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Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family this holiday season, this Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These soft, creamy, and perfectly sweet cookie balls dipped in luscious white chocolate bring that cozy Christmas magic with every bite. Honestly, once I discovered this recipe, it quickly became my go-to treat for holiday parties and gift bags because everyone can’t get enough of them!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Prep: You don’t have to be a baking pro to pull these together – quick assembly wins every time.
  • Irresistible Texture: Soft cookie centers with a smooth white chocolate coating create the perfect bite.
  • Perfect for Gifting: They look festive and fancy but are super practical for sharing or party trays.
  • Customizable Fun: You can easily switch up decorations and colors to match any holiday vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines smooth cream cheese with soft, sweet Lofthouse cookies which form a rich base, then everything gets wrapped in a decadent white chocolate shell. They’re simple ingredients but when brought together, they make magic. Pro tip: pick good quality white chocolate—this choice really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe - Ingredients
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and creamier texture.
  • Lofthouse Cookies: Their soft, pillowy texture is key here; feel free to crinkle them by hand for bigger cookie bits.
  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melting Wafers: These melt smoothly and taste heavenly—worth prioritizing over generic brands.
  • Nonpareil Sprinkles: Adds that classic festive crunch and visual pop you want for holiday treats.
  • Red and Green Candy Melts (Optional): Perfect for drizzling to add colorful holiday cheer and extra sweetness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe lets you get creative! Over time, I’ve experimented with different cookie flavors and coatings to switch things up. Don’t be afraid to personalize it to suit your taste or holiday theme.

  • Use Different Cookies: Swap Lofthouse for sugar cookies with sprinkles or even gingerbread crumbs – your call! I once tried chocolate chip cookies and got rave reviews.
  • Dunk in Dark Chocolate: If white chocolate isn’t your thing, try bittersweet or milk chocolate for a richer taste profile.
  • Add a Touch of Peppermint: Stir in finely crushed candy canes to the cookie mixture for a festive holiday twist I adore.
  • Make Them Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cookies with dairy-free chocolate melts to keep these allergy-friendly.

How to Make Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Cream Cheese

Start by softening 8 ounces of cream cheese to room temperature so it whips up smooth without lumps. Using a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat it until silky and creamy – this step ensures your cookie balls won’t be gritty or dense. Trust me, patience here pays off for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 2: Combine with Crumbled Cookies

Grab your Lofthouse cookies (two full packages) and crumble them right into the cream cheese bowl. I like using my hands to get a mix of fine crumbs and some slightly bigger pieces for texture. Then, beat everything together until fully combined into a sticky but workable dough. This is when the magic truly begins.

Step 3: Scoop and Shape Your Cookie Balls

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion out the mixture. Roll each scoop smoothly between your palms to create neat, uniform balls. This helps them dip evenly later and look professional. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray as you go. If your hands get sticky, just lightly wet them or dust with a bit of powdered sugar to keep things flowing.

Step 4: Chill Your Creations

Pop those cookie balls into the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling step firms them up so they keep their shape and don’t fall apart during the next step. I always find this is the trick for flawless dipping, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate

Grab 10 ounces of Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers and gently melt them in a glass or microwave-safe bowl. I like to do this in 30-second bursts on medium power, stirring well after each interval. Don’t rush it – stirring helps avoid burned spots and keeps the chocolate glossy and smooth.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork, carefully dip each cookie ball into the melted white chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Give the fork a gentle tap on the bowl’s edge to remove excess coating, then slide the ball back onto the parchment. Quickly sprinkle with colorful nonpareil sprinkles before the chocolate sets – this is one of my favorite parts because it transforms simple treats into festive eye candy!

Step 7: Optional Candy Melt Drizzle

If you want to go the extra mile for holiday flair, melt red and green candy melts in a piping bag following the same gentle heating method. Snip a tiny hole at the tip and drizzle over the hardened white chocolate balls. Then refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set it all perfectly. I love this colorful touch—it adds whimsy and endless Christmas vibes.

