even seasonal Gingerbread Oreos for extra holiday spice.
- Alternative Noses: If Red Hots aren’t your preference, mini red M&M’s, small red gummy candies, or even dabs of red icing can serve as perfect Rudolph noses. Get creative with what you have on hand!
- Nutty Crunch: For those who love a bit of extra texture, finely chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds) can be folded into the Oreo-cream cheese mixture. This adds a subtle crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny amount of peppermint extract can be added to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of holiday flavor. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
- Colorful Coatings: Use candy melts in various holiday colors (red, green, white) for a more vibrant assortment of truffles. You could even do a mix of different colored reindeer!
- Vegan-Friendly Option: With the growing availability of plant-based products, you can easily make these vegan by using vegan Oreos, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan chocolate melting wafers.
Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us! We love seeing how you’ve personalized this recipe. Snap some pictures of your finished Reindeer Oreo Balls and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!
If you love this easy Oreo ball recipe and are looking for more no-bake delights or festive treats, you’re going to adore these other truffle recipes too. Click each link below to discover new favorites and expand your holiday baking repertoire!
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More Enchanting Reindeer-Themed Treats for Your Holiday Table
If your heart beats for all things reindeer during the holidays, you’re in for a treat! Beyond these adorable Oreo balls, there’s a whole herd of other reindeer-themed desserts waiting to bring more magic to your festive celebrations. Check out these delightful recipes:
Reindeer Chow (Muddy Buddies): A delightful mix of cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, often enhanced with M&M’s or sprinkles for a festive touch. It’s addictively good and perfect for sharing.
Rudolph Gingerbread Cookies: Classic gingerbread cookies shaped and decorated to resemble everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer. These are wonderfully aromatic and a joy to decorate.
Chocolate Nut Clusters (or Playful “Reindeer Poo”): A simple, no-bake treat made with melted chocolate and a variety of nuts or other mix-ins. Fun to call “Reindeer Poo” for a laugh at holiday parties!
These additional recipes will ensure your holiday dessert table is not only delicious but also brimming with charming reindeer cheer!
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Reindeer Oreo Balls
Ingredients
- 18.12 oz Oreo cookies about 45 standard cookies (not double-stuffed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups pretzel twists broken in half for antlers
- 15 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers or almond bark for smooth coating
For Decoration
- Black sugar pearls or edible candy eyes for the reindeer eyes
- Red Hots or small red candies (like mini M&M’s) for the nose
Instructions
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
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In a food processor or a high-speed blender, crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Ensure no large pieces remain. Alternatively, use a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin for this step.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it is light, smooth, and free of any lumps.
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Add the crushed Oreo crumbs to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on medium speed until the crumbs are completely incorporated and a cohesive, thick dough forms. Scrape down the bowl’s sides as needed.
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Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your hands to create smooth, round balls. Place these uniform balls onto the prepared baking tray.
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Refrigerate the rolled Oreo balls for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial for the balls to firm up, making them easy to dip without crumbling.
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In a double boiler over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl (heating in 15-30 second intervals, stirring well after each), gently melt the dark chocolate wafers until smooth and fluid. Avoid high heat to prevent seizing.
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Using a fork or dipping tool, dip one chilled truffle at a time into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Lift the truffle, tapping the fork gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Return the dipped truffle to the parchment-lined baking tray.
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While the chocolate coating is still wet, carefully insert two broken pretzel pieces into the top of the truffle, positioning them as reindeer antlers (about ¼”-½” deep).
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Immediately place a Red Hot candy (or other small red candy) onto the front of the truffle for the reindeer’s nose. Gently hold it in place for about 10 seconds to allow the chocolate to begin setting, preventing it from sliding.
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Then, immediately add two black sugar pearls or candy eyes just above the nose to complete the reindeer’s face.
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Repeat the dipping and decorating process with all remaining truffles.
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If the melted chocolate thickens during the process, gently reheat it over low heat or in the microwave on a low/defrost setting until it regains its smooth consistency.
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Allow the decorated truffles to set completely before serving, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes at room temperature. For faster setting, place them in the refrigerator.
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Keep the Reindeer Oreo Balls refrigerated in an airtight container until you are ready to enjoy them, ensuring freshness and flavor.
Notes
Melting Chocolate Perfection: I highly recommend using the double boiler method over low heat when melting your candy melts or chocolate wafers. This technique provides a gradual, even heat, resulting in a perfectly thin and smooth consistency ideal for coating. It’s crucial not to overheat the chocolate or heat it too quickly at a high temperature, as this can cause the chocolate to seize – becoming thick, lumpy, and unusable. Seized chocolate cannot be salvaged, so a low and slow melting process is key to success.
Creative Eye Options: For the reindeer eyes, beyond black sugar pearls, you can also use small edible candy eyes (widely available in baking aisles) or even pipe on small dots using black candy melts with a fine-tipped piping bag.
Nose Alternatives: If Red Hots aren’t your preferred candy, feel free to use other small red candies for the reindeer’s nose, such as mini red M&M’s or other cinnamon-flavored options like Hot Tamales.
Storing Your Truffles: Store any leftover Reindeer Oreo Balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Please note that the pretzel antlers may soften over time due to the cool, damp environment of the refrigerator. For the best crispness, it’s ideal to add the antlers closer to the time of serving if possible.
Equipment
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Food processor or high-speed blender
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Mixing bowls (large & small)
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Hand mixer
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Baking tray lined with parchment paper
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Candy melt melting pot, double boiler, or microwave-safe bowl
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1.5-inch cookie scoop
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Fork or dipping tool
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.