If you have a soft spot for the classic melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookie, but love a twist that brings in a rich, nutty flavor and pockets of gooey chocolate, then you’re going to adore this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. The delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips tucked inside a buttery, powdered sugar-coated cookie makes every bite feel like a festive, cozy hug. These cookies are a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s holiday baking or a simple sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the peanut butter bringing moisture and a savory-sweet depth, to the mini chocolate chips adding that perfect melty texture, and the powdered sugar coating creating the signature snowball look and delicate sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This forms the rich, tender base of your cookies—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds that irresistible peanut flavor and moistness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling: Sweetens and gives the cookie its classic snowy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft, crumbly texture these cookies are known for.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate in every bite that melt perfectly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is silky smooth and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air that will give your cookie a light texture without being dense.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract with the creamed mixture. It’s a small step that makes a big impact in enhancing all the flavors and giving a lovely aromatic layer to the cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough, balancing the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies tender and crumbly, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, making sure they’re evenly spread. This guarantees every cookie will have those delightful melty chocolate spots.
Step 6: Shape and Chill the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; chilling helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly, then while still warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar to stick perfectly, creating that iconic snowball look.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider dusting the snowball cookies with a second light layer of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also sprinkle a few toasted peanut pieces on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. If you want to elevate your dessert table, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple fruit compote that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon as a heartfelt gift. You can also use them as edible decorations on a towering cake or place them on a festive cookie platter with other treats to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake the cookies directly from frozen with an extra minute or two in the oven.
Reheating
If you want to freshen up the cookies after storing, warm them in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture with little bits of peanuts, but it might change the dough slightly, so mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary or can I use regular ones?
Mini chocolate chips are recommended because they distribute more evenly throughout the cookie and melt nicely, giving that perfect bite-sized burst of chocolate. However, regular chips can work if chopped smaller.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is your best friend here. It firms up the fats and helps the cookies hold their shape, resulting in cute snowball shapes rather than flat discs.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the structure intact.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll while warm allows the sugar to stick and soak in slightly, giving the cookie that melt-in-your-mouth coating. A second light dusting before serving enhances the snowy look and adds a bit of extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that captures the cozy, joyful spirit of the season or any sweet moment really. Effortless to make and delicious beyond words, these cookies always bring smiles and happy sighs. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy every bite of this delightful peanut butter and chocolate chip treat. You’re going to thank yourself for trying this recipe over and over!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 powdered sugar, and melty chocolate chips. These bite-sized treats are soft, buttery, and rolled in powdered sugar for a classic snowball effect, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a smooth and rich base for your cookies.
- Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until all ingredients combine to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a delightful bite in every cookie.
- Shape the Cookies: Using your hands, scoop portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft, indicating a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to give them their signature snowball look and extra sweetness.
- Final Cooling: Transfer the sugared cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the sugar coating set and the cookies firm up for handling.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but ensure it is well stirred.
- Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution and bite-sized chocolate in every cookie.
- If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar adhere better and enhances the snowball effect.
