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Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

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When chocolate chip cookie dough meets cheesecake, you get this mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – and it really is as delicious as it sounds!

 

Main image for recipe of chocolate chip cheese ball on a platter

 

This recipe is my go-to sweet snack for parties, potlucks, bridal or baby showers, and more. If I’m not careful, I can easily forget to share, it’s THAT good! 

Rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, you and everyone who tries this tasty recipe are bound to love it. Every time I’ve taken or served this anywhere, I’ve had rave-reviews.

If you’ve never had a dessert cheese ball, then you’re certainly missing out! This chocolate chip cheese ball recipe is perfect for spreading or dipping with your favorite sweet or savory snacks. 

The best part about this chocolate chip cheeseball is that it’s super quick and easy to make, you can make it ahead, and it can even be frozen!

Basically, it tastes like heaven and is easy to make – what’s not to love?!

 

cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract in a bowl, unmixed.

 

How to make a chocolate chip cream cheese ball?

The ingredients for this dessert cream cheese ball are pretty simple and you likely have most of them on hand already: 

  • Cream cheese – the foundation for most cheeseballs, and this is no exception. Cream cheese gives you that delicious cheesecake-y flavor! 
  • Butter – sorry friends, no subs on this ingredient. 
  • Vanilla extract – for flavor adding and enhancing, vanilla extract will add to the cookie dough flavor of this recipe. 
  • Powdered sugar – one of the main differences between powdered and granulated sugar (besides the extra-fine texture) is that powdered sugar also has a little cornstarch added to it, which keeps it nice and powdery and can help desserts made with it to better hold their shape. 
  • Brown sugar – brown sugar adds rich flavor and sweetness to this cheese ball recipe. 
  • Chocolate chips – I prefer to use milk chocolate chips in this recipe, but you can use your favorite variety. Mini or full size work great as well! 
  • Pecans – I love the extra texture and flavor a pecan crust provides on this cheese ball. 

 

powdered sugar, and brown sugar added to cream cheese mixture

 

Once you have the ingredients ready, the preparation is incredibly easy: 

  1. Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and butter. 
  2. Add sugars until combined. 
  3. Stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. 
  5. Roll in pecans. 
  6. Serve

 

chocolate chips added to cream cheese mixture, unmixed

 

How to shape a cheese ball?

Shaping this chocolate chip cheese ball is simple. Once you’ve prepared the cheese ball mixture, simply form it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least two hours, or overnight. 

When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped pecans. That’s it! 

 

chocolate chips mixed into cream cheese mixture.

 

How to serve a dessert cheese ball?

The great thing about this cream cheese ball dessert is that it’s versatile! You can serve it as a traditional cheese ball, shaped and rolled in nuts, or you can serve it as a dip. Both are great options. 

If you’re pressed for time and can’t allow the cheese ball to set in the fridge for at least two hours, then I would recommend serving it as a dip instead.  You can find the recipe for Cookie Dough Cheesecake Dip Here!

 

cream cheese mixture spooned onto plastic wrap.

 

What to serve with a chocolate chip cheese ball? 

Wondering what to serve with a dessert cheese ball? The possibilities are endless! Some of our favorites are graham crackers, vanilla wafers, apples, Oreos, or chocolate chip cookies. 

For a spectacular blend of sweet and salty (my favorite!) try dipping or spreading on pretzels, Ritz crackers, baked pie crust cookies, or even crispy bacon! 

 

cheese ball wrapped in plastic wrap and chilled

 

Do I have to use nuts?

Nuts are not a required part of this recipe, though they do add nice texture and flavor. If you don’t prefer nuts, feel free to omit them altogether or substitute another ingredient. 

Alternative ideas to a pecan crust are flaked coconut, mini or chopped chocolate chips, or graham cracker crumbs. 

 

chilled cheese ball in a bowl of chopped pecans.

 

Do I have to turn this into a cheese ball? 

No! turn it into a dip! As I mentioned above, sometimes we’re pressed for time or just not in the mood for a cheese ball – you can easily convert this recipe into a dip and save yourself the time it takes for the cheese ball to set. 

 

cheese ball covered in pecans

 

How to store this chocolate chip cheese ball?

You’ll want to store this dessert cheeseball in a covered container or wrapped in plastic wrap. It can be refrigerated for at least a week if stored correctly. 

 

cheese ball on a platter with graham cracker sticks and pretzels

 

Can you freeze a chocolate chip cheeseball?

Absolutely! That’s one of the things I love about this recipe – you can make it ahead, freeze the leftovers (or freeze it for a later day). It’s perfect for sharing at parties or tailgates or ANYWHERE. 

To freeze, wrap the cheeseball (preferably before adding the nuts if you’re making it ahead) tightly in plastic wrap and then place the wrapped cheese ball in an airtight container or freezer bag. 

You can freeze this chocolate chip cheeseball recipe for up to 2 months if stored properly

When you’re ready to serve the cheese ball, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Immediately prior to serving, unwrap the thawed cheese ball and roll it chopped pecans (or your crust of choice). 

Whether you’re hosting a super bowl party, attending a potluck, or looking for the perfect treat for a baby or bridal shower, this chocolate chip cheese ball recipe is the one for you!

 

 

More Recipes with Cream Cheese…

Quick, easy, delicious, and most definitely a crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with this delicious dessert cheese ball! 

 

Yield: 16 Servings

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Ball

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Ball

When chocolate chip cookie dough meets cheesecake, you get this mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – and it really is as delicious as it sounds!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Inactive Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • Graham crackers
  • pretzel squares

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy.
  2. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined.
  3. Stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap.
  5. Wrap it up and then shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  6. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans.
  7. Serve with graham crackers and pretzels.

Notes

You can eat this right away as a dip, but if you wish to serve as a cheese ball, you'll need to refrigerate it so that it is firm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 1g

Originally Posted: November 28, 2013

Photos & Text Updated: April 19, 2018

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Pam Greer

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

I am never making a regular cheeseball again!!! This one is sooo good!

Beth

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

This looks so yummy and scrumptious! My kids are going to love this recipe!

Shadi Hasanzadenemati

Monday 18th of November 2019

I'm making this for the weekend, I bet everyone is going to devour it!

Janelle

Monday 23rd of December 2019

Shadi did you have any leftover? I suspect no, but I'd love to know! Yum!

esther

Monday 18th of June 2018

I can now make chocolate-chip-cream-cheese-ball by using the ingredients prescribed its not complicated

Janelle

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Esther, I am so glad you can make them and enjoy them! I try to make directions simple when posting these recipes. Thanks for your comment!

esther

Monday 18th of June 2018

I can now make chocolate-chip-cream-cheese-ball by using the ingredients prescribed

Janelle

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Esther, enjoy the process of making them and eating them! Love these! Have fun and hope you find more recipes on Nums the Word!

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