If you have a soft spot for cookies that blend comforting flavors with a fun twist, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These cookies offer the rich, nutty creaminess of peanut butter paired with pockets of melty chocolate chips, all rolled in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that makes every bite feel like a festive, cozy hug. Perfectly tender and delightfully sweet, these snowball cookies will bring warmth and joy to any cookie jar or holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays an essential role in bringing out the rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. From creamy butter to mini chocolate chips, every addition makes the magic happen.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup softened: Provides richness and creates a soft, tender crumb without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter, ½ cup: The star ingredient delivering nutty depth and luscious moisture.
- Powdered sugar, ½ cup plus extra for coating: Gives a smooth sweetness and helps form the snowball’s signature powdered exterior.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant essence.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ¼ cups: The base that holds everything together, ensuring a perfect cookie texture.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and boosts the peanut butter’s natural taste.
- Mini chocolate chips, ½ cup: Small bursts of chocolate that melt gently inside, adding a delicious contrast.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets you up perfectly for baking cookies that will come off the tray effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Peanut Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is where you start building that luscious, tender base which makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Mix in Sweeteners
Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter-peanut butter mixture. Beat everything until smooth and well combined. The powdered sugar is key to that melt-away texture, while vanilla amps up the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently to form a soft dough. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout. This part is crucial for ensuring every cookie has just the right balance of chewy peanut and sweet chocolate.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on your lined baking sheets. Keeping them spaced helps the cookies bake evenly and maintain their perfect round shape.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the bottoms turn a light golden color. Remove and let them cool slightly on the pan so they stay intact.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar to start creating that magical snowball effect. After they’ve completely cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar to achieve a beautiful, snowy finish that looks just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little finely chopped roasted peanuts on top after the final powdered sugar coating, or add a few mini chocolate chips for visual appeal. These tiny details add texture and make your cookies look irresistible on any platter.
Side Dishes
These snowball cookies are fantastic paired with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a festive twist, serve alongside hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, turning simple moments into cozy celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not present your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting? Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board paired with nuts and dried fruits for a charming snack tray that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, giving you plenty of time to savor their peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze these snowball cookies effortlessly by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing that tender texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, or pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick reheat transforms them into soft, gooey bites that taste just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter helps achieve a smoother dough and texture, crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful extra bit of crunch if you enjoy a little more texture in your cookies.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular-sized chocolate chips work just fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough. Alternatively, you can chop up your favorite chocolate bar for a homemade touch.
Why do I need to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling them while warm coats the cookies with sugar that sticks well, while the second roll after cooling adds the classic snowy, matte finish that makes these cookies visually irresistible.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it’s one designed for baking to maintain that tender texture.
How long do these cookies last once baked?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these snowball cookies stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option to keep them tasting fresh.
Final Thoughts
There really is something so comforting about these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a treat for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re baking to brighten a day, celebrate a holiday, or just indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies bring warmth, joy, and a little snowy magic to your kitchen. Give them a try—you’re going to wonder why you didn’t start baking them sooner!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional snowball cookies, combining creamy peanut butter and sweet mini chocolate chips. Soft, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for holiday treats or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter & Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Mix in Sweeteners: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the pan before the next step.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar for an initial coating. Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- Be sure not to overmix the flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- If you prefer, substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
