Introduction

This Peanut Butter Cup Cheeseball is a rich and creamy dessert perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Combining classic peanut butter flavor with chocolate chips, it’s both decadent and easy to make.

A round dome-shaped cookie dough ball covered fully with two types of chocolate chips, dark brown and light brown, evenly spread all over the surface. The dough underneath is light beige with a slightly rough texture. The cookie ball sits on a smooth wooden pedestal with a rich brown finish, and around the base, there are some scattered pretzels and apple slices visible. The scene is set outdoors with green blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter and chocolate chips (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, continuing to mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently. Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball using your hands. Wrap tightly and freeze for 2 hours.
Step 5: After freezing, remove the ball and roll it in the peanut butter and chocolate chip mixture. Rewrap and freeze for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 6: Before serving, let the cheeseball thaw for 30 minutes to soften slightly. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fruit.

Tips & Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture or substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped peanuts for a different crunch.

Storage

Store the cheeseball tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A round, thick ball of cookie dough covered fully with two types of chocolate chips—milk chocolate and peanut butter chocolate—randomly spread all over its tan, textured surface. The dough ball sits on a smooth, wooden board, and behind it is a white marbled surface with soft, warm lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may make the mixture a bit softer. Chill longer if needed to help it firm up.

What should I serve with the peanut butter cup cheeseball?

This cheeseball pairs well with salted crackers, pretzels, apple slices, or celery sticks for a mix of savory and sweet.

Peanut Butter Cup Cheeseball Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

This Peanut Butter Cup Cheeseball is a rich and creamy no-bake appetizer or dessert that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or a nostalgic treat, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins and Coating

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter and chocolate chips mixture (for rolling)

Instructions

Mix Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the room temperature cream cheese and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing continuously to maintain a smooth texture without lumps.
Mix in Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and blend again thoroughly to incorporate the flavor evenly.
Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without crushing them.
Shape and Chill the Cheeseball: Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, mold it into a tight ball, then wrap it securely. Freeze the cheeseball for 2 hours to firm up.
Roll in Coating: After 2 hours, remove the cheeseball from the freezer, unwrap it, and roll it in a mixture of peanut butter and chocolate chips to coat the outside. Rewrap tightly and return to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes.
Defrost Before Serving: Take the cheeseball out of the freezer 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier slicing and better flavor.
Serve: Present the cheeseball with assorted crackers, pretzels, or fruit slices as desired for a delightful snack or party appetizer.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
Use plastic wrap to help shape and chill the cheeseball without sticking.
Freeze times are important for the cheeseball to maintain its shape during serving.
Try serving with salty crackers or pretzels to balance the sweetness.

Keywords: peanut butter, cheeseball, no-bake, appetizer, party snack, chocolate chips, cream cheese