Reese’s Cheese Ball Peanut Butter Bliss Dessert Recipe (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cheese Ball Base

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup mini Reese's Pieces
07 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
08 - 1/2 cup peanut butter cups, roughly chopped (optional but recommended)

→ For the Candy Coating

09 - 1/4 cup mini Reese's Pieces
10 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
11 - 1/4 cup peanut butter cups, finely chopped

→ For Serving (Optional)

12 - Graham crackers
13 - Pretzels (regular or chocolate-covered)
14 - Vanilla wafers
15 - Apple slices
16 - Strawberries

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together until well combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining, as this will ensure a smooth, creamy texture in your final cheese ball.
02 - Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed at first (to prevent sugar clouds) and then increase to medium speed until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
03 - Add the mini Reese's Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and chopped peanut butter cups (if using) to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold these candy pieces into the cream cheese mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the candies to stay intact.
04 - Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter or work surface. Scoop the mixture onto the plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap to help you (so your hands stay clean), shape the mixture into a ball. The mixture will be quite soft at this point, so don't worry about making a perfect sphere yet.
05 - Wrap the cheese ball completely in the plastic wrap, making sure it's well covered. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This chilling time is essential as it allows the cheese ball to firm up enough to hold its shape when you roll it in the candy coating.
06 - While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare the candy coating. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the 1/4 cup mini Reese's Pieces, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup finely chopped peanut butter cups. Make sure these pieces are small enough to easily stick to the outside of the cheese ball.
07 - When the cheese ball is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Immediately roll the cheese ball in the candy coating mixture, gently pressing the candies into the surface to make sure they adhere well. Continue rolling and pressing until the entire surface is covered with candy pieces.
08 - Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading. Surround it with graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, or sliced fruits for dipping. If not serving immediately, you can rewrap the coated cheese ball in fresh plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

# Notes:

01 - This dessert cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated until about 20 minutes before serving.
02 - For a more festive look, you can use holiday-colored candy coatings depending on the season or occasion.
03 - If you prefer a smoother texture, you can process the candies for the interior of the ball into smaller pieces before folding them in.

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