Imagine biting into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, rich with buttery peanut flavor and studded with pools of chocolate—then blanketed in a sweet, powdery snowfall! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a whimsical twist on classic holiday snowball cookies. They’re tender, sweet, and packed with the beloved flavor duo of peanut butter and chocolate chips, perfectly balanced and utterly addictive. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just a cozy night in, this delightful recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of classic pantry staples, you can whip up Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with hardly any fuss. Each ingredient is chosen to create the ideal soft, crumbly texture and that unforgettable flavor explosion in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of these cookies, butter makes them rich and tender.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Adds nutty flavor and velvety texture—use crunchy for a delightful crunch!
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup + more for rolling): Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their iconic snowy look.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors for that cozy, homemade taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Holds the cookies together and creates the perfect crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate in every bite bring a fun surprise!
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don’t stick—plus, the parchment gives that perfect, lightly golden bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step makes your snowballs beautifully tender and helps the peanut butter flavor shine.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract, blending just until combined. This tiny addition brings warmth and rounds out the flavors, making every bite taste like a bakery delight.
Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to your bowl, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until a soft dough forms. Take your time here—the dough might look crumbly at first, but it will come together into a smooth, pliable ball.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Pour in the mini chocolate chips and gently fold them into the dough. Using mini chips makes sure there’s chocolate in every bite without overpowering that delicate peanut butter flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide those trays into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The bottoms should be a pale golden color while the tops stay dreamy and pale—don’t overbake! Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
Step 8: Give Them Their Snowy Finish
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar for their first snowy coat. Once they’re completely cooled, roll them again for a double layer of soft sweetness. This is what transforms regular cookies into magical Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes, a little sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving is all you need to make these cookies look stunning. For a festive touch, a tiny pinch of finely chopped roasted peanuts or a few extra mini chocolate chips on top can add a bit of fun and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, creamy chai, or a tall glass of cold milk—it’s a nostalgic treat that needs nothing more. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside a platter of other homemade cookies for an irresistible dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill up a vintage tin or a mason jar with these snowballs for an adorable homemade gift, or stack them high on a festive tiered platter at your next holiday get-together. You can even nestle them in cupcake liners for a charming, bakery-style effect. They’re so photogenic, you’ll want to snap a picture before they disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their softness and flavor for up to a week—just be sure to store them away from any moisture so the coating stays nice and powdery.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—simply let them thaw at room temperature (and dust with more powdered sugar if needed) before serving.
Reheating
If you like your snowballs just slightly warm, a quick 5- to 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick. Be careful not to overheat, as the sugar coating can melt. Alternatively, let frozen cookies come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful nutty crunch to the cookies, and it pairs perfectly with the melty chocolate chips. Just make sure to stir the peanut butter well before folding it into the dough for even distribution.
Can I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free. The results will be just as delicious, with a similar tender texture.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from dissolving?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar first while they’re warm helps it stick. Once they’re completely cool, a second dusting creates that snowy, cloud-like look that lasts. Store in a cool, dry place to keep the sugar layer intact.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Go for it! Chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or macadamias) or even a handful of crushed pretzels can add extra flavor and crunch. Just keep mix-ins around 1 cup total so the cookies hold together well.
Are Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies good for gifting?
Definitely! Their adorable, snow-dusted appearance and long shelf life make them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or thoughtful edible gifts. Pack them carefully so the sugar coating stays fluffy and pretty.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to create some joyous kitchen memories, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are where it’s at! Each bite brings together the comfort of peanut butter, the fun of chocolate, and that dreamy, sugary snowball finish. Gather your loved ones, get baking, and share these sweet little clouds of happiness—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These sweet treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
- Cool and Coat: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
- For a crunchier bite, use crunchy peanut butter.
- These cookies freeze well and can be made ahead for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
