Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

This is one of my favorite Christmastime treats.  I got it from a women’s event at our old church several years ago (in 2001, I think), and I love making it for Christmas parties and gatherings.  But, you might want to warn people that this is a sweet version of its look-alike, savory counterpart…or you may end up with a few very confused tastebuds!

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Ingredients

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese, softened (not the reduced fat version)

½ cup butter, softened (no substitutes)

¼ tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp brown sugar

¾ cup miniature chocolate chips

¾ cup finely chopped pecans

Graham crackers (original and chocolate)

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Directions:

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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.  Gradually add in sugars, and beat until just combined.

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Stir in chocolate chips.

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Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.  (I transferred the mixture to a smaller bowl…the bowl from my mixer wouldn’t fit in my refrigerator!)

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Place chilled cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball.

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Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or more).

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Just before serving, roll cheese ball in chopped pecans, and serve with graham crackers.

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Makes 1 cheese ball (approx. 2 cups)

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Variations:

Substitute chopped, dried cranberries for mini chocolate chips.

Gluten-free: This is safe for those with gluten allergies/sensitivities!  Just make sure to use gluten-free vanilla, and chop the pecans yourself (pre-chopped nuts are often coated with flour to prevent sticking).  Serve with gluten-free cookies.