If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies studded with mini chocolate chips and dusted generously with powdered sugar, creating that signature snowball look. These treats strike the perfect balance between the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the sweet warmth of chocolate, making every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual snack, or to impress your loved ones, these cookies bring that cozy, homemade feeling in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection. Each component here is simple but plays a crucial role, from giving the cookies their tender crumb to packing in that irresistible peanut butter chocolate combo.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and rich flavor that helps the cookie stay soft.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering that nutty, velvety texture and taste.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Adds sweetness and creates the classic snowball cookie finish.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate that melt in your mouth with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, giving them that perfect golden bottom we all love.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
Beat your softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the creamy texture starts to develop, ensuring your cookies stay tender instead of dense.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending them until the dough is smooth. The powdered sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cookie’s delicate crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt, Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring just until combined. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips—these little gems bring delightful chocolate surprises in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls, placing each one about an inch apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. This creates evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly and look picture-perfect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool Slightly
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this step helps them firm up just enough before the next crucial move.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for that classic snowball effect. Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again to layer on more powdered sugar, creating a beautiful, snowy finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already stunning with their powdered sugar coating, but for a little extra flair, consider a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. It adds texture and a hint of elegance that makes your guests’ eyes light up immediately.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement their sweet and nutty flavors perfectly. For a festive touch, serve alongside some fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate that truly dazzles.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the snowball cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper for gifting, or arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by holiday decorations. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes for a charming homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep their freshness best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This way, the powdered sugar stays intact, the peanut butter taste stays rich, and the chocolate chips remain delightfully melty.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For raw dough balls, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, wrap tightly and freeze similarly; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop frozen or room-temperature cookies in a warm oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly. The chocolate chips will soften, and the cookies regain their soft, chewy heartbeat—truly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra texture dimension to your snowball cookies, giving delightful little bites of peanut bits alongside the chocolate chips.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary, or can I use regular-sized?
You can use regular-sized chocolate chips if mini ones aren’t available. The mini chips offer more even distribution, but both sizes work wonderfully, providing that lovely burst of chocolate in each cookie.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend should do the trick. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the peanut butter and chocolate flavors will still shine brightly.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coat of powdered sugar sticks to the warm cookie, creating an initial layer, and the second coat after cooling produces the classic snowball appearance with a lovely creamy sweetness in every bite.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based vegan butter, and ensure your powdered sugar and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. The cookies should still turn out delicious with those swaps!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this joyful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake. These cookies bring together comfort and cheer in every bite, perfect for sharing or savouring solo. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a beloved staple in your cookie collection!
