Peanut Butter Cocoa Bonbons

"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."

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 18
• Yields: 18 candies

Ingredients

• 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.