Desserts have always held a special place in our hearts, and when it comes to indulgence, few things are as delightful as a perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or craving something sweet to satisfy your taste buds, dessert balls are a fantastic option. They’re easy to make, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. In this guide, we will explore 9 incredible dessert ball recipes that span from classic peanut butter and chocolate combinations to fruity, creamy cheesecake delights. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into the world of dessert balls!
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or finely ground digestive biscuits)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
For Decoration:
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces (or other colorful candy-coated chocolates)
Directions:
Start by preparing the peanut butter filling. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and stir in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Next, melt your chocolate by microwaving it in 20-second intervals until smooth. Add coconut oil for a glossy finish. Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate and place it back on the baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, decorate with mini Reese’s Pieces or your preferred colorful candy. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, and voila! You’ve got a sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Tips:
- For a crunchier texture, you can add crushed peanuts to the mixture.
- These balls can be stored for up to a week in the fridge or frozen for months.
2. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup raspberry preserves (or fresh mashed raspberries)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafer crumbs)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (melted)
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
To start, beat the cream cheese until smooth, and mix in powdered sugar, raspberry preserves, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the crushed graham crackers until the mixture becomes firm enough to roll into balls.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and freeze for 30 minutes to set. Melt white chocolate chips and dip each ball into the chocolate, ensuring full coverage. After dipping, sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried raspberries or extra graham cracker crumbs for added flavor and texture. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, then serve for a creamy, fruity delight.
Tips:
- These balls are perfect for parties or as a decadent snack.
- Keep them refrigerated for up to a week.
3. Grinch Oreo Balls
Ingredients:
- 24.4 ounces Red Velvet Oreos (2 packages)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 15 ounces light green candy melts
- Red heart sprinkles
Directions:
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mixing them with softened cream cheese. Once combined, roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Dip each ball into the melted candy coating, then drizzle with a small amount of reserved candy melts. Decorate with red heart sprinkles before the coating hardens.
Let the coating set completely before serving. These festive treats are perfect for spreading holiday cheer, especially if you’re a fan of the Grinch!
Tips:
- You can use green food coloring and white chocolate if you don’t have green candy melts.
- These balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Brownie Bombs:
- Prepared cookie dough (see above)
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- Mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
- Melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Directions:
Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla, flour, and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
Roll the dough into small balls and freeze for at least 30 minutes. While they chill, prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions. Once the dough is firm, flatten the brownie batter in your hand and wrap it around the cookie dough ball, sealing it completely. Bake according to brownie mix instructions, then drizzle with melted chocolate and garnish with mini chocolate chips.
Tips:
- For extra indulgence, drizzle more chocolate or sprinkle with crushed cookies on top.
- These bombs are a treat for any cookie lover!
5. Festive Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Directions:
Beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract together. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined, then fold in the M&Ms. Roll the dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Once baked, roll the warm cookies in confectioners’ sugar. Repeat for a second coating once they’ve cooled for a festive, sweet touch. These buttery, holiday-inspired treats will bring joy to any gathering.
Tips:
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
6. Orange Creamsicle Truffles
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp orange extract
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 drop orange food coloring
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Directions:
To make the base mixture, heat butter and orange zest together, then add cream and pour over white chocolate chips. Stir gently until smooth. Add the orange and vanilla extracts, along with the food coloring, to achieve that signature creamsicle flavor. Chill the mixture until firm, then shape into balls and roll them in powdered sugar for that classic truffle finish.
Tips:
- These truffles are light, zesty, and perfect for any citrus lover.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Base:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Melted white or dark chocolate (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the red velvet cake base by mixing the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Press most of the dough into a prepared pan and reserve some for topping. Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Pour the filling over the red velvet dough and top with the reserved dough. Bake, cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Drizzle with melted chocolate and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Tips:
- These bites are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, fruit fan, or enjoy classic flavors with a twist, these dessert balls will surely satisfy your cravings. From peanut butter to cheesecake and red velvet, each recipe brings something special to the table. So why not give these recipes a try? They’re perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a little sweetness. Get creative, enjoy the process, and share the love with your friends and family! Happy baking!