Thanksgiving at my place is never complete without a little bit of chaos and a lot of laughter. One year, I thought I’d try my hand at a new dessert after we had a bit of a mishap with the pumpkin pie (don’t ask!). In the spirit of whimsy and fun, I concocted these adorable little OREO Turkeys that not only saved the day but also became a family favorite. These treats are deceptively simple to make and a delightful project to get kids involved in. Plus, who can resist the combination of OREO cookies and chocolate? Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a staple at every Thanksgiving feast. Jump to Recipe

What You’ll Need

This ingredient list is a breeze, and chances are you’re already stocked up on most of it, especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me!

• OREO cookies (3 cups, crushed)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sweet semi baking chocolate (melted)
• Candy corn
• Candy eyes
• Icing (as glue)

How to Make OREO Turkeys for Thanksgiving

1. First up, grab a package of OREO cookies and crush them up finely. We’re talking almost powdery, so they mix well.
2. Mix the crushed OREO cookies with softened cream cheese until you have a smooth, pliable dough. It should feel like a rich, chocolatey clay.
3. Roll this mixture into one-inch balls. They should be small enough to handle easily but big enough to hold their own as a turkey body.
4. Pop those balls into the freezer for a quick chill — about 10 minutes should do the trick. This helps them firm up for the chocolate dip.
5. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. The chocolate should be smooth and glossy.
6. Refrigerate the chocolate-coated balls for 15 minutes to an hour. This gives them a nice, firm shell.
7. Now the fun part: decorating! Stick 5 candy corn pieces into the back of each ball to create colorful tail feathers.
8. Use icing as glue to attach candy eyes towards the front top of the ball. We want those eyes peering out cutely!
9. For the finishing touch, take a candy corn and cut it into pieces. Use the white tip for a nose and stick it under the eyes, then use the orange pieces as feet. Your turkey should look absolutely adorable!

Cook’s Notes

If your cookie balls are too sticky to roll, try chilling the mixture for a bit longer. It should be firm yet pliable. Don’t worry if your OREO Turkeys aren’t perfect; their charm is in their handmade look! You can make these a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate nice and solid. Leftovers (if there are any) can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week.

Make It Your Own

• Swap the candy eyes with mini chocolate chips. They’re just as cute and give a different texture.
• Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, more vibrant look.
• Try using different flavored OREOs, like mint or peanut butter, for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Add a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle, warm hint of spice.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out — drop a comment or tag me on social media! Your feedback and creativity always make my day. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful chaos!

Related update: How to Make OREO Turkeys for Thanksgiving