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Pro Tips for Making Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Always soften your cream cheese fully for a smooth mixture, it avoids lumps and grainy textures.
  • Even Scooping: Using a cookie scoop helps keep your balls uniform in size, ensuring even chilling and dipping.
  • Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Stir frequently and microwave in short bursts to keep your white chocolate shiny and smooth.
  • Sprinkle Quickly: Add your decorations right after dipping before the coating sets, so they stick well and look fresh.

How to Serve Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe

Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with nonpareil sprinkles because the vibrant colors add instant holiday charm. Sometimes I’ll dust with edible glitter or crushed peppermint for an extra sparkle. It’s all about making these cookies as joyful to look at as they are to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie balls with hot cocoa or eggnog for a holiday spread that feels warm and indulgent. They also play well with a festive cheese board or a fruit platter to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging them in small decorative boxes tied with festive ribbons as gifts. For parties, placing them on tiered dessert platters with holly leaves and cinnamon sticks instantly elevates the table. Ribboned cupcake liners also add a cute, personal touch without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookie balls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I find storing them in a single layer with parchment between works best to keep the coating intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookie balls after the coating sets by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They thaw quickly in the fridge overnight and still taste fresh and delicious when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary—just let frozen ones thaw in the fridge. If your white chocolate has dulled, a quick, gentle zap in the microwave (5-10 seconds) can refresh the shine, but keep an eye on them so they don’t melt.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different cookies instead of Lofthouse cookies?

    Absolutely! While Lofthouse cookies provide a soft, pillowy texture that I love, you can experiment with sugar cookies, gingerbread, or any soft cookie you enjoy. Just be mindful that crunchy cookies might change the texture of your cookie balls.

  2. How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when melting?

    Melting white chocolate slowly in short intervals and stirring in between helps prevent seizing. Use clean, dry bowls and avoid any contact with water or steam while melting, as moisture can cause chocolate to seize.

  3. Can I prepare these cookie balls ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare and shape the cookie balls and store them in the fridge overnight before dipping them in chocolate. This makes it a great make-ahead holiday treat.

  4. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

    No worries! You can use a tablespoon or your hands to scoop out even-sized portions. Just try to keep the sizes consistent for even chilling and dipping.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe hits that perfect sweet spot of easy, festive, and utterly delicious. When I first made them, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something worthy of every holiday celebration. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookie balls never fail to impress. Give them a try – I promise you’ll be thrilled with how they turn out and your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Print
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Festive White Chocolate Cookie Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookie balls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Balls are a festive and delightful treat combining soft cream cheese, sweet Lofthouse cookies, and rich white chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday parties, these bite-sized truffles are decorated with colorful Nonpareil sprinkles and optional red and green candy melt drizzles, making them both delicious and visually appealing.


Ingredients

Cookie Ball Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 20 Lofthouse cookies (two packages)

Coating and Decoration

  • 10 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
  • Nonpareil sprinkles
  • Red and green candy melts (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cream Cheese Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, cream 8 ounces of softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Combine Cookies and Cream Cheese: Crumble 20 Lofthouse cookies directly into the bowl with the cream cheese. Beat the mixture well until fully combined and uniform in texture.
  3. Form Cookie Balls: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll each scoop between your palms to create smooth, even-sized balls. Place the formed balls onto a prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  4. Chill the Cookie Balls: Refrigerate the cookie balls for 1 to 2 hours. This helps them set and maintain their shape during the dipping process.
  5. Melt White Chocolate: Place 10 ounces of Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers in a bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
  6. Dip Cookie Balls: Using a fork, dip one cookie ball at a time into the melted white chocolate. Gently tap the fork on the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. Place the dipped ball back onto parchment paper and immediately top with Nonpareil sprinkles.
  7. Optional Candy Melt Drizzle: If desired, wait for the white chocolate to set. Then microwave red and green candy melts in a piping bag using the low or defrost setting, massaging every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Snip off a small tip and drizzle over the cooled coated cookie balls.
  8. Set the Coating: Place all decorated cookie balls in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes so the coating hardens completely.
  9. Storage: Keep the cookie balls refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Allow sufficient chilling time for best results in shaping and coating.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during the dipping and coating process.
  • For even coating, gently tap off excess chocolate before adding sprinkles.
  • These treats make excellent holiday party favors or gifts.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie ball
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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