Peppermint Oreo Truffles

Christmas Eve, here we are. I don’t envy those of you still not finished with your shopping (I was stuck in mall traffic yesterday on several occasions – painful)…but those of you with baking still on your to-do list. Well, that I could handle…that I would love.

And I’ll use the term “baking” very loosely as these Peppermint Oreo Truffles require no baking at all. Kind of brilliant, especially for all of you procrastinators or those of you who had Christmas sneak up on you as quickly as it did on me.

Or maybe just bookmark this recipe when you have leftover candy canes a week or two from now. Trust me when I say no one will give you a hard time for serving up peppermint truffles in January…or May.

I actually didn’t make these truffles for Christmas, per se — I made them for my Melt party a few weeks back. And what a hit were they. Best friend Kristen sang their praises and she’s more the type of gal to swoon over goat cheese and pasta, not dessert.

But I think most anyone with good taste in food (no biases aside) loves the combination of peppermint and chocolate. Made into a two-bite truffle? Ohh yea.

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Peppermint Oreo Truffles adapted from Kraft and Life and Kitchen

1 pkg (8 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3 cups (12 oz) Oreo cookies
1/4 tsp mint extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate, melted
1 candy cane, crushed

Directions:

Process Oreos in a food processor or crush with a rolling pin or other kitchen utensil.

Mix cream cheese, cookie crumbs, and mint extract until well blended.

Shape into 36 (1-inch) balls and freeze for about 30 minutes. Dip in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with the crushed candy canes.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator. Yield: 36 truffles.

Nutrition Information (per truffle): 88 calories; 4.8 g. fat; 4 mg. cholesterol; 80 mg. sodium; 11 g. carbohydrate; 0.7 g. fiber; 1.4 g. protein

Result: These are worth every last calorie, and at only 88 calories a piece – these are a bargain! Rich, creamy, but not overly-sweet like a traditional truffle. For the cream cheese-lovers in your life, these are a must-make! Simple, too! Enjoy!

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My cousin hosts our big Christmas Eve get-together out in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It’s always a good time, great food, and great laughs…especially when it’s time to play Dirty Santa. 😉

Merry Christmas Eve!

Lots of love,