Irresistible Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Oreos: The Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Treat!
As the holiday season draws near, the desire for delightful treats that are both easy to make and universally loved becomes paramount. After a week of intricate holiday cookie recipes, I wanted to ensure I also shared some genuinely simple, no-bake options for those busy days. Not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly fine! A handful of quick, no-bake holiday dessert recipes can be an absolute lifesaver, allowing you to whip up impressive treats without breaking a sweat.
These glorious gluten-free chocolate covered Oreos are a prime example of effortless holiday magic. Just look at how beautiful and festive they appear! You could effortlessly arrange these on a platter for a holiday cookie exchange, present them at a vibrant holiday party, or package them as charming homemade gifts for friends and neighbors. What’s more, they come together in roughly the same amount of time it would take to preheat your oven for traditional baked cookies, making them incredibly time-efficient.
Beyond their stunning presentation and ease, these chocolate-dipped delights cater to everyone, especially those with gluten sensitivities. Using certified gluten-free sandwich cookies ensures that your holiday spread is inclusive and delicious for all guests. The satisfying crunch of the cookie combined with a smooth, rich chocolate coating creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. Best of all, you only need two primary ingredients to embark on this simple yet rewarding culinary adventure, plus your favorite festive decorations to truly make them sparkle!
Get ready to impress your loved ones with these delightful, customizable treats. They are not just cookies; they are little parcels of joy, perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to any holiday celebration. This year, simplify your baking and amplify the fun with our easy recipe for gluten-free chocolate covered Oreos!
Simple Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Covered Oreos
Crafting these delectable chocolate-dipped sandwich cookies requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Here’s what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing treats:
- Gluten-Free Oreo Cookies: For our gluten-free version, the cornerstone ingredient is, of course, gluten-free Oreos. It is absolutely crucial to use certified gluten-free Oreo cookies, which typically come in a distinctive white package. Standard Oreos, found in the familiar blue packaging, contain wheat and are NOT suitable for individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. If the Oreo brand’s gluten-free option is unavailable, don’t worry! There are several other excellent brands of gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies on the market, such as Glutino or Goodie Girl, that work beautifully.
- Quality Chocolate Candy Melts (Dark): For a professional, glossy finish and superb flavor, I highly recommend using high-quality chocolate candy melts. My go-to choice is often Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Candy Melts. These melts offer a rich, semi-sweet chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the Oreo cookies, and they melt smoothly, providing a beautiful, even coating without the need for complex tempering. They are the secret to achieving that appealing, polished look you see on our Oreo truffles recipe too!
- White Chocolate Candy Melts (Optional, but Recommended): To add visual contrast and another layer of flavor, consider picking up some white chocolate or vanilla candy melts. These are fantastic for dipping a portion of your Oreos, or for drizzling decorative patterns over the dark chocolate-covered cookies. I frequently use Ghirardelli White Chocolate Candy Melts for their consistent quality and delicious vanilla notes. Bonus tip: Grab an extra bag or two to make delightful Christmas Chex Mix later! Almond bark can also be used as an alternative for white chocolate.
- Festive Sprinkles & Decorations: This is where the real fun begins! Once your Oreos are dipped, you’ll want to immediately add your chosen toppings to the wet chocolate. We’ll explore a plethora of fun and creative ideas below, from classic holiday sprinkles to crushed candy canes and gourmet sea salt, allowing you to customize each cookie to your heart’s content.
Gluten-Free? Double Check Your Cookies!
If you are preparing these treats for anyone who is gluten-free or has Celiac disease, it is absolutely paramount to verify your ingredients. Always use ONLY the Gluten-Free Oreos (identifiable by their white packaging). The original Oreos (in the blue package) contain wheat and are NOT gluten-free. For those moments when brand-name gluten-free Oreos are hard to find, you can confidently substitute them with one of these8 excellent brands of gluten-free Oreo-type cookies, such as the widely available Glutino sandwich cookies or the delicious Goodie Girl cookies. Always check the labels carefully to ensure they are certified gluten-free for the safety and enjoyment of your guests.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Oreos: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a comprehensive overview, including precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and additional expert tips, please refer to the recipe card provided below.
