Go Back

Bailey’s Cheesecake Balls

Indulgent and festive, these no-bake Bailey’s Cheesecake Balls offer a velvety Irish cream-infused cheesecake filling enrobed in luscious melted chocolate. With a simple four-ingredient core and a chill-and-dip process, they are ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebratory gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Bailey's Irish Cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 20 ounces chocolate melting wafers e.g., Ghirardelli
  • 10 ounces shortbread cookies such as Lorna Doone

Instructions
 

  • Place the shortbread cookies into a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine crumb texture. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Bailey’s Irish Cream to the cookie crumbs and continue pulsing until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms. Transfer this filling into a mixing bowl and refrigerate for no less than 1 hour.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the chilled filling onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper, then freeze the scooped mounds for 20 minutes. After freezing, shape each mound into a smooth ball by gently rolling between your palms, and return them to the freezer for another 10 minutes.
  • Place the chocolate melting wafers in a deep, microwave-safe bowl or glass. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is well-coated, and place it on a fresh wax or parchment-lined sheet. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
  • Allow the coated balls to set in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store the finished cheesecake balls in the refrigerator, as the cream cheese filling can soften at room temperature. Rechilling ensures food safety and maintains the ideal consistency. If the balls become too soft during the dipping process, briefly return them to the freezer.
For a firmer texture similar to peanut butter balls, consider incorporating an extra 10 ounces of shortbread cookies or halving the amounts of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Bailey’s. Graham crackers or Nilla wafers may be substituted for the shortbread if desired.