If you’re searching for a cookie that delivers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, you have to try the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These charming little bites bring together the rich creaminess of peanut butter, the sweet pops of mini chocolate chips, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that melts in your mouth like a winter wonderland. Every bite is a cozy hug wrapped in buttery goodness, making it a perfect treat for holidays, gatherings, or just a special moment with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating a cookie masterpiece. Each component plays a vital role, from adding moisture and flavor to ensuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines this cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich creaminess and structure, essential for that perfect tender crumb.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup, smooth or chunky): Delivers robust, nutty flavor and a moist texture, creating the cookie’s signature taste.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Adds a delicate sweetness and forms that classic snowball coating.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors with sweetness and aids in browning the cookie edges.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that holds everything together, giving the cookies their soft yet sturdy structure.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and brings out sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Small bursts of gooey chocolate that melt perfectly within the cookie.
- Chopped peanuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds an extra crunch and intensified peanut flavor for peanut lovers.
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 ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial as it aerates the dough, leading to a lighter cookie.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender. This combination is what gives these cookies that delicate crumb you’ll fall in love with.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peanuts
Now, fold in the mini chocolate chips and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the chopped peanuts. These add delightful bursts of flavor and textures that make every bite exciting and dynamic.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches in between for spreading. This spacing helps keep each cookie perfectly round rather than merging into a cookie sheet canvas.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a lovely golden color, but the centers still look soft. This slight underbaking is what keeps the centers wonderfully tender and chewy after cooling.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, while the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the powdered sugar. This step creates the “snowball” effect—those snowy white coats that contrast beautifully with the golden cookie. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to set their shape.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top just before serving. You can also dust a little additional powdered sugar right before guests arrive to refresh the snowy look, making these cookies show-stoppers at any gathering.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm drink. Serve with a frothy latte, a cozy mug of hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk to balance their richness. The smooth beverage complements the peanut butter and chocolate perfectly and rounds out your treat into a delightful snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack these cookies in decorative tins or wrap a stack with a pretty ribbon for gifting. You can also arrange them on a festive platter layered with wax paper for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent peanut butter chocolate chip snowball ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they’re often too good to last that long! Keeping them sealed preserves their moisture and prevents the chocolate chips from blooming.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. After rolling them in powdered sugar and cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats any time you want.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This will soften the cookie and melt the chocolate chips slightly, recreating that comforting just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra bit of texture that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips and optional chopped peanuts for a more pronounced nutty crunch.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
For this recipe, chilling the dough is not necessary. The dough is soft but firm enough to shape and bake immediately, making this a quick and easy cookie recipe.
Can I substitute other nuts for peanuts?
Yes! Feel free to swap in chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor or have peanut allergies. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
What size cookie scoop should I use?
A small cookie scoop or tablespoon-sized measure works best to create uniform 1-inch balls, ensuring even baking and that classic snowball shape.
Why do we roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm?
Rolling the cookies while they are warm helps the powdered sugar stick better and form that lovely snowy coating characteristic of the snowball cookie style.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite whenever you bake it. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies bring together familiar flavors in a truly unforgettable way. I urge you to give this recipe a try and share the joy that comes wrapped in every powdered sugar-dusted bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor, studded with mini chocolate chips and optionally chopped peanuts. Coated in powdered sugar, these delightful treats are perfect for holiday gifting or any time you want a sweet, nutty indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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)
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 Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined, which creates the base for the cookie dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently to form a cohesive dough without overworking it to keep the texture tender.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Peanuts: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor and crunch.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar to give them their signature snowy coating, then allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to set the coating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies as a festive holiday treat, a thoughtful gift, or a delightful snack anytime.
Notes
- Using softened butter and peanut butter helps create a smooth dough.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Chopped peanuts are optional; you can omit for a smoother texture or if allergic.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps create a beautiful, even coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
