This Reese’s Cheese Ball is a peanut butter lover’s dream! Creamy, rich, and loaded with mini Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups, this decadent dessert is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it with graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat!

Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peanut butter cups (optional)

For the Coating:

• 1/4 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup crushed peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups (if using).
3. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until firm).
4. In a shallow dish, mix the mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups for the coating.
5. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Pair with graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices for dipping.

Notes

• For extra texture, mix in chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels.
• If your cheese ball is too soft, freeze it for 15-20 minutes before rolling in the coating.
• To make ahead, prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Helpful Tips for the Best Reese’s Cheese Ball

Perfecting the Texture

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy consistency.
• If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it for 15-20 minutes before forming it into a ball. This helps it firm up and hold its shape.

Getting the Best Flavor

• Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth, rich consistency. Chunky peanut butter can add a bit of crunch, but it may make the cheese ball harder to roll.
• A pinch of sea salt can enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Rolling and Coating Tips

• For an even coating, gently press the candy and chocolate chips into the cheese ball instead of just rolling it. This helps everything stick better.
• If your hands get sticky while shaping the ball, lightly coat them with powdered sugar or wear gloves.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Add the coating just before serving for the best texture.
• If making ahead, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for a softer, spreadable consistency.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, apple slices, or chocolate cookies for delicious dipping options.

Conservation and Storage Tips for Reese’s Cheese Ball

Short-Term Storage (Refrigeration)

• Keep your cheese ball fresh by storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.
• It’s best to consume within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
• Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to dip and spread.

Make-Ahead Storage

• You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, but for the best texture, wait to roll it in the candy coating until just before serving. This prevents the coating from becoming soft or sticky.
• If making ahead, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for extra protection against moisture and odors.

Freezing Instructions

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball (without the coating) for up to 1 month.
• To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chip coating.

Leftover Tips

• If you have leftovers, portion them into small servings and refrigerate in an airtight container.
• Leftover cheese ball can also be used as a spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles, or even stirred into ice cream for a fun twist!

Delicious Variations of Reese’s Cheese Ball

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

• Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheese ball mixture for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
• Swap out mini chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different twist.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Explosion

• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for extra texture.
• Add 1/4 cup of crushed pretzels or chopped roasted peanuts for a salty crunch that balances the sweetness.

Nut-Free Version

• Replace peanut butter with cookie butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Swap Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cups for M&M’s and crushed Oreos to keep it allergy-friendly.

Holiday-Themed Cheeseball

• Halloween: Use orange and black sprinkles instead of the Reese’s Pieces for a festive touch.
• Christmas: Add red and green M&M’s or sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
• Valentine’s Day: Use pink and red sprinkles and drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Mini Cheeseball Bites

• Instead of one large cheese ball, divide the mixture into bite-sized truffles and roll each in the coating.
• Serve on toothpicks for an easy, mess-free party snack.

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cheeseball

• Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the finished cheese ball.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.

Serving Suggestions for Reese’s Cheese Ball

Perfect Dippers

Pair your Reese’s Cheese Ball with a variety of dippers to create the ultimate snacking experience:

• Classic Sweet Options: Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or chocolate wafers complement the creamy peanut butter flavor.
• Crunchy & Salty: Pretzels, Ritz crackers, or salted peanuts add a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
• Fruity Twist: Apple slices, strawberries, or banana chips provide a fresh, slightly tart balance.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Party Platter: Place the cheese ball in the center of a platter and surround it with dippers in a circular pattern for an eye-catching display.
• Drizzle for Extra Flavor: Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for a gourmet touch.
• Sprinkle Extra Toppings: A final sprinkle of crushed peanut butter cups or chocolate chips makes it even more indulgent.

Themed Party Serving Ideas

• Game Day Fun: Shape the cheese ball into a football and use white icing for stitching. Serve with pretzels and crackers.
• Holiday Special: Roll it in red and green sprinkles for Christmas or use pastel M&M’s for Easter.
• Birthday Celebration: Serve with birthday candles and a side of colorful sprinkles for a fun dessert alternative.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for a cozy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. For the best texture, add the coating just before serving.

2. How do I prevent the cheese ball from being too soft?

If the mixture is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling it into a ball. This helps firm up the texture. Also, make sure your cream cheese isn’t too warm when mixing.

3. Can I freeze a Reese’s Cheese Ball?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the coating for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips.

4. What can I serve with this cheese ball?

Great dippers include graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, apple slices, and chocolate cookies.

5. Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Substitute the peanut butter with cookie butter or sunflower seed butter and replace Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s or mini chocolate chips.

6. How long will leftovers last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best consistency.

7. Can I make mini cheese ball bites?

Absolutely! Roll the mixture into small truffle-sized balls, coat them individually, and serve with toothpicks for an easy grab-and-go treat.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Indulgent Treat

Reese’s Cheese Ball is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With its creamy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and crunchy candy coating, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself to something special, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress.

One of the best things about this cheese ball is its versatility. You can customize it with different mix-ins, shape it for themed occasions, or even make mini cheese ball bites for easy serving. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, from sweet cookies to salty pretzels, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Another bonus? It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free dessert option. If you have leftovers, you can enjoy them in creative ways, like spreading the mixture on toast, adding it to pancakes, or even mixing it into ice cream for a peanut butter and chocolate swirl.

No matter how you serve it, this Reese’s Cheese Ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It brings the best of peanut butter cups and cheesecake together in one irresistible bite. So grab your favorite dippers, gather your friends and family, and enjoy this decadent treat. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it for every occasion!

More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Delights

If you love this Reese’s Cheese Ball, you’ll definitely enjoy this Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Ball for another delicious take on a peanut butter dessert! Check out the full recipe here: Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Ball