One chilly New Year’s Eve, my family gathered at my parents’ cozy countryside home. The fireplace was crackling, and outside, the snow blanketed the landscape in silence. My son had just come back from college, and my daughter brought along her new boyfriend. It felt like the perfect night to share something sweet and special—a tradition I’d quietly started years ago.
While chatting about old family recipes, I pulled out a creamy, peanut buttery cheese ball that had quickly become a favorite at every holiday party since I first made it with a dear neighbor years ago.
That neighbor, Mrs. Wilkins, was an expert baker who loved mixing unexpected flavors, and this Reese’s Cheese Ball was her little masterpiece—rich cream cheese combined with peanut butter, studded with colorful Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips, coated with crunchy bits of peanut butter cups. Everyone reached for seconds without hesitation, even the youngest cousin who’s usually picky with sweets.
That night, between laughter and stories, I realized this recipe is more than just a dessert. It’s a sweet thread weaving together family, friendship, and celebration. Each bite is a reminder of moments shared, of simple joys and festive cheer that bring us all closer.
Short Description
A creamy, peanut butter and cream cheese cheese ball loaded with Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups. Perfectly sweet, rich, and easy to make for any party or cozy gathering.
Key Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz 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
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Plate or shallow dish for coating
- Plastic wrap
- Serving platter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Soften and Beat
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 2: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups with a rubber spatula. Reserve about half of these for coating later.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball
Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, shape it into a tight ball about 6 inches in diameter. Wrap it securely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
On a plate or shallow dish, combine the reserved Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Ball
Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap. Roll it gently in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly all around.
Step 6: Final Chill and Serve
Place the coated cheese ball back on a serving platter and chill for another hour before serving. This helps set the coating and melds the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Creamy, rich texture with a perfect sweet-savory balance.
– Quick and easy—no baking required.
– Fun crunch from Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips.
– Versatile for snacks or parties.
– Customizable with mix-ins to suit your taste.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using cold cream cheese: This can cause lumps. Solution: Always soften it to room temperature before mixing.
Overmixing the batter: Can make the cheese ball dense and less creamy. Solution: Mix until just combined and fold in mix-ins gently.
Skipping the chilling step: The flavors won’t meld and the texture won’t set properly. Solution: Chill at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Adding too many mix-ins at once: May make the cheese ball crumbly or hard to shape. Solution: Add mix-ins gradually and fold carefully.
Not using a flat surface for shaping: Leads to uneven or messy cheese balls. Solution: Shape on a plate or board lined with parchment paper.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve chilled with salted crackers, pita chips, or sliced apples for contrast.
Pair with crunchy pretzels or celery sticks for added texture and freshness.
Offer as a party appetizer for casual gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Complement with a cold glass of milk or iced tea to balance the richness.
Arrange on a platter with fresh fruit, nuts, and veggies for an eye-catching spread.
Ideal for buffet tables or family-style serving, allowing guests to scoop their favorite amount.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of cream cheese can change when thawed.
No reheating needed—serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, but it may affect the texture, making the cheese ball a bit grainier. If you prefer crunch, try it and adjust sugar to taste.
2. What if I don’t have mini Reese’s Pieces?
Regular-sized Reese’s Pieces chopped finely work fine. You can also substitute with chopped peanuts or M&Ms for color.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and peanut butter alternatives. The texture might differ but it’s a workable swap for those with dietary restrictions.
4. How far ahead can I prepare this?
Prepare up to 2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated and covered tightly for freshness.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just mix in a larger bowl and chill accordingly, but keep the shaping manageable by dividing into two smaller cheese balls if preferred.
Tips & Tricks
For a firmer cheese ball, chill overnight. To enhance peanut flavor, toast the peanut butter cups lightly before crushing.
Use a flexible rubber spatula to fold ingredients gently without deflating the mixture.
If you want a more dramatic look, add edible gold dust to the coating mix.
Recipe Variations
For a salty-sweet twist, add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the candies.
For a chocolate lover’s version, swap peanut butter for Nutella and increase mini chocolate chips to 3/4 cup.
For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduce the sugars slightly, keeping in mind the texture will be softer and less rich.
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Cheese Ball has become a little celebration in itself whenever it hits the table. I think it’s the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that keeps people coming back. It’s easy enough to whip up last minute but special enough to impress your guests.
Every time I make it, I remember that snowy evening filled with warmth and laughter—a reminder that food is really about connection. Give it a try, and see how it brings your gatherings to life. It just might become your new favorite, too.
Reese’s Cheese Ball
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz 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
Step 1: Soften and Beat
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
Step 2: Fold in Mix-ins
Fold in Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups. Reserve half for coating.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball
Shape mixture into a 6-inch ball using plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
Combine reserved Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups on a plate.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Ball
Roll chilled ball in coating mixture, pressing gently to stick.
Step 6: Final Chill and Serve
Chill coated cheese ball for 1 hour before serving to set flavors.