Making these chocolate-covered Oreos is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a fun project with kids or a quick holiday treat. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Prep Your Station for Success: Before you begin melting any chocolate, it’s essential to set up an organized and clean workspace. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this will prevent the chocolate-dipped cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, gather all your desired toppings and arrange them in small bowls or on plates so they are immediately accessible. Chocolate candy melts set quickly, so having your sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or nuts ready to go is crucial for successful decoration. Always ensure all bowls, forks, and dipping tools are thoroughly clean and completely dry. Even a tiny drop of water can cause chocolate to seize, transforming it into a grainy, unusable mess.
- Gently Melt the Chocolate: Place your chosen chocolate candy melts (dark, white, or both in separate bowls) into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in short, controlled intervals—typically 15 to 20 seconds at a time. After each interval, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate thoroughly with a spoon or spatula. Even if the chocolate doesn’t look fully melted, stirring helps to distribute the heat and prevent scorching. Continue this process until the chocolate is perfectly smooth, glossy, and free of any lumps. For a standard package of Oreos, approximately 16 ounces of candy melts should suffice for generous coverage. Remember to use separate bowls if you’re working with different types or colors of chocolate.
- The Art of Dipping Oreos: Carefully add one Oreo cookie to the melted chocolate. Using a fork or a specialized chocolate dipping tool (these often have thin prongs to minimize chocolate residue), gently turn the Oreo until it is completely enveloped in the smooth chocolate coating. Lift the dipped Oreo out of the chocolate, holding it over the bowl. Gently tap the side of the fork or dipping tool against the edge of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This helps create a cleaner finish and prevents thick, uneven pooling of chocolate around the base of the cookie. You might also need to lightly wipe the very bottom of the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove any last drips. Carefully transfer the perfectly coated Oreo to one of your parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Decorate with Speed and Creativity: The moment an Oreo lands on the baking sheet, it’s time to decorate! While the chocolate is still warm, wet, and glossy, generously add any desired toppings such as festive sprinkles, crushed candy cane, or flaky sea salt. This quick action ensures the decorations adhere firmly to the chocolate. If your decorating plans include drizzling additional chocolate later (for example, white chocolate drizzle over a dark chocolate-dipped Oreo), then hold off on this step for now. Allow the initial chocolate layer to set completely before adding any subsequent drizzles.
- Repeat and Reheat as Needed: Continue dipping and decorating the remaining Oreos. As you work, you may notice the melted chocolate in your bowl starting to cool, thicken, or set. If this happens, simply return the bowl to the microwave and reheat it in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate regains its smooth, dippable consistency. You can also melt additional white candy melts in a separate bowl at this stage if you wish to dip some cookies in white chocolate or create contrasting drizzles later.
- Allow the Cookies to Set Completely: Once all your Oreos are dipped and decorated, it’s crucial to let them set up fully before handling, storing, or serving. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate transitions from a shiny, wet appearance to a matte, firm finish. Depending on your room temperature, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. For quicker setting, you can carefully place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, but avoid leaving them in too long, as extreme temperature changes can cause blooming (a white film) on the chocolate.
- Add a Drizzle (Optional, but Recommended): Once the initial chocolate coating has completely set, you can elevate your cookies with an elegant chocolate drizzle. Melt a small amount of extra dark or white chocolate candy melts (using a fresh, clean bowl if it’s a contrasting color). Dip the tines of a clean fork into the melted chocolate and wave it gently back and forth over the set cookies, creating beautiful, artistic drizzles. If desired, sprinkle more toppings onto the wet drizzle for an extra decorative touch. Allow these drizzles to set fully before proceeding.
- Serve and Store for Freshness: Your gorgeous, gluten-free chocolate covered Oreos are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately to eager guests, or store any leftovers to preserve their freshness. These cookies are best kept in an airtight container at cool room temperature. Properly stored, they will maintain their deliciousness and attractive appearance for up to two weeks, making them a fantastic make-ahead holiday treat.
Pro Tip: A single 16 oz. bag of chocolate candy melts is typically sufficient to coat an entire standard package of Oreos. Feel free to use all dark chocolate, or divide your batch and dip half in vanilla (white) candy melts for a delightful contrast!
