Warning: this chocolate chip cheese ball is seriously addictive!
Imagine a creamy, chocolate chip studded cheesecake rolled in chopped pecans. You get all the flavor and half the work.
I love how versatile this dish is. It’s fancy enough for a holiday but casual enough for game day.
Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Easy Prep: Cheesecake isn’t always easy to make, but this cheese ball sure is! You can throw it together with just a few ingredients and some simple steps.
Party-Pleaser: This unique dessert-style cheese ball will be a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Serving Options: Pair with graham crackers, pretzels, chocolate chips, vanilla wafers, fruit slices – you name it.
Make-Ahead: Simply prep the cheese ball in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. It’s ideal for stress-free entertaining and last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base that gives the cheese ball its rich and smooth texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a luscious, buttery richness.
- Brown Sugar: Introduces a hint of caramel-like depth.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that ensures a silky-smooth finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For little bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout!
- Chopped Pecans: The crunchy coating adds texture and a nutty flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Once you start dipping this rich and creamy treat, it’s hard to stop!
This cheese ball is decadently delicious. But can I let you in on a secret? It’s insanely easy to make!
1. BEAT the softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until smooth and lump-free.
2. ADD the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until incorporated.
3. FOLD in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
4. COVER and chill for about 2 hours.
5. SHAPE the mixture into a ball using your hands, cover, and chill again until firm.
6. ROLL the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans.
7. SERVE with your favorite dippers and enjoy.
Tips For the Best Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Some desserts require a lot of work, but not this chocolate chip cheese ball! It’s as easy as can be.
And with these tips, things get even easier.
- Use room-temperature ingredients. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Stick to full-fat. Low-fat cream cheese is very soft, so the ball won’t hold its shape.
- Try different mix-ins. Try peanut butter or butterscotch chips, swirl in some caramel, or chop a bar of dark chocolate instead of mini chips.
- Let it set. Chill the cheese mixture before and after forming the ball. Otherwise, it won’t hold its shape when serving.
- Chocolate coating. Not a pecan lover? Coat it in more mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or sprinkles.
- Dipper ideas. Pair with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or fruit slices for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
How to Store
I know it may be tempting, but don’t I don’t recommend freezing this dessert. The texture will likely become grainy and watery after thawing.
But you can make it ahead if needed.
To Store: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-5 days. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
More Creamy Desserts You’ll Love
Creamy Cranberry Salad
Old Fashioned Vinegar Pie
Peanut Butter Fluff
Turtle Pie
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
12
15
minutes3
hours315
kcalThis fun and easy chocolate chip cheese ball tastes like cheesecake in a unique retro form. It’s ideal for parties, holidays, and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or vanilla wafers, for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl and beat again until lump-free.
- Slowly blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined and smooth. Then, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours.
- Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it back in the refrigerator for an additional hour to set properly.
- When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap. Roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring that the entire surface is evenly coated.
- Place on a serving platter with graham crackers or your favorite dippers. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Low-fat cream cheese is very soft, so the ball won’t hold its shape. Stick to full-fat for the best taste and texture.
