Peanut Butter Cocoa Bonbons

The Daycare Lady's Note:

"I'm a minister's wife and also have a candy-making business. This yummy pairing of peanut butter and chocolate produced terrific treats for a recent fellowship. Everyone commented on the flavor and quickly emptied my tray."

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 18

Yield: 18.0 candies

• 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese , softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄3; cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped peanuts
• 1 (10 ounce) package peanut butter chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Stir in peanuts. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 1 hour. Shape into 1-in. balls; return to baking sheet. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 3 hours or until firm.
2. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt peanut butter chips and shortening; stir until smooth and blended. Dip balls and place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.