If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly blends the nutty richness of peanut butter with the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate chips, you’ve just found your new obsession. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, adding a burst of chocolate in every bite while maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture. These cookies are as charming as snowballs themselves—dusty with powdered sugar and ready to brighten up any cookie tray or cozy coffee break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter that adds depth to the buttery base, to the flour that holds everything together with just the right crumb, every component is essential for these cookies to shine.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich and creamy foundation, allowing you to control the saltiness perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the cookies with that signature nutty flavor and moist texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough delicately and creates the beautiful snowball appearance when rolled.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-builder that keeps your cookies tender yet sturdy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts the delicious peanut butter flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Deliver pockets of chocolatey delight in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
Begin by beating together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies will be tender and melt in your mouth, while the sugar helps create that signature sugary crust on the outside.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. Its warm, sweet aroma perfectly complements the peanut butter, lifting the cookie’s flavor to new heights.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is well distributed, which enhances the overall taste of the cookies without any surprise salty pockets.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed peanut butter batter. Mix just until combined to maintain the tender, crumbly texture that snowball cookies are loved for. Resist over-mixing to keep things delightfully soft.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute bursts of sweet, melty chocolate without breaking up the dough’s delicate texture.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a pale golden. The cookies will still be soft but will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. This coats the cookies beautifully, mimicking snowballs and adding a sweet, snowy crunch.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some finely chopped roasted peanuts on top of the powdered sugar coating. This adds crunch and an amplified peanut flavor, making each bite a more indulgent experience. Alternatively, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, but if you’re feeling adventurous, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy, comforting snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe on a decorative plate dusted with extra powdered sugar to evoke a winter wonderland feel, or place a few in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon to gift friends and family. They’re as beautiful to look at as they are irresistible to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will preserve their buttery softness and keep the chocolate chips from hardening.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag once solid. They can be baked straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
If your cookies have become a bit firm, warm them in the microwave in 10-second increments until soft and gooey again. Reheating briefly allows the chocolate chips to slightly melt and the peanut butter to release its aroma, making them feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a notch of extra texture and nutty crunch, which some people love. Just be mindful that it might affect the smoothness of the dough slightly.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary or can I use regular-sized ones?
Mini chocolate chips are preferred because they distribute evenly through the dough and provide small bursts of chocolate perfection in every bite, but regular chips can also be used with great results.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid over-mixing the dough. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking can help maintain the shape.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, many gluten-free all-purpose blends work well. However, because gluten-free flours behave differently, you might need to adjust the amount slightly and check the texture as you mix.
Do these cookies keep well for holiday gifting?
Definitely! Once fully cooled and rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies keep beautifully at room temperature and can be packaged in tins or boxes, making them perfect gifts during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Making the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little bit of magic into your kitchen. With just a simple handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of tender, nutty, chocolaty cookies that everyone will adore. Whether for a cozy afternoon, a festive gathering, or a thoughtful gift, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and smiles. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to make some magic happen!
