Pretzel Oreo Balls Stuffed with Salted Caramel: A Decadent Treat

Introduction:

These Pretzel Oreo Balls are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of crushed Oreos and creamy cream cheese, all enveloped in a sweet and salty caramel center. Coated in luscious chocolate and topped with more caramel and crushed pretzels, these bites are an indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Oreo Balls:

• 1 bag Oreos (36 cookies)
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups pretzels (about 2 oz.)
• 12 oz. candy coating (Ghirardelli White & Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers recommended)
• 1 batch homemade salted caramel (stored in a condiment squeeze bottle)

For Toppings:

• Homemade salted caramel
• Crushed pretzels

Directions

1. Prepare the Oreo Crumble:
   • Finely crush the Oreo cookies in a food processor until they reach a sandy texture.
   • Transfer the crushed Oreos to a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl.
2. Crush the Pretzels:
   • In the food processor, pulse the pretzels until they are chopped into small pieces.
3. Form the Dough:
   • Add the cream cheese to the crushed Oreos in the bowl.
   • Mix until a dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
   • Incorporate the crushed pretzels into the Oreo dough until well blended.
4. Shape the Balls:
   • Scoop out 1 heaping tablespoon of dough at a time.
   • Place each piece on a large sheet of parchment paper.
   • Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then flatten into a disk shape.
   • Lay each disk back on the parchment paper.
5. Add the Caramel Filling:
   • Squeeze about ½ teaspoon of salted caramel onto the center of each Oreo disk.
6. Seal and Roll:
   • Fold the sides of the Oreo disk over the caramel, rolling it into a ball.
   • Place each rolled ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Freeze:
   • Freeze the tray of Oreo balls for about 1 hour, or until they are very firm.
8. Coat with Candy:
   • Melt the candy coating according to package instructions.
   • Roll each Oreo ball in the melted candy coating to completely coat it.
   • Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper-lined tray.
9. Add the Final Touch:
   • Drizzle the tops with additional salted caramel and sprinkle with crushed pretzels.
   • For easier drizzling, warm the caramel bottle in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
10. Serve:
    • Keep the Oreo balls refrigerated until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 20-24 Oreo balls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Caramel: Try different flavored caramels, like sea salt or bourbon, for a unique twist.
• Different Coatings: Use milk or dark chocolate coating instead of white for a different taste.
• Nutty Touch: Add finely chopped nuts to the Oreo mixture or as an additional topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: No reheating is necessary; they are enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use reduced-fat Oreos?
   • Yes, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
2. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
   • You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt, though it may affect the texture.
3. How do I ensure the caramel stays in the center?
   • Make sure the caramel is not too runny and freeze the balls thoroughly before coating.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
   • Yes, they can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
5. What if I don’t have a food processor?
   • Use a rolling pin to crush the Oreos and pretzels, though it will take more effort.
6. How can I melt the candy coating smoothly?
   • Melt in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval to avoid burning.
7. Can I use a different type of cookie for this recipe?
   • Yes, other cookies like chocolate chip or Nutter Butters can be used.
8. How can I make these gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free Oreos and pretzels.
9. What if my dough is too soft to roll?
   • Chill the dough for a bit longer to firm it up before shaping.
10. How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
    • Ensure the Oreo balls are very cold before dipping and handle them gently.

Conclusion

Pretzel Oreo Balls Stuffed with Salted Caramel are an irresistible treat that blends the crunchiness of pretzels with the creaminess of cookie dough and the rich sweetness of caramel. These decadent bites are perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy with family and friends. With their delightful crunch and creamy center, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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