This festive Christmas Oreo Tree Cookies idea sprang from a last-minute holiday party several years ago when I realized I had plenty of Oreos and almost no time. I wanted something cheerful, easy to make with kids, and pretty enough for a cookie platter. The result — sandwich cookies half-dipped in white chocolate, piped with green melting wafers into little tree shapes, topped with candy stars — immediately became our go-to make-ahead treat. The crisp contrast of the chocolate coating against the familiar Oreo crunch gives a satisfying texture, while the piped green adds a bright, festive pop.

I discovered this decorating method when experimenting with holiday staples and a piping bag on a snowy afternoon. What makes these stand out is how approachable they are: no baking required, minimal equipment, and a whimsical finish that delights guests of all ages. They’re great for school parties, neighbor gifts, or a quick dessert tray when the oven is already full. The sweetness is balanced by the bittersweet chocolate cookie center, and the small star on top gives each cookie a charming, finished look.

Ingredients

• Oreos (15 cookies): Regular sandwich cookies work best for structure and familiar flavor. Look for the classic variety — they hold up well when dipped. If you prefer a thinner bite, use the thin Oreo variety but expect a slightly crisper texture.
• White melting chips (6 oz): Use high-quality confectionery wafers or candy melts (6 ounces equals roughly one standard bag). Choose a brand that melts smoothly without seizing; Wilton or Ghirardelli melting wafers are reliable.
• Green melting wafers (3 oz): Use green candy melts for the tree decoration (3 ounces is about half a bag of small wafers). If you can’t find green, tint white melts with oil-based color meant for chocolate.
• Candy star toppers (15 pieces): Small edible stars add a festive finish. Use sugar stars or small fondant stars; one per cookie is perfect.
• Chocolate jimmies (1/4 cup, optional): Use tiny chocolate sprinkles to form a trunk. If you prefer, pipe a small rectangle of melted brown chocolate instead.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This gives you a clean surface for the dipped cookies to cool on and prevents sticking. If the kitchen is warm, chill the sheet in the fridge for a few minutes before placing cookies to help the chocolate set faster. Melt the White Chocolate: Place the 6 ounces of white melting chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Continue heating in 15- to 20-second bursts, stirring each time until completely smooth. Stop heating as soon as no lumps remain — overheating will cause graininess. If the chocolate seems too thick, stir in a very small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of neutral oil or vegetable shortening to improve flow. Dip the Oreos: Hold each Oreo by its top edge and dip halfway into the melted white chocolate so the bottom half remains exposed. Tap off excess gently on the rim of the bowl and place the dipped cookie onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet. Work quickly but carefully; you can dip several cookies in batches. Allow the white chocolate to firm up until tacky but not fully set — this creates a better surface for the green decoration to adhere to. Melt the Green Chocolate: In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the 3 ounces of green melting wafers using the same short-burst technique: 30 seconds, stir, then 15 seconds until smooth. Transfer the melted green chocolate to a small piping bag fitted with a tiny round tip or a zip-top plastic bag with a 2–3 mm corner snipped off for control. Decorate the Trees: Using a back-and-forth motion, pipe a triangular tree shape onto the white chocolate portion of each Oreo. Start with a small line at the top and widen as you move down to create layered branches. Aim for steady, short strokes rather than one long continuous line to mimic branch texture. If the green starts to thicken, rewarm briefly for 5–7 seconds and stir before continuing. Add Toppers and Trunk: Place a candy star at the top of each green tree while the chocolate is still wet so it adheres. Use about 1 tablespoon of chocolate jimmies to form a small trunk beneath each green tree, or pipe a short rectangle of melted brown chocolate if you prefer a cleaner trunk. Let the cookies set completely at room temperature or speed up the process by chilling on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.

Storage Tips

Store the finished cookies in a single layer or separated by parchment in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to five days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, place the container in the refrigerator to prevent the decorations from softening; bring them to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving so the white chocolate regains its original sheen. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then stack with parchment between layers in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature to avoid condensation on the decorations.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need dairy-free options, choose certified dairy-free candy melts and dairy-free sandwich cookies — combinations like naturally dairy-free chocolate wafers and certified vegan sandwich cookies work well though texture may vary. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free sandwich cookie and ensure all coatings are labeled gluten-free. If you can’t find green melts, melt white wafers and add oil-based candy color (not water-based), or pipe with colored buttercream if you plan to refrigerate and serve soon. For a less sweet version, use semi-sweet chocolate for the dip and tint with a touch of white cocoa butter instead of full candy melts.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these on a festive platter alternating tree cookies and plain Oreos for contrast, or nest them in cupcake liners to make a portable holiday favor. They pair beautifully with hot chocolate, coffee, or mulled cider — the warm beverage balances the chocolate’s sweetness. For a party centerpiece, stack three or four cookies on a small pedestal plate to create a mini tree tower, or attach small gift tags and place several in clear cello bags tied with ribbon for neighbor gifts.

Cultural Background

Decorating cookies into seasonal shapes is a long-standing holiday tradition in many cultures, from gingerbread houses in Northern Europe to iced sugar cookies in North America. These Oreo trees are a modern spin on that tradition: instead of baking and cutting shapes, the cookies are transformed through coating and piping. It reflects contemporary holiday baking where convenience meets creativity — using manufactured cookies as a canvas for homemade decoration connects old festive rituals with new, quick methods.

Seasonal Adaptations

For winter variations, swap green for red melts and pipe poinsettia shapes, or use pastel colors for spring-themed parties and add edible glitter for a celebratory touch. At Halloween, use orange and black melts and replace stars with candy eyes. During Valentine’s Day, use pink and red melts and heart sprinkles. Adjust toppers and trunk treatments seasonally: crushed candy canes for a peppermint edge in December, or toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist in summer.

Meal Prep Tips

Plan a decorating assembly line: one station for melting and dipping, one for piping, and a finishing station for toppers. Melt chips in small bowls so chocolate remains fluid — reheating briefly as needed. Pre-portion the candies and jimmies into small ramekins for quick decorating. If making ahead, dip all Oreos first, chill until firm, then do the piping step later the same day to keep the green looking fresh. Label boxes with date of preparation when storing in the freezer for easy rotation during the holidays.

These tree cookies are a small project with big returns: minimal ingredients, maximum charm. They’re perfect for busy hosts who still want something pretty, and they invite helpers of every age to join in the fun. Give them a try and make them your own — swap colors, toppers, and presentation to fit your family’s holiday story.