If you have a soft spot for cookies that perfectly balance nutty richness with melty pockets of chocolate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the creamy warmth of peanut butter with sweet bursts of mini chocolate chips, all wrapped in a delicate powdered sugar coating that creates that signature snowball effect. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving a comforting treat at any time, these cookies are wonderfully simple to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand, making it a favorite for last-minute baking sessions. Each ingredient plays a key role: butter and peanut butter create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, powdered sugar adds sweetness and the iconic snowy coating, and mini chocolate chips provide those delightful bursts of chocolaty goodness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of our dough, offering rich flavor and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds depth, creaminess, and that irresistible nutty note.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Sweetens and gives the snowball effect that lovely powdery finish.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies without overpowering their softness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate that make each bite exciting and joyful.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
Beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is fluffy and well-combined. This step is essential for a light texture and ensures the peanut butter is evenly distributed through the dough.
Step 3: Mix in the Sweeteners
Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is smooth. The powdered sugar will provide sweetness and contribute to the melt-in-your-mouth feel of these cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into your wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Once the flour is mixed in, fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough for perfect chocolatey bites in every cookie.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Keep them spaced to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are just turning a light golden color. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake — you want tender, not crispy cookies.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar for the Perfect Snowball Look
Once the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. After they have completely cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar to achieve that classic snowy, festive finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprucing up these cookies is easy yet delightful. Consider a dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh snowy effect. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey flair.
Side Dishes
These snowball cookies perfectly complement a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a holiday gathering, pair them with spiced hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog for a cozy treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a seasonal touch. You might even sandwich two cookies together with a bit of chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting to make an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, keep a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; it helps retain moisture beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Unbaked dough balls can be frozen the same way, then baked straight from frozen with a couple of extra minutes added to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth like freshly baked cookies.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture and a pleasant crunch inside these smooth, tender cookies. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the dough’s consistency.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Yes, the double coating creates the signature snowy look and ensures the powdered sugar sticks well to the cookies once fully cooled.
Can I substitute mini chocolate chips with regular-sized ones?
You can, though mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and melt nicely. Larger chips might result in pockets of intense chocolate, which can be delicious but less uniform.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Feel free to customize! Chopped peanuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking add extra flavor and texture to complement the peanut butter and chocolate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes them an instant classic in my kitchen. Their tender, buttery crumb with pockets of peanut butter and chocolate chips sprinkled in is pure joy in every bite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the cozy, nostalgic happiness that these snowball cookies bring to any table.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and a snowy powdered sugar coating. These buttery cookies are soft, flavorful, and ideal for holiday treats or anytime you crave a comforting, sweet cookie with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter & Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Mix in Sweeteners: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture, and blend until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing gently to combine without overworking the dough. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them once more in powdered sugar to create the characteristic snowball appearance and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips if mini chips are unavailable.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extended freshness, freeze baked and coated cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
