Basketball season calls for basketball cookies, and these OREO Basketball Cookies are about to become your new favorite! Whether you’re planning a basketball birthday party or just want to surprise your favorite player, these decorated basketball cookies are incredibly fun to make and even more fun to eat. The best part? They start with OREOs, so you know they’re already delicious!
These basketball cookies are easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests. Let’s get dunking in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These OREO Basketball Cookies
These basketball cookies decorated with buttercream or royal icing are a total game-changer! The OREO base gives you that perfect chocolate crunch, while the orange coating creates an authentic basketball look. The texture is everything – crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, with that signature OREO cookie crunch.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Add basketball cookies with names for team celebrations, create basketball cookies with numbers for jersey-themed parties, or keep them simple for casual game-day snacks. Kids and adults alike go crazy for these treats!
OREO Basketball Cookies Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to create these showstopping basketball cookies:
- OREO cookies (regular size works best)
- Orange candy melts or orange chocolate
- Black edible marker or black royal icing
- Lollipop sticks (optional, for basketball cookie pops)
- Buttercream frosting (if decorating with buttercream instead of candy melts)
Fresh, quality candy melts make all the difference in achieving that smooth, professional finish on your decorated basketball cookies!
How to Make OREO Basketball Cookies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt orange candy melts according to package directions, stirring until completely smooth.
- Dip each OREO cookie into the melted orange candy, coating completely. Use a fork to lift the cookie out, tapping gently to remove excess coating.
- Place coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet. If making cookie pops, insert lollipop sticks before the coating sets.
- Allow cookies to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Once set, use a black edible marker or black royal icing to draw basketball lines on each cookie. Draw one horizontal line across the middle, then add curved lines on each side to mimic a basketball’s seams.
- If creating basketball cookies with names or basketball cookies with numbers, pipe them on using buttercream or royal icing before the coating fully hardens.
- Let cookies set completely before serving or packaging.
Tips for the Best OREO Basketball Cookies
Temperature matters! Work with candy melts that are warm but not hot. If they’re too hot, they’ll be too thin and won’t coat evenly. If they’re too cool, they’ll be thick and clumpy.
For perfectly smooth basketball cookies decorated with royal icing, make sure your icing is the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to pipe smoothly.
Double-dip for deeper color! If your orange coating looks pale, let the first coat set completely, then dip again for a richer basketball orange.
Use a toothpick to fix any air bubbles or imperfections in the coating before it sets. This creates those bakery-perfect basketball cookies ideas you see on Pinterest!
OREO Basketball Cookies Variations
The beauty of these basketball cookies easy recipe is how customizable they are!
Try basketball cookies buttercream style by skipping the candy melt coating entirely. Frost OREO cookies with orange buttercream, smooth with an offset spatula, then add black buttercream details for the basketball lines.
For basketball cookies birthday celebrations, create a whole dessert table! Make cookies in different sizes using mini OREOs and double-stuffed OREOs. Add basketball cookies with names for each party guest or basketball cookies with numbers matching their favorite players.
Want to try basketball cookies royal icing instead? Flood the cookies with orange royal icing, let it dry completely, then add black royal icing details. This creates a smoother, more polished look perfect for formal events.
Create basketball cookies ideas variations by adding edible glitter for sparkle, using white chocolate drizzle for contrast, or making half-basketball designs for a modern twist!
What to Serve with OREO Basketball Cookies
These basketball cookies are perfect alongside other game-day treats! Serve them with:
- Orange and chocolate cupcakes to match the basketball theme
- Popcorn in team colors
- Fresh fruit kabobs for a healthier balance
- Hot chocolate or orange smoothies
- Cheese and crackers for savory variety
Create a dessert platter with these OREO basketball cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by complementary treats in orange and black colors!
OREO Basketball Cookies FAQs
Can I make basketball cookies decorated ahead of time? Absolutely! These basketball cookies easy recipe treats store beautifully for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. Make them several days before your basketball birthday party!
What’s the difference between basketball cookies buttercream and royal icing methods? Basketball cookies buttercream are softer, creamier, and need refrigeration. Basketball cookies royal icing have a hard, smooth finish that sets at room temperature and stays perfect for longer periods.
How do I add basketball cookies with names and numbers? Use a piping bag with a small round tip filled with contrasting icing. Practice on parchment paper first, then pipe directly onto your set basketball cookies. White or black icing shows up beautifully against the orange!
Final Thoughts on OREO Basketball Cookies
These OREO Basketball Cookies bring serious joy to any basketball celebration! Whether you’re decorating basketball cookies for a birthday, team party, or just because, this easy recipe delivers impressive results every single time. The combination of crunchy OREO, smooth chocolate coating, and fun basketball design makes these cookies absolutely irresistible.
Get creative with your basketball cookies ideas, personalize them with names and numbers, and watch them disappear faster than a slam dunk! Happy baking, and may your basketball cookies be nothing but net!
OREO Basketball Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks into the cream filling of each OREO if using.
- Melt orange candy melts according to package directions, or prepare orange buttercream until smooth.
- Dip each OREO into the orange coating, covering completely. Tap gently to remove excess.
- Place coated cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and allow them to set completely.
- Pipe basketball lines onto each cookie using black royal icing or decorating gel.
- Allow icing to dry fully before serving or packaging.