Hi friends! Let’s chat about sanity-saving comfort food.
I want to share one of my family’s all-time faves: a Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball. It’s pure joy, it’s simple, and requires zero baking. My kids ask for it constantly, and honestly, I love making it because it feels like a mini-celebration we can whip up any day.
I first made this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball for a holiday party. I needed something quick, easy, and kid-friendly, but also a little bit special. I was so tired of making the same old appetizers.
Well, let me tell you, that Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball was gone in minutes! Everyone loved it, from the little ones to the grown-ups. It was such a hit that it became a regular request for birthdays, movie nights, and even just because.
I love that this recipe is so flexible, too. You can adjust the sweetness, add different mix-ins, or serve it with your favorite dippers. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be played with and enjoyed. I hope you find as much comfort and joy in making this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball as we do! Join me, fellow busy moms, as we create delicious moments in our cozy chaos.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the base of our Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball. Using softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps the ball hold its shape. Make sure it’s softened to get the right consistency for this sweet cheese ball.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake ball perfectly. You can adjust this according to your preference – more for a sweeter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball, less for a more subtle flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Use good quality vanilla for the best taste in your chocolate chip dip!
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips: The star of the show! I prefer mini chocolate chips because they distribute evenly throughout the ball and are perfect for dipping. Feel free to use dark, milk, or semi-sweet in this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball.
- Graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit for serving: These are your dippers! Choose your family’s favorites for a personalized touch.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: This is used for dusting the easy cheesecake appetizer.
- 1/4 cup crushed walnuts (optional): To add a bit of crunch and make the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball even more delicious.
Trust me, this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract if that is what you have! My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure everything is well combined. A smooth base is the secret to this easy cheesecake appetizer.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don’t overmix, just until everything is incorporated. This comforting Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball will taste so good, you may want to eat it now!
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and crushed walnuts (if using). Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Pro-tip: save a few chocolate chips for decorating later! We want this chocolate chip dessert ball to look as good as it tastes.
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the cheesecake mixture onto the plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, then wrap it tightly. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball – learn from my experience!
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball to firm up and the flavors to meld together. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Before serving, unwrap the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball and place it on a serving plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and the reserved mini chocolate chips. This will make the sweet cheese ball look extra festive.
- Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, fruit, or your favorite dippers. The best part about this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball recipe is that it’s so versatile! My family’s favorite dippers are strawberries and vanilla wafers.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball usually takes only 10 minutes to prepare! While your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is chilling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Don’t worry if your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball looks a little soft before chilling – it will firm up in the fridge.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family loves this comforting Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball served with a variety of dippers. We usually have graham crackers, pretzels, and sliced apples on hand. I love the salty-sweet combination of the pretzels with the creamy cheesecake. The kids devour this comforting Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball when I serve it with sliced strawberries and bananas.
This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great addition to potlucks, parties, and holiday gatherings. I’ve even made mini versions of this chocolate chip dessert ball for school lunches as a special treat.
For presentation, I like to arrange the dippers around the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of extra chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar make it look extra festive. If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The kids love snacking on the easy cheesecake appetizer straight from the fridge. I recently made this for a party and it was a huge hit, everyone asked for the cheesecake ball recipe!
We also love a seasonal variation. During the holidays, I add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball. In the summer, I add a dollop of lemon curd for a tangy twist.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball really filling enough for growing kids? Yes! The cream cheese and butter provide healthy fats, and the chocolate chips add a little bit of energy. Plus, the dippers add extra carbs and fiber. It’s a satisfying and delicious snack or dessert.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball? Offer it with a variety of dippers that you know they like. Sometimes, just having a familiar dipping option can encourage them to try something new. You can also let them help you make it. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. Another option is to leave out the chocolate chips in one small portion for the picky eater.
- Can I meal prep this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball for busy weeks ahead? Absolutely! This is one of the reasons I love this recipe so much. You can make the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. This makes a great chocolate chip dip.
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese? I haven’t tried it myself, but I think mascarpone cheese would also work well. It has a similar creamy texture to cream cheese. Avoid using cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, as they are too watery.
- How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting when I fold them in? Make sure your cream cheese and butter are not too warm. If they are, the chocolate chips will melt when you fold them in. Also, use mini chocolate chips, as they are less likely to melt than larger chocolate chips.
- What if my Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is too soft? This usually happens if the cream cheese and butter are not softened properly. Make sure they are at room temperature before you start mixing. You can also add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to help firm it up. And be sure to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Can I freeze this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change when it thaws. The cream cheese can become grainy. It’s best to make it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I love getting feedback from my readers! One mom asked if she could use sugar-free chocolate chips. Yes! This will cut down on the sugar content of the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball and still taste great.
Final Thoughts:
This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create joyful moments and simple comfort for your family. It’s about making memories in the kitchen and sharing delicious food with the ones you love. This easy cheesecake appetizer is also a total crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.
My Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball Comfort Hacks:
- Make it mini: Roll the cheesecake mixture into small balls for individual servings.
- Add a surprise: Stuff a few raspberries or blueberries into the center of the ball before chilling.
- Get creative with dippers: Try serving it with cinnamon sugar pita chips or chocolate-covered pretzels.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture.
- Oreo: Crush a few Oreo cookies and fold them into the cheesecake mixture.
- Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
My son loves the peanut butter version, while my daughter prefers the classic chocolate chip. My husband is a big fan of the lemon version.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to your family’s table. I hope this cheesecake ball recipe brings your family together! You can also try my other recipes such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie, white chocolate blueberry cheesecake and chocolate orange cheesecake.

So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! This Game Day Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball – Belle of the Kitchen is a great appetizer to share. Also try this Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball – Lemon Tree Dwelling. I’m cheering you on, fellow comfort seekers, and I can’t wait to hear about your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball success! You can also find a Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball Recipe online.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball
This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is a creamy, sweet, and utterly irresistible dessert dip perfect for parties! Serve with graham crackers, fruit, or cookies for an easy and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
- Graham crackers, cookies, or fruit, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Once chilled, shape the mixture into a ball.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips onto a plate. Roll the cheesecake ball in the chocolate chips, pressing gently to adhere.
- Serve immediately with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the cheesecake ball with chocolate syrup before serving.

