Save to Pinterest A festive, bite-sized treat combining the classic flavors of peppermint bark with the elegance of a cheese board—perfect for holiday entertaining.
I made these peppermint bark balls last winter for our holiday gathering and everyone loved their cheerful look and cool, creamy center. Arranging them next to cheeses and fruit made our charcuterie board extra fun.
Ingredients
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (170 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz (225 g)
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
- Peppermint extract: 1/2 tsp
- Finely crushed peppermint candies: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- White chocolate chips: 1 cup (170 g)
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Crushed peppermint candies: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 2 tbsp (20 g)
Instructions
- Melt chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semisweet chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract: mix until fully combined. Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Form balls:
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the cream cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze:
- Freeze the balls for 20 minutes, until firm.
- Coat with chocolate:
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate to coat the bottom half. Return to the baking sheet and refrigerate 10 minutes.
- White chocolate layer:
- Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Dip the tops of each ball in the white chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies and mini chocolate chips, if desired.
- Chill and serve:
- Chill the balls until set, about 10 minutes. Serve arranged on a charcuterie-style board alongside cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
Save to Pinterest When my nieces visited for Christmas, they loved rolling the cream cheese mixture into balls and adding their own favorite toppings. It turned snack time into a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
Required Tools
Microwave-safe bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, small cookie scoop or spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy: cream cheese, chocolate, butter. Contains soy: chocolate, check labels. May contain gluten if candies or chocolate are not certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per ball: Calories 120, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 1 g
Save to Pinterest Take these festive bites to any gathering and watch them disappear. Arrange among cheeses and fruit for a show-stopping dessert board.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the balls in advance and store them chilled for up to three days for easy entertaining.
- → Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate to create a dairy-free version of the treat.
- → What texture should the filling have?
The filling should be creamy yet firm enough to shape into balls, thanks to the combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- → How can I enhance the peppermint flavor?
Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste or add extra peppermint candies for more minty intensity.
- → What should I serve with these balls?
Arrange alongside cheeses, fresh fruits, and assorted nuts on a board for a stunning dessert presentation.
- → Do I need any special equipment?
Basic tools like microwave-safe bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a baking sheet, and parchment paper are sufficient.