The holiday season is a sensory delight with sights of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine, and the warmth of baked treats wafting through the air. One of my all-time favorite treats that perfectly captures this joyful spirit is a Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball. Imagine a creamy, dreamy cheeseball that mimics the flavors of cookie dough, adorned with festive mini M&M’s and chocolate chips—how can you resist? Each bite brings you back to carefree days spent cookies baking with loved ones, laughter echoing through the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball

This festive cheeseball is not only a star at holiday gatherings but also a fun twist on traditional cookie platters. The blend of sweet and creamy with that little crunch from the M&M’s is enough to make anyone smile. Ready to impress your friends and family with something unique this season? Let’s whip up this delightful Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delightful treat ready for refrigerating!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy indulgence.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This cheeseball looks festive and fun with its colorful M&M’s coating.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snack time, holiday parties, or casual breakfast gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free options by using certified gluten-free oats and snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 tablespoons salted butter: Softened for easy mixing, adds richness. For a dairy-free version, consider coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
4 oz cream cheese: Softened to room temperature to ensure a creamy texture. You can substitute with vegan cream cheese if needed.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The lushness of peanut butter combines beautifully with the other ingredients. Almond or cashew butter makes a great replacement.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: A bit of sweetness that complements the other flavors; light or dark brown sugar works fine.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and richness. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1¼ cups powdered sugar: Essential for sweetness and creating that cookie dough texture. Make sure to sift it if it’s lumpy.
1 cup quick oats: These provide texture and heartiness—regular oats can work, but they may alter the consistency slightly.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate. Swap for white chocolate or butterscotch chips if preferred.
1/2 cup mini M&M’s Christmas mix: For festive flair! Use standard mini M&M’s if the holiday mix isn’t available.
Additional M&M’s for the outside (about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup): These give a fun presentation. You can use any colorful candy for a pop.

Mix Ingredients: Start by creaming the softened salted butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2–3 minutes. The mixture should have a light, creamy texture with no lumps. This step is crucial as it sets the base for the delicious flavor of your **Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball**.

Add Sweetness: Next, fold in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the sweetness starting to come alive. It’s important to mix thoroughly—this way, you get a consistent flavor in every bite. Don’t rush; enjoy the delicious scents filling your kitchen!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, quick oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s. Beat on low speed until everything is fully combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should hold together but also have a chunky texture thanks to the oats and chocolate. If the mixture seems too dry, feel free to add a teaspoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Form Into a Ball: Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to get hands-on! Using a rubber spatula or your hands, carefully form the cookie dough mixture into a large ball. This is the fun part, where a bit of love and care ensures your cheeseball shapes beautifully. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—imperfections add character!

Decorate with M&M’s: Transfer the cheeseball onto a serving plate and gently press the additional mini M&M’s onto the sides and top until it’s completely covered. It should look festive and inviting! This decoration not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives that extra crunch when served.

Chill and Serve: Cover the cheeseball with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps to firm up the mixture and makes it easier to spread when serving. Once chilled, present it alongside an array of dippers like graham crackers, pretzels, or mini cookies for an irresistible holiday treat!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cheeseball for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a suitable freezer container. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different after freezing, but it will still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to keep the texture chunky and enjoyable.
For best results, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing; this allows for a creamy consistency.
Experiment with different candies or chocolate varieties to switch up the flavor profile.
If the mixture seems too sticky or soft, add a little more powdered sugar until it firms up to your liking.
Make the cheeseball a day ahead—it not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Imagine gathering with family and friends around this delightful Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball, everyone excitedly dipping their favorite treats into its creamy, rich center. The holiday season is about warmth, love, and delicious food, and this recipe checks all the boxes. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in holiday snacks, this cheeseball is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cheeseball ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, and enjoy those extra flavors.

What can I serve with the cheeseball?

You can serve it with a variety of dippers! Some popular choices include graham crackers, pretzels, mini Oreos, Nilla Wafers, and shortbread cookies. Feel free to get creative!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free oats and choose gluten-free dippers like rice crackers or specific brands of gluten-free cookies. It’s an easy way to ensure everyone can join in the fun.

Can I substitute peanut butter with something else?

Definitely! Almond butter or cashew butter work wonderfully if you’re looking for alternatives. Just remember, they may provide a slightly different flavor, so choose what you love!

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Christmas Cookie Dough Cheeseball offers a creamy blend of peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s quick to make and a fun twist on traditional cookies!

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups powdered sugar
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini M&M’s Christmas mix
Additional M&M’s for outside (about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup)

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Instructions

Cream the softened butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter together in a bowl until smooth.
Fold in brown sugar and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Gradually add powdered sugar, oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, mixing until fully combined.
Form the mixture into a large ball using hands or a spatula.
Press additional M&M’s onto the cheeseball to decorate.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.