A delicious and playful party snack, the cheese ball first became popular in 1944. It was wartime and women were throwing modest gatherings and the cheese ball became known for its versatility.
The adaptable appetizer starts with soft cheese molded into a ball and dressed up with seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.
What happens when you make a sweet turn away from tradition? You get this mouth-watering chocolate chip cheese ball.
| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes |
| Servings: 16 | Calories: 285 kcal (per serving) |
Key Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioner’s sugar (or icing sugar in the UK and Canada)
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups miniature chocolate chips
- 1 bag (7.25 ounces) of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies or your choice of cookies
Preparation Instructions
- In an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Cream together on medium-high until thoroughly mixed and fluffy. (You can also use an electric hand-held mixer.)
- Add the confectioner’s sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla into the bowl. Mix on low for about one minute.
- Gently stir in ½ cup of the chocolate chips by hand, so they don’t break apart. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap it with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips into a medium bowl. Remove the cheesecake ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully. Roll the ball in the chocolate chips until the surface is thoroughly covered.
- Place the cheesecake ball onto a serving platter with the cookies.
Variations: Replace the chocolate chips with crushed Oreo cookies. As cookies, other options include vanilla wafers, graham crackers, and pretzels.
Helpful tip: If all you have on hand is low-fat cream cheese, instead of forming the cheesecake mixture into a ball, place it in a pretty bowl and serve it as a dip.
Product: Cambria Wood Dessert Stand, Sundance Ratoncito Cheese Knife 4 Pc. Set
Photo and recipe credit: Carrie of Pantry to Table
