Welcome Back Elf On The Shelf And Oreo Snowballs

This post brought to you by NABISCO Cookies and Crackers. The content and opinions expressed below are that of The Suburban Mom.

In our house the return of our Elf on the Shelf is a big deal. Kringle always arrives with fanfare. He drags out the first of the Christmas decorations, gifts advent calendars, starts the Christmas countdown and brings sweet treats. The welcome back Elf on the Shelf party is my favorite part of the whole tradition. This year Kringle brought an especially sweet treat, Oreo Snowballs.

Actually, Kringle made 48 Oreo Snowballs. Whew! You might think that is exhausting work for Santa’s little helper, but I have a secret to share… Oreo Snowballs are surprisingly easy to make. There is no cooking involved just mashing, mixing, melting, dipping and cooling.

With 48 OREO Snowballs, we had plenty to share. But they didn’t last long. We took them to another family event where every last one disappeared! 

Welcome Back Elf On The Shelf

Although our Elf brings a party upon arrival, I know many Elves who celebrate with a party mid season. So there are still plenty of days for your Elf to deliver a special treat. And whenever you celebrate with your Elf it is a great time to start counting down until Christmas. With a Christmas Countdown Printable you can put it in an 8×10 frame and then use a wipeable marker to countdown the days until Christmas.

Planning a welcome back Elf on the Shelf party doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about a few well-placed Christmas decorations and making memories for the kids. But here is a little warning, if your Elf celebrates with a party once, it will become an annual tradition! 

There are so many reasons to throw a party during the holiday season. Whether it is a small family affair or a big shindig you can find more party planning tips on the NABISCO Party Planner. 

Oreo Snowballs

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) brick of cream cheese, softened
• 36 OREO cookies, finely crushed*
• 3 packages (4oz each) white baking chocolate, melted
• 2 1/2 cups sweetened flake coconut

Directions

Mix cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended; shape into 48 one-inch balls. Place on waxed paper-covered rimmed baking sheet (or Silpat on rimmed baking sheet). Freeze for 10 minutes.

Dip balls, one at a time, in melted chocolate. Gently shake off excess chocolate. Roll balls in coconut until evenly coated. Return to baking sheet.

Refrigerated one hour or until firm. Store in refrigerator. 

*Makes 48

Tip to easily dip cookie balls

Keep cookie balls refrigerated until ready to dip in the melted chocolate. Then add balls in batches to bowl of melted chocolate. Use two forks to roll balls in chocolate until evenly coated. Remove balls with forks, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl. Place balls in prepared pan; let stand until firm. If chocolate becomes to thick, add up to 1 1/2 teaspoon shortening to each 12 oz of chocolate. 

Crushing the OREO cookies is easiest in a food chopper.

More Elf on the Shelf ideas.