Want to Temper Chocolate Instead? (For a Professional Finish)
For those aiming for an even more exquisite, professional finish—characterized by a brilliant sheen and a satisfying snap when broken—you can certainly opt to use tempered chocolate instead of candy melts. This technique, while a bit more involved, yields truly beautiful results, much like the glossy coating on our Chocolate Almond Clusters. Tempering helps stabilize the cocoa butter crystals in the chocolate, preventing blooming (a dull, streaky appearance) and ensuring a smooth, crisp texture.
Tempering requires high-quality chocolate or baking chocolate (avoid standard chocolate chips or candy bars, as they often contain stabilizers that interfere with the tempering process). The basic “seeding” method involves gently melting about two-thirds of your chopped chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches a specific temperature (typically around 115-120°F for dark chocolate). Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the remaining one-third of the un-melted chocolate. This “seed” chocolate helps to cool the mixture down to a working temperature (around 88-91°F for dark chocolate) while introducing stable cocoa butter crystals, which encourage the entire batch to crystallize correctly. Stir continuously until all the added chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. This meticulous process ensures your chocolate sets with that coveted even, glossy finish and signature snap. You can find a more in-depth guide on how to temper chocolate here if you’re eager to master this advanced technique.
Toppings & Decorating Ideas to Elevate Your Chocolate Covered Oreos
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making chocolate covered Oreos is the opportunity to unleash your creativity with toppings and decorations. Here are some fantastic ideas to make your treats truly stand out:
- Vibrant Colorful Sprinkles: Sprinkles are a simple yet incredibly effective way to add a festive touch. Whether you choose classic jimmies, tiny nonpareils, fun quins, or a pre-mixed holiday blend, they instantly elevate the visual appeal. For more adorable options and to learn about different types of sprinkles, check out our comprehensive Sprinkles 101 post! Experiment with different color palettes to match various holidays or party themes.
- Elegant Dark or White Chocolate Drizzle: This is my personal favorite and a wonderfully easy way to add a professional touch. Drizzling a contrasting chocolate over the dipped Oreos creates beautiful patterns. For example, a delicate white chocolate drizzle over dark chocolate-covered Oreos looks incredibly striking, while a dark chocolate drizzle on white-dipped cookies offers an equally elegant effect. You can also drizzle the same type of chocolate for a monochromatic, textured look. Use a fork or a small squeeze bottle for precise lines.
- Crunchy Crushed Candy Cane or Peppermint: For a quintessential holiday vibe, sprinkle finely crushed candy cane or peppermint candies over the wet chocolate. The vibrant red and white flecks not only look festive but also add a refreshing minty crunch, reminiscent of classic peppermint bark. This topping is always a hit during Christmas!
- Sophisticated Flaky Sea Salt: If you appreciate the gourmet salty-sweet flavor profile, a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt is an absolute must-try. The subtle saltiness enhances the rich sweetness of the chocolate and cookie, creating a balanced and elevated taste experience. It also adds a touch of sophisticated elegance that’s sure to impress.
- Playful Colored Candy Melts: Beyond dark and white, colored candy melts offer a spectrum of possibilities. Red, green, blue, or even pink candy melts can be used to create bright, bold decorations. While they can be used for dipping, I find them most effective for drizzling, piping intricate designs, or creating festive patterns, as two coats are often needed for full, opaque coverage when dipping.
- Whimsical Frosting Trees (or Other Shapes): For an extra dose of cuteness, use green candy melts or royal icing to pipe small Christmas trees onto your chocolate-covered Oreos. While the piped “trees” are still wet, quickly add tiny sprinkles to act as ornaments, creating charming miniature edible artworks. This technique can be adapted to pipe other simple shapes like stars, snowflakes, or even initial letters.
- Buttery Toffee Bits: This is my daughter’s absolute favorite! Sprinkling crunchy toffee bits over the chocolate adds an incredible buttery, caramelized flavor and a delightful textural contrast. The sweet, slightly chewy toffee pairs wonderfully with the crisp cookie and rich chocolate.
- Classic Crushed Oreos: For a delightful textural play and to reinforce that iconic Oreo flavor, crush some extra gluten-free Oreos into crumbs and sprinkle them over the wet chocolate. This creates a beautifully speckled appearance and an extra layer of chocolatey crunch that Oreo lovers will adore.
Have Fun With Other Holidays & Occasions!
