If you are on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a warm hug with every bite, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies perfectly blend the rich creaminess of peanut butter with sweet, melty mini chocolate chips, all wrapped in a tender, crumbly dough that’s lightly dusted with powdered sugar for that classic snowball look. They are simple to make yet impressively delicious, balancing buttery softness and a touch of sweetness that will have you reaching for more, whether it’s the holiday season or any day you crave a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in building texture, flavor, and that irresistible snowball appearance. From the creamy peanut butter that adds that signature nutty richness to the powdered sugar that gives these cookies their delicate sweetness and snowy finish, every component matters.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve the tender crumb of the cookie.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate chips perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough while also creating the iconic snowball coating.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm and fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, ensuring it holds its round shape.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the peanut butter flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Melt slightly inside the cookie providing little pockets of chocolate delight.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup easier—always a plus!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a wonderfully soft texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. It might seem small, but this little addition brings warmth and depth that perfectly complements the peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Step 4: Combine Flour and Salt
Slowly add the flour and salt, blending just until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix so the cookies stay tender and melt-in-your-mouth rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into your dough, distributing the sweet little bursts of chocolate evenly throughout each cookie. These chips add a wonderful contrast to the nutty peanut butter.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them about one inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes—watch for lightly golden bottoms while the tops stay pale, that’s your cue that they’re perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar to create that signature snowball coating that’s both beautiful and delicious.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, consider rolling the cookies a second time in powdered sugar after they’ve fully cooled to make them even more snow-dusted and eye-catching. You could also sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for an extra-special presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of hot chocolate, or even a creamy vanilla latte. The rich peanut butter and chocolate notes bring out the warmth in any drink, making snack time feel like a comforting ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with seasonal greenery or a sprinkle of edible glitter sugar for holidays. You can also package them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts that your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The powdered sugar coating may soften a bit but the flavors will only deepen and the texture will remain delightfully tender.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for batch baking ahead of holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies fresh from frozen, simply thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you like them warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to gently reheat without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture with little peanut bits in every bite. Just be prepared for a slightly different but equally delicious experience.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop regular chocolate chips or bars into small pieces to mimic mini chips. The smaller size helps distribute the chocolate evenly without overwhelming the cookie.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together well.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice enhances the snowy appearance and gives a lovely, sweet outer coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. It’s a simple step that elevates these cookies from tasty to truly festive.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. Their texture and flavor improve when given a day to settle after baking.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a cookie that feels like cozy comfort wrapped in sweetness, you simply must try this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. It’s easy, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing whether it’s a casual afternoon or a special holiday moment. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these, they’ll be a staple in your cookie jar for good!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional snowball treats, featuring creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are lightly coated in powdered sugar, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, nutty treat. This easy-to-make recipe yields tender, flavorful cookies with a rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates the base for the tender texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms and is fully combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, evenly distributing them throughout the dough to provide bursts of chocolate.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough by tablespoons and roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar until fully coated, creating the signature snowball appearance and a sweet outer layer.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, roll the cookies a second time in powdered sugar after they have completely cooled for a thicker coating.
- Substitute crunchy peanut butter to add a delightful texture contrast.
- Using dark chocolate chips instead of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips will provide a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
