If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats that combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet burst of chocolate chips, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These bite-sized delights bring together the best of both worlds in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dusted with a snowy coat of powdered sugar. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or just craving a comforting snack, these cookies have a wonderfully addictive texture and flavor that make them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem basic, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. From the creamy butter to the crunchy peanuts, every component is carefully chosen for maximum deliciousness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky): Adds signature nutty flavor and moist texture that makes these cookies special.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies their iconic snowy finish and a delicate sweetness on the outside.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids with a slight crispness on the edges.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the dough.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter and chocolate tastes.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite create heavenly surprise textures.
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional): Adds a crunchy contrast for those who love an extra nutty kick.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Then, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. Add vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile. This creamy base is essential for the cookies’ tender texture and irresistible peanut butter zing.
Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mixing little by little is key here—it helps prevent overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender. Once everything is just incorporated, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if you’re using them. These add delicious bursts of chocolatey sweetness and crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread without merging. Shaping them into uniform balls helps them bake evenly and look charmingly snowball-like.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color but the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. Avoid overbaking to keep that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. The warm aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is a sure sign you’re close to cookie heaven.
Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll each one in powdered sugar. This step is what transforms these treats into classic snowball cookies, giving them their signature soft, snowy exterior. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—this allows the coating to set and the cookies to finish firming up just right.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating speaks for itself, try dusting a few of your cookies with a tiny sprinkle of cocoa powder or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for an elevated flavor twist. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top for an extra decadent touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of coffee, or even creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For an indulgent dessert platter, serve alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe in festive tins as charming holiday gifts or stack them on a decorative plate with a ribbon tied around the bundle for a sweet centerpiece. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter frosting for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to maintain the delicate powdered sugar coating and avoid sogginess. Properly stored, they’ll stay soft and fresh with all that delightful peanut butter flavor intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in airtight containers with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To warm up chilled or frozen cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This breathes life back into the cookies, refreshing their soft texture and slightly melting the chocolate chips inside—just like they came straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add bits of peanut texture throughout your cookies, giving them an extra nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular-sized chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate chunks work just as well. Mini chips are great for more even distribution, but feel free to use what you have on hand to create those delicious chocolate pockets.
Are chopped peanuts necessary?
Not at all. The chopped peanuts are optional and only add a little extra crunch and nuttiness. If you prefer a smoother cookie or have peanut allergies to consider, simply omit them.
Can I substitute any ingredients to make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture.
How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting too quickly?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick better. Make sure to let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the coating to set. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the sugar from dissolving prematurely.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those gems that you’ll find yourself making again and again because it ticks all the boxes: easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a casual snack or a special occasion treat, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any moment. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—your new favorite cookie obsession awaits!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and a soft, buttery texture. Rolled in powdered sugar for a festive snowball effect, they are perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence, offering a rich and satisfying flavor with a soft center and slightly crisp edges.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
For Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms that is cohesive but not overworked.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Shape the 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 the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven and while they are still warm, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar to create a snowball effect. Transfer to a wire rack or keep on the sheet to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delicious cookies as a festive holiday treat, gift, or anytime snack.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming and a tender cookie texture.
- Chopped peanuts are optional but add a nice crunch and texture contrast.
- Ensure cookies have cooled completely before storing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make the powdered sugar coating more even, gently tap off excess sugar after rolling.
