If you are looking for a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies, the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of mini chocolate chips, all wrapped up in buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Each bite offers a perfect balance of texture and taste that feels both comforting and a little bit festive—ideal for sharing with friends or sneaking bites on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cookie with incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy peanut butter adding depth and moisture to the mini chocolate chips infusing just the right touch of sweetness and fun.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds nutty flavor and keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus extra for rolling): Gives a delicate sweetness and that signature snowball powdered coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and complements the peanut butter.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure that holds everything together and creates the perfect crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter’s flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Small bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie for delightful surprise.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to build a smooth dough and ensure every cookie has a tender, crumbly texture.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This little addition elevates the nutty sweetness and gives your cookies a subtle aromatic boost that makes them irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until everything just comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
Step 4: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute the chocolate evenly throughout the dough. These tiny morsels melt slightly during baking, creating delicious pockets of sweetness.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help maintain their shape and develop the perfect texture during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough balls for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color. These cookies should be soft when you take them out—don’t overbake!
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While still warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar to create a beautiful snowy coating. Let them cool completely on a wire rack; as they cool, they’ll settle into those delightfully tender peanut butter chocolate chip snowballs you’ve been dreaming of.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the cooled cookies again with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a creamy chai latte. For dessert occasions, consider serving alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of peanut butter frozen yogurt to double the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Line a rustic wooden platter with parchment paper and arrange your peanut butter chocolate chip snowball cookies with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a festive look. You could also stack them in a mason jar or arrange them in a tiered cookie stand for a party-ready display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, preserving the wonderful peanut butter and chocolate chip flavors with that signature snowball texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To bring back freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will refresh their softness and enhance that ooey-gooey chocolate chip goodness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture to the cookies, making them even more interesting, but creamy peanut butter yields a smoother dough that’s easier to work with.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free cookies, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.
Can I substitute mini chocolate chips with regular-sized ones?
Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips work well too, but mini chips distribute more evenly and give a more consistent chocolate flavor in every bite.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough balls before baking helps maintain their shape. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to avoid excessive spreading during baking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can complement the peanut butter and chocolate flavors nicely. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is more than just a cookie; it’s a comforting little bite of happiness that blends nostalgia with a fun twist. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies bring warmth and joy with every delightful bite. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on classic snowball cookies, combining creamy peanut butter, rich mini chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for holidays or everyday snacking.
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 unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them gently into balls with your hands, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft.
- Cool and coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar until fully coated. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
- Rolling in powdered sugar while the cookies are warm helps the sugar adhere better, giving a classic snowball appearance.
- To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
