I still remember the first time I made these OREO Basketball cookies. I was gearing up for a little game day get-together, and I wanted something fun and tasty that would fit the basketball theme. When I found the idea for OREO Basketball cookies, something about that combination just clicked. The charm of turning classic OREO cookies into adorable basketball-shaped treats felt like such a win! Plus, they were so easy to make and instantly brought smiles—both from the kids and grown-ups alike.
These OREO Basketball cookies quickly became a regular in my sports party snacks lineup. They’re perfect because they combine that satisfying chocolate crunch of OREOs with a pop of sweet, colorful basketball-themed decoration. Whether it’s a big game, a birthday with a hoops theme, or just because, these cookies bring a playful vibe and irresistible flavor to the table. Sharing them feels like a real slam dunk every time.
If you love easy, crowd-pleasing edible basketball treats that look like you put in way more effort than you really did, you’re going to adore these OREO Basketball cookies. There’s something joyful about baking up a batch of these and seeing how quickly they disappear. Plus, if you’re diving into other creative OREO cookie recipes, this one is definitely a highlight worth bookmarking.
Ready to jump into this fun recipe? Grab your apron, and let’s make some OREO Basketball cookies that’ll score a ton of points with everyone you share them with. I promise—once you try these, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 package of OREO cookies (about 36 cookies): You can find these at any regular grocery store. Classic OREOs work perfectly here.
- Orange candy melts (about 12 oz): These give your OREO Basketball cookies their bright, basketball-orange canvas. If you can’t find candy melts, orange-colored white chocolate chips or even melted orange-tinted white chocolate are great easy swaps.
- Black decorating gel or black piping icing: This is your secret weapon to create those signature basketball lines on your decorated basketball cookies.
- Wax paper or parchment paper: Helps keep your workspace neat and makes drying the cookies a breeze.
- Toothpicks or fine-tipped brushes: Helpful for touch-ups or fixing tiny details on your OREO Basketball cookies.
This OREO Basketball cookies recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. And it’s kind to your wallet since you’re using just a few ingredients, all of which you can usually find without hunting specialty stores.
Quick prep tip: Before you start melting candy melts, set up a little assembly station with your OREOs on wax paper. I always add a little extra care here—making sure my cookies are fully cool and dry before dipping helps the candy coating stick beautifully.
If you happen to have leftovers (if that even happens!), store your OREO Basketball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their crunch and chocolate coating for at least a few days. Honestly, I usually catch myself sneaking a few well before they ever make it to storage!
Let’s Cook This Together:
- Prep your space: Start by lining a large baking sheet or tray with wax paper. This is where your OREO Basketball cookies will chill and dry after dipping.
- Melt your candy melts: Pour your orange candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly in between. The goal is smooth, shiny melted candy without scorching. If you don’t have orange candy melts, melting white chocolate with a drop of orange food coloring is a solid shortcut for these basketball-themed cookies.
- Dip the OREOs: Using forks or dipping tools, dunk each OREO cookie into the melted orange candy. Let the excess drip off, then place it gently on your wax paper. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this OREO Basketball cookies starts taking shape.
- Allow the coating to set: This is the step where I learned to be patient with my OREO Basketball cookies—it makes all the difference. Let the cookies dry at room temperature, or pop the tray in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes for faster setting.
- Draw basketball lines: Once the coating is fully dry, use your black decorating gel or piping icing to create thin basketball lines over each OREO Basketball cookie. If your lines are a little uneven, don’t fret—it adds charm and character to these edible basketball treats.
- Dry again: Let the black icing dry completely—usually about 30 minutes. If you’re like me and want to multitask, this is the perfect window to clean up your station or pour yourself a little something refreshing.
- Enjoy & share: Once dry, these OREO Basketball cookies are ready to impress your crew. If your cookies look like this with a slightly rustic finish, it’s totally fine—they’re still game day winners.
From start to finish, this OREO Basketball cookies recipe comes together in about an hour, but much of that is just lovely waiting time for the coatings to set. My easiest kitchen nugget? Prep your dipping station and melting process well in advance to keep momentum and excitement high.
If you’re curious about other creative OREO cookie recipes, this OREO Basketball cookies reminds me so much of another favorite—no-bake OREO cheesecake bites. They both bring that crowd-pleaser vibe with minimal fuss.
How to Serve & Savor It:
These OREO Basketball cookies truly shine when you serve them as part of a sports party snacks spread. I love pairing them with easy chips and dip or a batch of homemade lemonade to balance out the sweetness.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this OREO Basketball cookies is on game nights with friends or when we’re having kids over for an afternoon of basketball marathons. They just add a little playful spirit to the snack table and instantly spark smiles.
