Chocolate Dipped Cheese Balls

Chocolate Dipped Cheese Balls

Before you start:

The center is softer than cheesecake and reminds me more of a cream cheese truffle.

You might choose to dip in nuts or other candy topping before the chocolate sets up completely.

The ingredients:

1 (8oz) package cream cheese - softened
1/2 cup butter - softened
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 vanilla
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup ground graham crackers

Dipping Chocolate

You can make this by hand (1/2 teaspoon shortening for each ounce of chocolate) or purchase dipping chocolate from the store.  I took the shortcut today.

The method:

1. Mix softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until well combined.
2. Add zest, vanilla, and sugars.  Mix again until well combined.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Place in freezer for at least an hour or overnight.
5. Scoop into even sized balls and roll into crushed graham crackers.
6. Roll into uniform ball and place on parchment on a small baking sheet.
7. Place graham cracker coated balls back in freezer to set (about 2 hours).
8. When set prepare the dipping chocolate by hand or as instructed on the package.
9. Push skewer or popsicle stick into each ball and dip into dipping chocolate.
10. Keep in the refrigerator.