If you have a soft spot for cookies that perfectly blend the rich creaminess of peanut butter with pockets of melty chocolate chips, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These little delights are not only irresistibly tender but also enveloped in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowball look and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, this recipe strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these cookies is a breeze because the ingredient list is both simple and essential, with each component playing its unique role to enhance the taste and texture. From the creamy peanut butter adding richness, to the mini chocolate chips providing bursts of sweetness, every ingredient works together to create cookie magic.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a creamy richness and tender crumb to your cookies.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the dough with that beloved nutty flavor and moist texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling: Sweetens the cookies while giving them their iconic powdered snowball coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and softness for these tender cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Delivers melty, chocolatey bursts in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your cookies stay light and tender.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. This little addition might seem simple, but it adds a lovely warmth and roundness to the cookie’s flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps distribute the salt evenly and prevents clumps in the dough, giving your cookies their perfect texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Into the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can result in tougher cookies, so aim for a gentle fold.
Step 5: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute those melty pockets of chocolate throughout the dough. These tiny chips melt beautifully, giving each bite a sweet surprise.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Into Snowballs
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each one because they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are just set. Remove them from the oven and while still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to achieve that iconic snowball finish. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the powdered sugar just before serving; the salt perfectly offsets the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa. The creamy drinks temper the sweetness and add a cozy feel that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift giving, stack these snowball cookies in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper, or arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for an eye-catching holiday display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Proper storage ensures they remain soft and maintain their delightful powdered sugar coating.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies fresh out of the oven feel after freezing, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently revives their softness and the chocolate chips will be perfectly melty again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to these cookies, giving them little bits of peanuts throughout which can be a fun twist.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary, or can I use regular-sized ones?
Mini chocolate chips are perfect because they distribute evenly and melt nicely without overpowering the cookie. However, regular-sized chips can be used if that’s what you have on hand; just expect a chunkier bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar after baking instead of before?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar once they’re warm helps the sugar stick better and creates that signature snowball look, plus it prevents the sugar from burning during baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is just softened and not melted, and chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking if you find they’re spreading too thin. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about a batch of freshly baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe sitting on your kitchen counter. The tender crumb, the luscious peanut butter flavor, and the pockets of melty chocolate chips wrapped in a snowy coat of powdered sugar come together to create a cookie you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in baking and sharing these delightful treats as I do!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and buttery, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips wrapped in a delicate powdered sugar coating. Perfect for holiday treats or any cozy occasion, these cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sweet, nutty taste.
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to ensure each cookie has a good amount of chocolate.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops look set but not browned.
- Cool and coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar to create the signature snowball effect.
- Final cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before serving or storing to ensure the powdered sugar coating sets properly.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the coating to adhere better.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and verify chocolate chips are nut-free.
