This Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball is a sweet, creamy dessert that is perfect for parties and gatherings. And although you may think of a savory appetizer when you hear “cheese ball”, we are here to tell you that this sweet version will be your new favorite.
This recipe is delicious, quick to make and always one of the first things people go back for. What makes this recipe so good is the mix of creamy filling, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. This is definitely a favorite we make for holidays and get-togethers.
If you love easy desserts like this, try our Fruit Dip, Nutella Dip, Chocolate Chip Dip, and Oreo Fluff. You can also find more family favorite treats in our dessert collection.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and no baking required. This sweet treat is prepped in under 10 minutes, then simply chill!
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and chill until ready to serve.
- Smooth Texture: Cream cheese and butter create a creamy base.
- Balanced Sweetness: The sugars add just the right amount of sweetness.
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Creates the creamy base and gives a slight tang.
- Butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. See How to Soften Butter Quickly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and flavor.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and smooths the mixture.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoon): Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (½ cup): Adds chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Pecans (¾ cup, finely chopped): Adds a crunchy coating and nutty flavor.
- Graham crackers or fruit: Perfect for dipping and serving. Or serve apple slices, vanilla wafers, Oreos, pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, animal crackers, or strawberries.
How to Make a Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
MIX. Combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat until fluffy.
Add powdered sugar and brown sugar and mix well.
Fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture.
CHILL. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
SERVE. Shape into a ball and roll in ¾ cup chopped pecans.
Serve with fruit or crackers. We love graham crackers and strawberries.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are fully softened so it mixes smooth with no lumps.
- Beat until fluffy, it makes the cheese ball lighter and easier to scoop.
- Chill at least 2 hours so it firms up enough to shape.
- Use mini chocolate chips for easier slicing and scooping.
- Make-ahead tip, shape and roll in pecans right before serving for the freshest crunch.
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
- graham crackers or fruit
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Beat until fluffy.
- Add sugars and mix well.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Shape into a ball and roll in chopped pecans.
- Serve with fruit or crackers.
Notes
- Let cream cheese soften for easier mixing.
- Chill fully so it holds its shape.
- Use mini chips for even distribution.
- Roll gently in pecans for full coverage.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Wrap the cheeseball with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 5-7 days, or wrap again with aluminum foil and freeze for 1 month.
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This recipe was first shared January, 2016.
Easy fun recipe that both kids and adults like!
I love this twist on a cheese ball! It was definitely more fun than typical dessert dip.
Absolutely delicious!!
This cheese ball was amazing, I served it as a snack for our family movie night and it went so fast, we literally dipped everything you could think of into it!
This is a great appetizer for the holidays! So good and easy to do!
Well this didn’t last very long! I am making it again for our gathering on Saturday!
This was so easy to make and a huge hit! I made it for a book club.
Served this last year & it was a big hit!! I will be serving it again! The kids devoured it & we served it with all kinds of goodies!
We all like cheese balls but this one is sweet! So yummy.