For presentation, try arranging your decorated basketball cookies on a round platter to mimic a basketball court vibe—or nest them in a basket with mini basketballs or themed napkins. It’s a simple way to boost the fun factor without extra hassle.
Got leftovers? Easy makeover alert: crumble these OREO Basketball cookies over vanilla ice cream or fold them into whipped cream for a quick and playful dessert twist your guests will love.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped out the orange candy melts for a soft pastel yellow or a vibrant green, then piped different designs turning these decorated basketball cookies into festive themed bite-sized treats for spring or summer.
If you’re looking for more ideas on sports-themed treats, there’s an inspiring collection of basketball-themed OREO cookie pops that offers a super fun twist for your next party!
Your Questions, Answered:
- Can I prep parts of this OREO Basketball cookies ahead? Absolutely! You can dip all your OREO cookies in the orange coating the day before, let them dry, and then do the black line decorating the next day. It actually makes the whole process less stressful when you’re short on time.
- What’s a good swap for the candy melts in OREO Basketball cookies? If candy melts aren’t an option, white chocolate chips with orange gel food coloring work wonders. Just melt carefully and mix thoroughly to avoid streaks.
- How can I make this OREO Basketball cookies for more or fewer people? Easy math here: multiply or divide the ingredients based on your guest list. These scale up really well, so they’re perfect for big game days or small family snacking.
- Will the black decorating gel leak or smudge? If you let your orange coating dry fully and use a fine tip for the black lines, smudging is minimal. I always recommend letting the finished cookies set for at least 30 minutes before stacking or storing to keep your basketball lines pristine.
- How long do OREO Basketball cookies keep? Stored in an airtight container, these decorated basketball cookies last up to a week at room temperature. For long-term storage, you can freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper.
- Can I use different colors for themed variations? Definitely! I’ve tried brown for a chocolate basketball, white for winter hoops, and even neon colors for a playful twist. Your OREO Basketball cookies can wear your favorite team colors too!
- Do you have any shortcut tips when making OREO Basketball cookies? Yes! Melting candy melts in shorter intervals and stirring frequently helps avoid burning. Also, if you’re in a rush, some folks use pre-made orange icing. That’s a handy swap for last-minute celebrations.
If you’re curious about a whole range of decorated basketball cookies, check out these creative Sports Balls Oreo Cookie Pops — they’re super inspiring!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
These OREO Basketball cookies have a special spot in my foodie heart because they combine easy prep with standout fun and flavor. Making them feels like a little celebration every time.
My Top OREO Basketball cookies Tips:
- Be patient with drying—it makes your decorating pop!
- Use a toothpick for fixing lines—little fixes go a long way.
- Don’t be afraid of imperfect lines—they add charm and character.
Tasty variations I’ve loved include a double-dip with white chocolate underneath the orange, adding edible glitter dust for kids’ parties, and even making mini OREO Basketball cookies using bite-sized versions of the cookie.
The version that gets requested the most is the classic orange-and-black combo—simple, recognizable, and always a hit.
I hope you take away not just the recipe but the fun of making these your own. Cooking should feel joyful and a little playful, just like these OREO Basketball cookies do. I can’t wait for you to make them, share them, and enjoy all those smiles they bring. You’re going to love every bite!
If you want some extra inspiration for this basketball season, be sure to check out this cookie cake made for a basketball event—it’s a real showstopper.
For more everyday foodie inspiration, don’t miss these gems: cake mix cookies delight and chocolate cut out heart cookies. Both are winners in their own right and perfect for whenever you want to mix things up.
Friends, get that candy melting going and make your own OREO Basketball cookies—they’re a total crowd-pleaser and a sure way to make snack time memorable!
OREO Basketball cookies
Delight in these fun and festive OREO Basketball Cookies that combine creamy filling and rich chocolate cookies decorated to look like mini basketballs, perfect for game day snacks or parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 24 OREO cookies
- 1 cup orange candy melts
- 1/2 cup black melting chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoothing chocolate)
- Wax paper for decorating
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
- Melt the orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add vegetable oil if needed for thinner consistency.
- Dip each OREO cookie into the melted orange candy coating, fully covering it. Place onto the wax paper and let set.
- Once orange coating is hardened, melt the black melting chocolate similarly.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe basketball lines onto each coated cookie: draw two curved vertical lines and three horizontal lines to mimic basketball seams.
- Allow the decorated cookies to fully set before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
For extra fun, you can add edible glitter or serve with a side of chocolate milk for a complete basketball-themed treat.