This Reese’s Cheese Ball is a fun and delicious dessert that combines creamy, sweet flavors with the irresistible taste of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s loaded with Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and creamy cheese, making it the perfect party treat or sweet addition to any gathering. This dessert cheese ball is a wonderful mix of sweet and salty flavors, and it pairs perfectly with graham crackers, cookies, or apple slices for dipping.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, divided
- Graham crackers, cookies, or apple slices, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Sugar
- Add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in Chocolate Chips and Reese’s
- Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and use it to form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Ball
- Once the cheese ball is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. In a shallow dish, combine the remaining mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chocolate chip and Reese’s mixture until it is fully coated.
Step 6: Serve
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with graham crackers, cookies, or apple slices for dipping. Enjoy!
Cook Notes & Tips
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- Refrigeration: Let the cheese ball chill for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up properly.
- Serving: Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels for a sweet and salty combination.
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the cheese ball mixture for a different flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped peanuts to the coating for extra crunch.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Holiday Version: Roll the cheese ball in festive holiday sprinkles for a themed party treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time? A: Yes! You can make the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the cheese ball? A: Freezing the cheese ball is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing, making it less creamy.
Q: What can I serve with this cheese ball? A: Graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, and apple slices all work well with this Reese’s cheese ball.
Q: How long will leftovers keep? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Reese’s Cheese Ball is a delightful and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, sweet, and loaded with peanut butter and chocolate flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a family treat, this cheese ball is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!
