I always look forward to the holiday season when the house smells like sweets and the kitchen becomes a place for creative projects. These Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments have become a staple in my home because they are so simple to put together, yet they look incredibly professional on a dessert platter. I love getting the whole family involved in decorating them, making each little ornament unique and colorful for our guests.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 ornaments
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 185
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 9g

Why You’ll Love This Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

This recipe is a holiday lifesaver because it requires absolutely no baking, which is perfect when your oven is already busy with a turkey or Christmas roast. The combination of crunchy chocolate cookies and smooth coating is a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults. You will love how customizable these are, allowing you to use whatever sprinkles or icing colors you have on hand to match your holiday theme. Plus, they make wonderful handmade gifts for neighbors and friends when tucked into a pretty tin.

Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments Ingredients & Substitutions

12 standard Oreo cookies
8 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
12 mini peanut butter cups or small chocolate candies
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
2 tablespoons festive holiday sprinkles
1 tube of red or green decorating gel
12 small pretzel loops or pieces of licorice string

If you prefer a different base, you can use golden sandwich cookies instead of chocolate ones. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate melting wafers work just as well if you want a richer look for your ornaments. For those who cannot find mini peanut butter cups, a Rolo candy or even a small square of caramel can serve as the ornament topper. You can also swap the decorating gel for melted chocolate tinted with oil-based food coloring if you want a more set finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

Step 1: Preparation

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your ornaments will not stick once the chocolate sets. Set out your cookies, sprinkles, and toppers so everything is within reach before you start melting the chocolate.

Step 2: Melting the Coating

Place the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each session until the chocolate is completely smooth. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract for a boost of flavor. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can become grainy or seize.

Step 3: Dipping the Cookies

Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge one Oreo cookie at a time into the melted chocolate. Lift the cookie out and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated cookie onto the prepared parchment paper.

Step 4: Adding the Ornament Top

While the chocolate is still wet, place a mini peanut butter cup or your chosen candy on the top edge of the cookie to look like the ornament cap. If you are using pretzel loops or licorice for the hanging string, press them into the top of the candy topper now so they stick as the chocolate cools.

Step 5: Decorating

Immediately add your festive sprinkles to the face of the cookie before the coating hardens. Once the base coat is fully set, use the decorating gel to draw lines, zig-zags, or polka dots to finish the ornament design. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until completely firm.

Tips for Success

To get a perfectly smooth finish, make sure your Oreo cookies are at room temperature before dipping. If the cookies are too cold, the chocolate might set too quickly, making it hard to add your sprinkles. Always use a deep bowl for melting the chocolate so that you can fully submerge the cookies easily. If your chocolate starts to thicken while you are working, simply pop it back in the microwave for ten seconds and give it a good stir. Using a toothpick can also help you position small decorations precisely without smudging the base coat.

Variations of Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

You can truly let your creativity shine with different variations of this treat. Try using mint-flavored Oreos for a refreshing holiday twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate. For a more elegant look, skip the colorful sprinkles and use a gold edible luster dust over dark chocolate coating. You could also use white chocolate for the base and drizzle thin lines of dark chocolate over the top for a sophisticated marbled effect. If you want a variety of sizes, try using “mini” Oreo cookies to create smaller ornaments that look great as cupcake toppers.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

These adorable treats are the perfect companion to a warm mug of cocoa or a hot cup of peppermint tea. They look beautiful when arranged on a silver platter alongside other holiday classics like gingerbread men and shortbread cookies. If you are hosting a party, consider serving them with a side of fresh berries to balance out the sweetness. They also make a festive addition to a holiday charcuterie board filled with nuts, fruits, and different types of chocolate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store these ornaments in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from melting or blooming. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator, but be aware that the chocolate might develop a slight condensation when brought back to room temperature. These are best served at room temperature for the best texture. Reheating is not recommended as it will melt the chocolate coating and ruin the decorations.

Memories Made Around the Table

I remember one specific Christmas Eve when my kitchen was covered in sprinkles and chocolate smudges because my nephews decided to help me make these. We spent the whole afternoon laughing as we tried to make the most elaborate ornament designs possible. It wasn’t about making them look perfect, it was about the joy of creating something together. Every time I bite into one of these cookies, I am reminded of that afternoon and the warmth of being surrounded by family during the holidays.

FAQs

Can I make these Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments in advance?

Yes, you can easily make these up to a week in advance. Just ensure they are stored in a cool, airtight container so the cookies stay crunchy and the chocolate remains fresh. This makes them a great option for prepping before a big holiday party.

What is the best way to melt the chocolate without it burning?

The best method is to use short bursts in the microwave, usually 30 seconds at a time. Always stir the chocolate thoroughly between intervals, because the wafers often hold their shape even when they are melted inside. Stiring helps distribute the heat evenly.

How do I prevent the Oreos from leaving crumbs in the melted chocolate?

To keep your chocolate clean, try to avoid “swishing” the cookie around too much. A quick dip and lift is usually enough. You can also tap the cookie gently before dipping to remove any loose crumbs from the edges.

Can I freeze these ornaments for later?

While you can freeze them, the moisture in the freezer can sometimes cause the chocolate to discolor or the sprinkles to bleed. If you must freeze them, wrap them tightly and thaw them in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature.

What can I use instead of white chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even colored candy melts. Candy melts are especially useful if you want bright red or green ornaments without having to worry about mixing food coloring into white chocolate.

Final Thoughts

Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments are a delightful way to bring some festive cheer into your kitchen without the stress of complicated baking. They are visually stunning, incredibly tasty, and provide a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Whether you are making them for a gift exchange or just as a sweet treat for your own home, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of decorating and the smiles they bring to everyone who sees them on your holiday table.

Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

Print Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

12 standard Oreo cookies
8 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
12 mini peanut butter cups or small chocolate candies
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
2 tablespoons festive holiday sprinkles
1 tube of red or green decorating gel
12 small pretzel loops or pieces of licorice string

Instructions

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your ornaments will not stick once the chocolate sets. Set out your cookies, sprinkles, and toppers so everything is within reach before you start melting the chocolate.
Place the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each session until the chocolate is completely smooth. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract for a boost of flavor. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can become grainy or seize.
Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge one Oreo cookie at a time into the melted chocolate. Lift the cookie out and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated cookie onto the prepared parchment paper.
While the chocolate is still wet, place a mini peanut butter cup or your chosen candy on the top edge of the cookie to look like the ornament cap. If you are using pretzel loops or licorice for the hanging string, press them into the top of the candy topper now so they stick as the chocolate cools.
Immediately add your festive sprinkles to the face of the cookie before the coating hardens. Once the base coat is fully set, use the decorating gel to draw lines, zig-zags, or polka dots to finish the ornament design. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until completely firm.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian