Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that hits every nostalgic note, look no further than these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Each bite is a blissful combination of rich, nutty peanut butter, decadent mini chocolate chips, and a cloud of powdered sugar—like a sweet snowstorm in cookie form! This recipe is perfect for holiday platters, cozy afternoons, or simply anytime you crave a treat that brings comfort and joy. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Gather these essentials and get ready for cookie perfection!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich, tender base and helps them become irresistibly crumbly.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds wonderful nutty flavor while keeping the cookies soft and just the right amount of chewy.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, plus more for coating): Sweetens the dough and creates the signature snowy coating—don’t skip the extra dusting!
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavors and brings a warm, comforting aroma to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their adorable round shape.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors—just a touch makes a big difference.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie make every bite extra delightful.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and will have perfectly golden bottoms. This little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your snowballs bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture looks smooth and unified. This step is key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, as it introduces air into the dough and ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Pour in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The powdered sugar creates a delicate sweetness and helps achieve that classic snowball consistency.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, mixing on low speed or with a sturdy spatula. As the dough comes together, you’ll notice it’s soft but not sticky—just right for rolling into balls!
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. These tiny chocolate morsels add delightful pops of flavor in every bite of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. They won’t spread much, so you’ll end up with perfectly round snowballs!
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—just enough so they’re warm but not hot. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar for their first snowy coat. Once they’re fully cooled, give them a second roll for that magical, powdery finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the cookies right before serving. If you love a bit of sparkle, a pinch of edible glitter or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make these snowballs shine even more on your dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, a frothy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving a dessert spread, add some fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool, creamy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift, or arrange them on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar for a snowy, wintery look. For parties, nestle them in colorful mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. The powdered sugar coating might absorb a little moisture over time, but the cookies will remain deliciously soft and crumbly.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar to restore their “snowy” appearance before serving.
Reheating
While these cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, if you crave a warm treat, pop a few snowballs in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. Just be gentle—warming them too much can melt the sugar coating, but a little heat makes the chocolate chips extra gooey!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture and extra nutty bites to your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Just make sure it blends smoothly with the butter for the best results.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No problem—you can chop regular chocolate chips or a chocolate bar into small pieces. The goal is to have little bits of chocolate evenly distributed throughout each cookie.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or your favorite nut-free spread. The cookies will have a slightly different but still delicious flavor and the same crumbly, tender texture.
Why do you roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll, while the cookies are still warm, helps the sugar stick and melt slightly for a soft coating. The second roll after cooling adds that iconic, powdery “snowball” look and a touch more sweetness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before shaping and baking, as cold dough can be a bit firm to roll.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a little bite of happiness—simple to make but unforgettable in flavor and texture. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, I hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than a snowflake on your tongue!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats loaded with creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. Coated in powdered sugar for a festive snowy finish, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a deliciously nostalgic dessert. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these cookies blend the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the butter-peanut butter mixture, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms with no flour pockets.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops remain soft.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar – First Coat: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes. While still slightly warm, carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy appearance.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies and re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing for best texture and taste.
- To make a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