Just like our versatile Gluten-Free Oreo Truffles, delightful Rolo Pretzels, and festive Christmas Chex Mix, these chocolate covered Oreos are incredibly adaptable and can be easily customized for any holiday or special event throughout the year! Simply swap out your red and green holiday sprinkles for colors and themes that suit the occasion.
Imagine pastel sprinkles for Easter or spring celebrations, spooky orange and black for Halloween parties, vibrant red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July, or elegant gold and silver for New Year’s Eve. You can even use school colors for graduation parties, baby shower themed sprinkles (pink or blue), or specific color combinations for birthdays and anniversaries. They also make fantastic party favors, thoughtful hostess gifts, or an easy yet impressive dessert option for any gathering. The possibilities are truly endless, making these chocolate covered Oreos a year-round favorite!
FAQ + Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Chocolate Covered Oreos
To ensure your chocolate covered Oreos turn out perfectly every time, here are some frequently asked questions and invaluable tips:
Can I Use Mint Oreos or Other Flavors? Absolutely! You can have so much fun by experimenting with different Oreo flavors. Oreo brand offers gluten-free mint Oreos with a vibrant green filling, which are particularly fantastic when dipped in dark chocolate for a delicious peppermint mocha-like treat. Around the holidays, you might also find seasonal gluten-free options like Trader Joe’s peppermint Joe-Joe’s, which work wonderfully. If you’re not restricted by gluten-free needs, the possibilities are even wider with the many exciting flavors of regular Oreos available.
Why is a Dry Station So Important When Working with Chocolate? This cannot be stressed enough: when working with chocolate, a completely clean and dry workspace and tools are non-negotiable. Even a single drop of water, moisture, or steam coming into contact with melted chocolate can cause it to “seize.” This means the chocolate will instantly clump up, become thick, grainy, and unusable, throwing off that beautiful smooth, crisp finish we’re aiming for. Ensure your bowls, spoons, and dipping tools are bone-dry before you start.
What’s an Easy Trick for Drizzling Chocolate? You might be tempted to transfer your melted chocolate into a piping bag for drizzling, but often the chocolate starts to cool and set too quickly within the bag, making it difficult to achieve smooth lines. Instead, for an effortless and elegant drizzle, simply use a clean fork. Dip the tines into the melted chocolate and then gently wave the fork back and forth over your set cookies. This creates beautiful, rustic, and artistic lines. Alternatively, for slightly more control, you can use a chocolate drizzle tool specifically designed for this purpose, or even a small plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
How Do I Store Chocolate Covered Oreos to Keep Them Fresh? Storing these gluten-free chocolate dipped Oreos is incredibly easy! They will maintain their best quality and attractive appearance when stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature. To prevent any delicate decorations from getting scuffed or sticking together, you can separate layers of Oreos with sheets of wax paper or parchment paper. However, if you’ve used candy melts (which tend to be quite durable once set), this isn’t usually a major concern. Stored properly, your delicious chocolate covered Oreos will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday entertaining or gifting.
Can I Use Regular Chocolate Chips Instead of Candy Melts? While tempting, regular chocolate chips are designed to hold their shape, which makes them less ideal for smooth dipping and coating without proper tempering. They often result in a thicker, less glossy coating and can be prone to blooming. For best results without the fuss of tempering, stick to high-quality chocolate candy melts. If you insist on using regular chocolate, you must temper it first, as detailed in our “Want to Temper Chocolate Instead?” section.
How Can I Fix Seized Chocolate? If your chocolate seizes due to contact with water, it can sometimes be salvaged, though it won’t be as smooth for dipping. Try stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or melted shortening at a time, until it loosens up. Keep in mind that this altered consistency may only be suitable for thin drizzles or mixing into other recipes, not for a perfectly smooth coating. Prevention is truly the best cure here!
More Easy Holiday Treats To Try
Looking for more simple yet delicious no-bake or easy-to-assemble treats to complete your holiday dessert platter? These festive recipes are perfect companions to your chocolate covered Oreos, offering variety and flavor with minimal effort.
Gluten-Free Rolo Pretzels
Gluten-Free Oreo Truffles
Gluten-Free Christmas Chex Mix
Recipe Card
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Easy Chocolate Covered Oreos
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Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You -
Total Time: 35 minutes -
Yield: 30 Cookies -
Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this incredibly easy and fun no-bake recipe for gluten-free chocolate covered Oreos! They make a dazzling addition to any holiday cookie platter, and are perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or as heartfelt homemade gifts. Customize them with a variety of sprinkles and toppings to match any holiday or special occasion!
