Peanut Butter Cocoa Bonbons

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. 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. 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.