Six Must-Make, No-Bake Cookie Tray Balls for Your Holiday Season 🎄
The holiday season calls for indulgent treats that are easy to make, yet irresistibly delicious. These no-bake cookie tray balls are the perfect solution—quick to prepare and packed with festive flavors. From peanut butter to Oreo truffles, these six delectable balls will make a big impression at your holiday gatherings. And the best part? No oven required!
1. Peanut Butter Balls ❤️
These classic peanut butter balls are a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate—a timeless treat loved by all.
Ingredients:
- 7 oz Baker’s dark chocolate dipping chocolate
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, covering it completely.
- Place the dipped balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, until the chocolate hardens.
History:
Peanut butter balls have been around for decades, often making an appearance in holiday baking and potlucks. Their combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes them a favorite in many cultures, especially in North America.
2. Nutter Butter Balls 💚
A fun twist on the classic peanut butter ball, these Nutter Butter balls are made with Nutter Butter cookies for an extra crunch and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz package Nutter Butter cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- 10 oz chocolate melting wafers
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Crush the Nutter Butter cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
- Mix the crushed cookies with cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and salt until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, then return to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add sprinkles and a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes.
History:
Nutter Butter cookies have been a favorite since their introduction by Nabisco in 1969. Their crunchy peanut-buttery goodness made them a perfect base for these no-bake treats.
3. Easy Rum Balls ❤️
These boozy treats are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray. The combination of vanilla wafers, rum, and cocoa powder gives them a rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup pecans, ground
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup rum
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp water
- Additional powdered sugar (for coating)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the crushed vanilla wafers, ground pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
- Add the rum, honey, and water. Mix until the mixture is moist and holds together.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll the balls in additional powdered sugar or sprinkles for extra sweetness.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to firm up.
History:
Rum balls have been a holiday staple in many European and American kitchens, often made with leftover holiday treats. They are a part of the global tradition of spiced, boozy desserts that are perfect for the colder months.
4. PB Balls with Rice Krispies 💚
A crunchy twist on the classic peanut butter ball, these treats have Rice Krispies cereal added for texture and extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate melting wafers
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate wafers with the coconut oil in the microwave or double boiler.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and crispy rice cereal until combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and set aside.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm.
History:
The idea of combining crispy cereal with chocolate dates back to the creation of Rice Krispies Treats in the 1930s. Over time, this concept evolved into various forms, including these fun and crunchy peanut butter balls.
5. Christmas Oreo Bon Bons ❤️
These decadent bon bons are made with Oreos and cream cheese, then dipped in dark chocolate for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients:
- 12.2 oz Oreos
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 oz dark chocolate melting wafers
- Small handful of chocolate chips (optional)
- Fleur de sel (for garnish)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs, either using a food processor or placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Mix the Oreo crumbs with cream cheese until smooth and combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Melt the dark chocolate wafers in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, then return to a lined baking sheet.
- Garnish with chocolate chips, fleur de sel, or sprinkles.
- Chill for 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
History:
Oreo cookies, first introduced in 1912, quickly became a household favorite. Their versatility in baking led to countless variations, and the Oreo truffle (or bon bon) became a popular holiday treat in the early 2000s.
6. Grinch Oreo Truffles 💚
These fun and festive truffles are made with golden Oreos and green candy melts, giving them a Grinch-inspired color scheme that’s perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 14.3 oz golden Oreos
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup Christmas nonpareils (for decoration)
- 1 lb light green candy melts
- Heart sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Crush the golden Oreos into fine crumbs.
- Mix the Oreo crumbs with softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Melt the green candy melts according to package instructions.
- Dip each Oreo ball into the melted candy and return to a lined baking sheet.
- Decorate with Christmas nonpareils and heart-shaped sprinkles.
- Chill for 30 minutes to set.
History:
The “Grinch” theme draws inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday character, and this treat brings the mischievous green character to life with its vibrant green color and sweet, tart flavor.
Conclusion
These six no-bake balls are the perfect addition to any cookie tray and sure to delight your friends and family this holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of classic peanut butter balls, boozy rum balls, or festive Oreo truffles, these treats are easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at your holiday parties. Each of these recipes brings something special to the table, making your holiday celebrations even sweeter and more memorable!
Lovers of No-Bake Sweets
If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and mess-free holiday treats, these no-bake cookie balls will become your new go-to. They allow you to get creative with different flavors and ingredients while avoiding the heat of the oven—perfect for those last-minute party prep days. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time and have plenty of treats on hand for your guests.
Enjoy baking (and no-baking!) your way through the season! 🎄