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Covered Oreos:
- 1 package Gluten-Free Oreos* (approximately 30 cookies)
- 16 oz. dark chocolate candy melts (such as Ghirardelli)*
- Optional: 4-8 oz. white chocolate or vanilla candy melts
Optional Toppings for Decoration:
- Finely crushed candy cane or peppermint candies
- Crushed gluten-free Oreo cookie crumbs
- Assorted holiday sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, quins, or mixes)
- Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
- Crunchy toffee bits
- Finely chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds)
- Edible glitter or luster dust
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. Organize all your chosen toppings in small, easily accessible bowls or containers. Ensure all bowls, forks, and dipping tools are spotlessly clean and completely dry, as any moisture can cause chocolate to seize.
- Melt the Chocolate Smoothly: Place the chocolate candy melts in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short, controlled intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring thoroughly between each burst. Continue until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and fully melted with no lumps remaining. (A 16 oz. bag of candy melts is typically sufficient for one package of Oreos. Use separate bowls for dark and white chocolate if using both.)
- Dip Each Oreo Cookie: Carefully place one gluten-free Oreo cookie into the melted chocolate. Use a fork or a specialized chocolate dipping tool to gently turn the cookie until it is fully coated. Lift the dipped Oreo out of the chocolate and lightly tap the fork against the side of the bowl, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. If necessary, gently wipe the bottom of the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove extra drips. Transfer the coated Oreo onto a prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate Immediately: As soon as each chocolate-dipped Oreo is placed on the baking sheet, quickly add your desired toppings (such as sprinkles or crushed candy cane) while the chocolate is still wet and glossy. This ensures the decorations adhere firmly. If you plan to add a chocolate drizzle as a second decorative layer, allow the initial chocolate coating to set completely before adding the drizzle.
- Continue Dipping and Reheating: Repeat the dipping and decorating process for the remaining Oreos. If the chocolate in your bowl begins to cool, thicken, or set, pause and reheat it in 10-15 second intervals in the microwave, stirring well each time, until it becomes smooth and easy to work with again. You can also melt white candy melts in a separate bowl to dip some cookies or prepare a contrasting drizzle for later.
- Allow Cookies to Set Fully: Once all cookies are dipped and decorated, let them set completely. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. The chocolate will transition from a shiny to a matte finish when fully set.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, once the first layer of chocolate has completely set, melt a small amount of additional chocolate (dark or white) for drizzling. Dip a fork into the melted chocolate and wave it gently over the set Oreos to create decorative lines. If adding sprinkles or other toppings to the drizzle, do so immediately while the chocolate is wet. Let the drizzle set before storing.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your delicious chocolate covered Oreos right away! Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks, preserving their freshness and beautiful appearance.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Oreos: A crucial reminder for gluten-free diets: always use certified gluten-free Oreos (white package) as traditional Oreos are NOT gluten-free. Excellent alternatives include Goodie Girl or Glutino gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Choosing Your Chocolate Melts: We highly recommend Ghirardelli dark and vanilla (white) candy melts due to their superior melting qualities, ease of use, and consistent, glossy finish. While milk chocolate candy melts can be used, expect a lighter color. We do not advise using regular chocolate chips for dipping unless you are experienced with tempering chocolate, as they won’t yield the same smooth, crisp results without it.
- The Need for Speed in Decorating: Have all your toppings prepared and within arm’s reach before you start dipping. Candy melts dry relatively quickly, so you’ll want to sprinkle your decorations onto the wet chocolate immediately after dipping each cookie. The only exception is if you plan to drizzle additional chocolate, which should be done after the initial chocolate layer has completely set. You can then add toppings to the wet drizzle.
- Consider a Double Dip for White Chocolate: The thickness of various candy melt brands can differ. If you’re dipping cookies in white chocolate, especially if you desire a vibrant, opaque coating, you might find that a second dip is beneficial. With Ghirardelli melts, a single dip usually provides good coverage, but feel free to add another thin layer once the first has slightly set if preferred.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes -
Cook Time: 5 minutes -
Category: Dessert -
Method: No Bake -
Cuisine: American
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