This easy chocolate chip cheese ball is a crowd-pleasing dessert or snack for any party.


No-bake chocolate chip cheese ball
Just five ingredients are all you need to make a thick, smooth, rich, chocolatey peanut-butter chocolate chip cheese ball that tastes like a giant scoop of creamy chocolate chip cheesecake.
This easy recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, book clubs, birthdays, tailgate parties, barbecues, happy hours, or game day celebrations.

Serving and dip ideas
Serve the cheese ball with graham crackers, Oreos, banana or orange slices, apple slices, berries, pretzels, potato chips, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps. It’s also excellent spread on banana breads or enjoyed with a spoon as a dip.

Flavor variations
S’mores: Use butter or a neutral nut butter, then roll the ball in crushed graham crackers, chopped chocolate bars, and mini marshmallows.
Double Chocolate: Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the powdered sugar for a fudgy version.
Strawberry: Use strawberry cream cheese and a mild nut butter like cashew or coconut for a fruity twist.
Cookie Dough: Use butter as the fat and increase vanilla to 1 teaspoon; press chocolate chips into the outside to resemble cookie dough.
Pumpkin Spice: Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and use pumpkin cream cheese; coat with cinnamon sugar and toasted pecans.
Birthday Cake: Use butter or cashew butter, add 1/2 teaspoon butter extract or a few drops of almond extract, and cover with sprinkles.
Mocha Cheesecake: Beat in 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder and garnish with crushed coffee beans and chopped dark chocolate.

Football-shaped cheese ball
For a memorable game-day treat, shape the chilled mixture into a football, press mini chocolate chips all over, and pipe vanilla frosting laces. Serve with graham crackers, pretzel sticks, or fruit for a fun presentation.
Recipe video
Watch the step-by-step video above
Mini cheese balls
To make individual portions, scoop small amounts onto plastic wrap, twist tightly into mini balls, and freeze until firm. Once set, coat with melted chocolate or add different toppings for variety.

Ingredients
You will need: cream cheese (or plant-based cream cheese), powdered sugar (or a sugar-free powdered alternative), pure vanilla extract, butter or nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.), and mini chocolate chips or sprinkles. Use dairy-free chips and vegan cream cheese to make a vegan version.
Powdered sugar works best for the classic texture, but you can use a keto-friendly powdered sweetener if desired. Swap in sprinkles, chopped toffee, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or granola for different textures and flavors.

How to make it
Bring the cream cheese and your chosen butter or nut butter to room temperature so they’re easy to stir. In a mixing bowl, combine the two, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and cookie-dough–like. Chill the mixture until firm enough to shape.
Place the chilled mixture on plastic wrap, pull the sides up, and twist tightly to form a ball. Freeze until the wrap can be removed cleanly, then press chocolate chips or your chosen toppings into the surface. Keep refrigerated or frozen until serving. If you’re short on time, serve the mixture from a bowl as a dip.
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer because of the perishable ingredients.


Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or regular butter or almond butter)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative)
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or sprinkles)
Instructions
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Bring the cream cheese and peanut butter to room temperature so they are easy to mix. In a deep bowl, beat or stir them together. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then stir in the vanilla, mixing until smooth and evenly textured. Chill until firm enough to scoop onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the wrap around the mixture and twist tightly to form a ball. Freeze until the wrap can be removed without sticking, then press chocolate chips or your chosen toppings onto the surface. Refrigerate or freeze until serving. If you prefer, skip chilling and serve as a dip.
Video
Notes
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