Christmas White Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Cheese Ball is a fun way to add something different to your holiday dessert table.
If you’re planning a Christmas party or need a festive treat to share, this easy no-bake dessert is a great choice. It’s sweet, creamy, full of peppermint flavor, and covered in a pretty red and white candy coating.
You get all that classic white chocolate and peppermint flavor in a rich, cheesecake-like dessert that everyone can scoop onto their favorite sweet dippers. Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and chocolate cookies are all great options.
There’s no oven needed, which is especially helpful when you’re already busy with Christmas baking.
You’ll use an electric mixer to make the filling smooth and creamy, then a little plastic wrap helps shape it into a round ball.
This Christmas dessert cheese ball also works great for making ahead. It needs time in the refrigerator to firm up, so you can prepare it before your guests arrive and have one less thing to worry about.
Serve it on a pretty plate with cookies for dipping, and you’ve got a festive dessert that’s ready for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas White Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Cheese Ball
No Baking Required
Christmas baking can keep your oven busy for hours. This dessert doesn’t need any oven time, so you can make it while other holiday treats are baking.
A Fun Change From Christmas Cookies
Cookies and brownies are always popular, but a sweet dessert cheese ball gives everyone something a little different to enjoy. Set it out with several dipping options and let everyone choose their favorites.
Perfect for Peppermint Lovers
The creamy white chocolate filling has peppermint extract and crushed candies mixed throughout. There’s even more peppermint in the coating, so you get that classic Christmas candy flavor with every bite.
Easy to Prepare Ahead
This dessert needs a couple of hours in the refrigerator before serving. That’s actually helpful when you’re planning a party because you can finish most of the preparation early and keep it chilled.
Pretty Enough for a Christmas Dessert Table
The red and white peppermint coating gives this cheese ball a festive appearance without complicated decorating. It’s a simple way to add a little Christmas color to your dessert spread.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cream Cheese
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest texture, but reduced-fat cream cheese can work if you prefer. The cheese ball may be a little softer, so allow extra chilling time if needed.
Unsalted Butter
Salted butter can replace unsalted butter in the same amount. It may give the dessert a slightly saltier flavor.
Powdered Sugar
Homemade powdered sugar made from finely blended granulated sugar can work in a pinch. Make sure it’s very fine so the filling stays smooth.
White Chocolate Chips
A chopped white chocolate baking bar works great instead of white chocolate chips. Use the same amount and melt it gently.
Peppermint Extract
Food-grade peppermint oil can be used instead, but it’s much more concentrated. Start with a tiny amount and adjust carefully.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla bean paste is a great substitute. Use the same amount for a slightly richer vanilla flavor.
Peppermint Candies
Crushed candy canes work great in place of round peppermint candies. They give the dessert the same festive color and minty crunch.
White Chocolate Shavings
Finely chopped white chocolate can replace the shavings. You can also use additional chopped white chocolate chips.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links where I make a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking a link. There is no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Christmas White Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Cheese Ball
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup peppermint candies finely crushed
For the Coating:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips finely chopped
- ⅓ cup peppermint candies or candy canes crushed
- 2 tablespoon white chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- Add the melted white chocolate and beat until smooth.
- Gently fold in the finely crushed peppermint candies with a spatula.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
- Transfer the chilled mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Mix the chopped white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and white chocolate shavings in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese ball. Roll the ball in the peppermint mixture, pressing gently until the entire surface is coated.
- Transfer to a serving plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Softened Ingredients – Let the cream cheese and butter soften before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture. Cool the Chocolate – Let the melted white chocolate cool slightly before mixing it into the filling. Hot chocolate can soften the mixture too much. Crush the Candy – Finely crushed peppermint candies work best inside the filling. Slightly larger pieces are fine for the outside coating if you want more crunch. Keep It Chilled – This dessert softens as it warms up. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, especially if your kitchen is warm. Serving Ideas – Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, chocolate cookies, and pretzels are all delicious options for dipping.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator – Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make Ahead – Prepare the cheese ball a day before serving and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Add the peppermint coating closer to serving time to help maintain its crunch. Freezing – Freeze the uncoated cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the coating. The texture may be slightly softer after thawing. Serving Leftovers – Return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly. Don’t leave this cream cheese dessert at room temperature for more than 2 hours.Nutrition
Find the kitchen tools, cooking essentials, and everyday products I use and recommend in my Amazon Storefront.
You May Also Like:
- Christmas White Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Cheese Ball
- Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
- Crockpot Beef and Carrot Stew
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
