The first time I made this Reese’s Cheese Ball, it wasn’t for a holiday, game night, or party spread. It was a Tuesday. One of those days where the kitchen calls for a little chaos and comfort, something unexpected that makes you grin before the first bite. I’d been organizing my baking pantry and came across a nearly full bag of mini Reese’s Pieces and a stashed pack of peanut butter cups that had miraculously survived snack attacks. Inspiration hit somewhere between peanut butter cravings and the need for a no-bake treat.
No oven, no complicated techniques, just rich, creamy indulgence with a candy-coated crunch. I shaped the mixture, chilled it, and rolled it in an avalanche of mini chocolate chips and crushed peanut butter cups. It looked like a dessert from a cartoon—bold, unapologetic, and a little wild.
When I set it out with a tray of pretzels and graham crackers, my friends didn’t ask what it was. They dove in. That first bite—cool, creamy, salty-sweet, with that signature peanut butter punch—was magic. Since then, this cheese ball has made its way into birthdays, potlucks, and even my Thanksgiving dessert table. And every time, it gets the same wide-eyed reaction.
If you love the chocolate-peanut butter combo, this one’s a keeper. It’s a showstopper and a crowd-pleaser, all wrapped in one bold bite.
Short Description
This no-bake Reese’s Cheese Ball combines creamy peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate into a fun, sweet dip covered in candies and chocolate chips—perfect for parties, game days, or anytime indulgence.
Key Ingredients
- 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
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Shallow dish or plate
- Serving plate or platter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
Step 2: Add the Candy Mix
Fold in mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups using a rubber spatula. Be gentle so the candies stay whole and don’t lose their crunch.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use your hands (through the wrap) to shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
Step 4: Coat the Cheese Ball
In a shallow dish, combine the coating ingredients: mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups.
Step 5: Roll and Serve
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it in the coating mixture, pressing slightly to make it stick. Place it on a serving plate and let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, cookies, or even sliced apples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Rich, creamy, and satisfying
– No baking required
– Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers
– Eye-catching and fun to serve
– Easily made ahead for parties
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using cold cream cheese
This leads to lumps. Let it soften at room temp for 30 minutes before mixing.
Overmixing the candy
Stir gently. Overmixing can cause the Reese’s Pieces to break and bleed color.
Not chilling long enough
If it’s too soft, it won’t shape well. Chill at least 1 hour; 2 is even better.
Too much coating mixture
Don’t overload the outside—it can overwhelm the balance. A light press is enough.
Serving straight from the fridge
Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes so the texture softens and the flavors shine.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a pretty platter with:
– Graham crackers
– Pretzel sticks
– Chocolate wafer cookies
– Vanilla wafers
– Apple slices for a sweet-and-tart combo
Pair with milk, iced coffee, or a dessert wine like Moscato for an indulgent finish.
Great for birthday parties, potlucks, holiday dessert tables, or movie nights.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Do not freeze—the texture becomes grainy and candies may crack.
Let it sit out 10–15 minutes before re-serving to soften the texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 2 days in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic and roll in the coating right before serving for best texture.
2. What type of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best. Natural peanut butters can separate and change the texture.
3. Is this cheese ball overly sweet?
It’s sweet, but not overwhelming. The tangy cream cheese balances the sugars and candy.
4. What can I serve this with besides crackers?
Try apple slices, rice cakes, mini pancakes, or even salty chips for a fun contrast.
5. Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing isn’t recommended. It alters the texture and makes the candies soggy.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your mixing bowl first for smoother blending.
– Use wax paper under the plastic wrap for easier shaping.
– Add a pinch of salt to boost flavor if your peanut butter is unsalted.
– Press coating in gently so it sticks without falling off.
– For smaller gatherings, divide into two mini cheese balls!
Recipe Variations
1. Chocolate Lover’s Version
Swap peanut butter for Nutella. Add chopped dark chocolate instead of peanut butter cups. Flavor shifts to rich hazelnut and cocoa with a smooth, creamy bite.
2. Cookie Dough Cheese Ball
Replace Reese’s with mini chocolate chips and crushed chocolate chip cookies. Use 1/2 tsp almond extract instead of vanilla for a bakery-style twist.
3. S’mores Cheese Ball
Mix in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Roll in crushed grahams, chocolate chips, and drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
4. Vegan Option
Use dairy-free cream cheese and peanut butter. Substitute chocolate candies with vegan chocolate chips and peanut butter buttons. Chill longer to help it set.
5. Crunchy Pretzel Cheese Ball
Add crushed pretzels into the mix and roll in a pretzel-chocolate chip coating. Adds a salty-sweet punch that’s great with a beer pairing.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Cheese Ball is more than just dessert—it’s that moment at the party when everyone stops and says, “Wait, what is this?” It’s playful, surprising, and incredibly satisfying. From its candy-studded coating to that creamy peanut butter core, every bite feels like a celebration of comfort food and nostalgia. I love how something so simple and fuss-free can still steal the show and bring people together around a plate.
It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket—not just for holidays but for any day that needs a little extra joy. When you’re tired of traditional desserts and want something fun, familiar, and a little bit quirky, this cheese ball is it. Honestly, it never lasts more than 15 minutes when I bring it out.
Try it once, and you’ll know why.
Reese’s Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peanut butter cups optional
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup mini Reese’s Pieces
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups gently with a spatula.
- Transfer to plastic wrap, shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and chill for 1 hour until firm.
- Mix the coating ingredients in a shallow dish: Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups.
- Unwrap, roll the cheese ball in the coating, and press gently. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving with crackers, cookies, or fruit.
