Festive no-bake peppermint bark snowballs are the perfect sweet treat for the holidays. With creamy, chocolatey centers wrapped in a white chocolate shell and topped with crushed candy canes, they’re as joyful to make as they are to eat. No oven required, just a few simple ingredients and some chill time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and stress-free these peppermint bark snowballs are to make—no baking means I get to save oven space during the busy holiday season. They come together with just a few ingredients and are the perfect make-ahead dessert. The combination of peppermint and chocolate always feels like a celebration, and these little bites deliver both flavor and festivity in every mouthful.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos)
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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1 tsp peppermint extract
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2 cups white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
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1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
directions
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I start by mixing the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and peppermint extract in a bowl until everything is smooth and well combined.
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Then, I shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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I pop them in the fridge or freezer until they’re firm—about 15 minutes, or up to an hour if I’m multitasking.
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While those chill, I melt the white chocolate chips until smooth, either in the microwave or using a double boiler.
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I dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
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While the coating is still wet, I sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for that festive crunch.
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Once all are coated, I return them to the baking sheet and chill them again until the chocolate sets.
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After that, they’re ready to serve—or store for later.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 to 30 snowballs, depending on how big I roll them.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
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Total Time: 1 hour (including chill time)
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Serving Size: 1 snowball
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Calories per Serving: Approx. 70 kcal
Variations
When I want a little variety, I switch things up with a few tweaks:
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I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of white for a different shell.
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I sometimes add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the filling for a surprise crunch.
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I swap peppermint extract for vanilla if I want a milder flavor.
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I like rolling some in cocoa powder or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets for texture.
storage/reheating
I keep these snowballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—they stay fresh and delicious. If I need to store them longer, I freeze them for up to 2 months. I just let them thaw in the fridge before serving. There’s no reheating needed, just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I crush the cookies without making a mess?
I usually place the cookies in a sealed zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin—it’s quick, easy, and less cleanup.
Can I use flavored Oreos for this recipe?
Yes, I’ve tried peppermint or chocolate cream versions and they work great. Just be mindful of the sweetness.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely. I often make them several days ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer until serving time.
What if I don’t like peppermint?
If peppermint’s not my thing, I swap the extract for vanilla or almond, and skip the candy cane topping.
Do I need to temper the white chocolate?
Not for this recipe. Since I’m storing them chilled, I don’t worry about tempering—the white chocolate sets just fine without it.
Conclusion
These no-bake peppermint bark snowballs have become one of my go-to holiday treats. They’re easy, festive, and incredibly satisfying to bite into. I love that I can prep them ahead of time, make a big batch, and customize them for different occasions. Whether I’m gifting them or serving them at a gathering, they always bring that perfect touch of holiday cheer.
Print
No-Bake Peppermint Bark Snowballs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no bake)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 20–30 snowballs, depending on size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No‑Bake, Freezing/Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive no‑bake peppermint bark snowballs: creamy, chocolatey centers coated in white chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint for a holiday-ready treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1‑inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate or freeze the balls until firm—about 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or by double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Immediately sprinkle the coated balls with crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place back on the lined baking sheet and chill until the chocolate sets.
- Store the snowballs in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can use melting wafers instead of chocolate chips for smoother coating.
- If using double‑stuffed cookies, reduce the cream cheese slightly.
- Coat a second time if you want a thicker chocolate shell.
- Storage: refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: approx. 70 kcal
- Sugar: approx. 6 g
- Sodium: approx. 50 mg
- Fat: approx. 4 g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: approx. 10 mg