Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

{Photo from Taste of Home}

I got together last night with some girlfriends that I met through my sister-in-law, Ashley. Love these girls! And technically, they're more Ashley's friends than mine (since they've all known each other for roughly a zillion years), but I always appreciate the invite to spend time with these ladies.

We usually get together for frozen dinner swaps, but this time we wanted to do something more low maintenance. So, we began to plan Whine with Wine. Everyone brings their beverage of choice and a yummy appetizer to share with the group.

The list of appetizers sounded delightful: cream cheese artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, meat pies, cream cheese with Pickapeppa sauce. Shall I go on?

I originally wanted to bring a hot, cheesy bean dip I found on Pintrest. I love refried beans so much I would bathe in them, so it seemed like a delicious option. But then I was short on time and probably going to run late and I needed to simplify. Plus, no one had really committed to bringing anything sweet. Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball to the rescue.

If you haven't had this dessert, brace yourself. This treat is always a hit at parties and it's so easy to make. I arrived at Angie's house, and soon Carrie walked in with a Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball, too. Thankfully, this is one divine dessert that you don't mind having duplicates of.

I never shaped mine into a ball. It still looks lovely and tastes just as good in a dip bowl. But you could always make the ball and even roll in chopped pecans if you're into that sort of thing.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips (use regular chocolate chips if you don't have the minis)
Graham crackers for dipping

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and combined. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla and beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• If you're feeling nutty: just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans. Serve with graham crackers.