Drain the maraschino cherries in a fine-mesh strainer. Place them on several layers of paper towels and gently pat them dry.

Chop the cherries into very small pieces. If the pieces are too large, they can make the filling difficult to roll and may create weak spots in the chocolate coating.

Set aside the chopped cherries while you prepare the cookie mixture.

Step 2: Crush the Chocolate Cookies

Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become very fine crumbs.

You want the texture to resemble damp sand, with no large cookie pieces remaining.

If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a large zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and crush them with a rolling pin.

Transfer the cookie crumbs to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling

Add the softened cream cheese to the cookie crumbs.

Mix using a sturdy spatula, electric mixer on low speed, or clean hands until the mixture becomes thick and evenly combined.

Add the vanilla extract and optional almond extract. Mix again until incorporated.

Fold in the finely chopped, well-dried maraschino cherries. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture so every Oreo ball gets a little cherry flavor.

The filling should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but firm enough to roll.

Step 4: Shape the Oreo Balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to create smooth, round balls.

Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Continue until all the mixture has been used. You should have approximately 24–28 balls, depending on their size.

If the mixture feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.

Step 5: Chill Until Firm

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the balls are firm.

This step is important because chilled Oreo balls are easier to dip. They are also less likely to fall apart or leave crumbs in the melted chocolate.

For a quicker option, place them in the freezer for approximately 15–20 minutes. Avoid freezing them completely solid before dipping because very cold centers can cause condensation or cracking as the chocolate sets.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

Place the semi-sweet chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in 20–30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.

If the chocolate seems too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening and stir until incorporated.

Avoid overheating the chocolate. Gentle heating and frequent stirring help maintain a smooth consistency for dipping.

Step 7: Dip the Cherry Oreo Balls

Remove a few chilled balls from the refrigerator at a time, leaving the remaining ones cold.

Using a dipping fork or regular fork, lower one Oreo ball into the melted chocolate. Turn it gently until completely coated.

Lift it out and allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.

Place the coated ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining balls.

If the chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, warm it briefly and stir again.

Step 8: Add the Christmas Decorations

While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle a little red or green holiday decoration over each ball.

For a more elegant appearance, melt the white chocolate wafers in a separate microwave-safe bowl using short intervals.

Transfer the melted white chocolate to a small piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner cut off. Drizzle thin lines over the chocolate-coated balls.

You can also finish each truffle with a tiny piece of dried cherry or a light sprinkle of crushed chocolate cookies.

Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set

Place the decorated Oreo balls in the refrigerator for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely firm.

Once set, transfer them to small paper candy cups or arrange them on a festive serving platter.

Keep the finished Christmas Cherry Oreo Balls refrigerated until ready to serve.