Imagine biting into a tender, crumbly cookie with just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of peanut butter, and the surprise of mini chocolate chips. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are an irresistible twist on the classic holiday treat. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, gifting to loved ones, or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich, nutty taste of peanut butter blends perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate chips.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies are soft, crumbly, and coated in powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to everyday snacking, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Substitutions
- Butter Alternatives: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Flour Swaps: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to suit your needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to cream the ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract. This adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, stirring gently. The dough will be slightly crumbly, which is perfect for these cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to ensure even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid over-baking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for the first layer of coating.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy, festive finish.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: This ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Double-Dust with Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them a thicker, snowy coating and enhances the sweetness.
- Storage Advice: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Sugar | 5g |
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a versatile treat that suits any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, surprising a friend with a thoughtful gift, or enjoying a cozy moment with a warm drink, these cookies are a wonderful choice.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour.
2. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Chunky peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly by adding more crunch.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
5. What can I use instead of powdered sugar for coating?
Powdered sugar works best, but you can try rolling the cookies in superfine sugar for a slightly different texture.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking helps maintain their shape.
Conclusion: Bake Your Way to Sweet Bliss
Now that you know how to make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. These cookies are simple to make, full of rich flavors, and bring a festive touch to any table. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are guaranteed to delight.
Print- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Soft, crumbly, and coated in powdered sugar, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a festive delight! With creamy peanut butter, sweet mini chocolate chips, and a snowy sugar finish, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or as an everyday treat. Easily customizable for gluten-free or dairy-free needs, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for gluten-free cookies)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. - Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until smooth and fluffy. - Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture, stirring gently. The dough will be slightly crumbly, which is perfect for shaping. - Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid over-baking to keep them soft and tender. - Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar for the first layer of coating. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Variations: Try chunky peanut butter for added texture or replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American