Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Cozy Delights
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened; substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Can substitute with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Can be substituted with coconut sugar for a less sweet flavor.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Using pure vanilla extract offers the best results.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.); 0.5 tsp Salt (Adjust the quantity to suit your preference.); 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Can substitute with chopped chocolate or a vegan version.)

In the midst of a busy week, as I rummaged through my pantry for a sweet fix, I stumbled upon a jar of creamy peanut butter and a bag of mini chocolate chips. The solution was clear: I had to bake a batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These cookies are not just a delightful treat; they’re an effortless way to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort. With their soft texture and buttery crunch, they bring a festive cheer to any gathering or cozy afternoon at home. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly! Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to impress guests or a comforting snack to enjoy with your loved ones, these cookies are bound to tug at your heartstrings. Curious about how to whip up this tasty delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies special?

Irresistible Combination: The rich peanut butter melds perfectly with chocolate chips, creating a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and nutty.

Festive Appeal: Dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies look as wonderful as they taste, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time, allowing you to indulge without the hassle.

Versatile Base: Feel free to experiment! Try swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or add nuts for extra texture—there’s a twist for everyone!

Crowd Favorite: Whether serving family or friends, these cookies are sure to please with their delightful softness and satisfying crunch. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa for a truly comforting experience. Don’t forget to check out my other festive treats like the Hot Chocolate Cookies that your guests will love!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds nuttiness and flavor; crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in achieving a light, snowy finish; can be substituted with coconut sugar for a less sweet flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; using pure vanilla extract offers the best results.
All-Purpose Flour – The structure of the cookie; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
Salt – Balances sweetness and highlights flavors; adjust the quantity to suit your preference.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Adds bursts of chocolate flavor; substitute with chopped chocolate or a vegan version to cater to dietary needs.

Feel free to gather these ingredients and enjoy making your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, allowing them to bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Butters Together
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The consistency should be light and airy, helping to retain a soft texture in your final cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar and Vanilla
Next, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue beating for another 2-3 minutes until everything is light, fluffy, and combined. You’ll notice the mixture becoming a soft, creamy base that develops a lovely sweetness—a key feature of the delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, ensuring no flour is left visible. It may take 1-2 minutes to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough. This step is crucial for creating the fluffy yet structured base of your cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures that each bite of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies contains that delicious burst of chocolate.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. This spacing is important as the cookies will spread slightly while baking, allowing them to maintain their delightful shape and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye out for a subtle golden color on the bottoms—the cookies should still look soft on top when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.

Step 8: Cool and Coat in Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, which helps them set. Once slightly cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until they’re generously coated. Then, let them cool completely on a wire rack before giving them a second dusting of powdered sugar to achieve that signature snowball look.

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps keep them fresh, but they may lose some of their original texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Consider rolling them in powdered sugar again for that inviting snowball look!

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Softened Butter: Ensure the unsalted butter is truly soft; this leads to better mixing, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar—this helps the sugar stick and enhances its snowy appearance.
Flour Measuring: Be cautious not to over-measure the flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off for the right dough consistency, avoiding dense cookies.
Mixing Technique: When folding in the chocolate chips, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the dough; this will enhance the chewy texture of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.
Baking Sheet Space: Make sure to space the cookies at least an inch apart on the baking sheet for uniform baking and to prevent them from merging into one another.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies?

These delightful cookies are perfect for creating a cozy, heartwarming dessert experience.

Cold Milk: This classic pairing enhances the cookies’ rich flavors, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying. The cold milk creates a wonderful contrast with the warm cookie.
Creamy Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot cocoa complements the creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips, enveloping you in comforting flavors—perfect for chilly days.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The smoothness of vanilla ice cream against the soft, crumbly cookies makes for an irresistible combination that feels like a hug in dessert form. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling decadent caramel over your cookies adds a sweet, gooey element that enhances the nutty appeal of peanut butter and pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee or espresso balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that’s perfect for grown-up gatherings.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley adds brightness and texture, cutting through the rich and sweet nature of the cookies. Berries or citrus fruits work particularly well.
Peppermint Tea: For a calming drink, try peppermint tea. Its soothing herbal notes provide a delightful contrast to the Festive Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies, ideal for winding down after a long day.

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a perfect choice for busy home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This method prevents the dough from spreading too much during baking, ensuring delightful texture when you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy these treats, preheat your oven and bake the cookies straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You’ll still have those soft, sweet cookies that are just as delicious as if you made them fresh!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these fun and delicious ideas to customize your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies!

Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly twist that retains the nutty flavor.
Extra Crunch: Toss in half a cup of crushed nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to elevate the texture and add a delightful crunch.
Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flavor that complements the richness of the cookies beautifully.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate. This can transform your cookies into festive treats perfect for the holiday season!
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks. This enhances the overall depth of flavor and adds a rich contrast to the sweetness.
Cacao Nibs: Sprinkle cacao nibs into the cookie dough for an intense chocolate flavor without added sweetness, providing a chunky surprise in every bite.
Chili Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough for a surprising kick of heat that beautifully complements the sweetness and nuttiness.
Sugar-Free: For a healthier option, substitute powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or xylitol, helping you enjoy these cookies guilt-free!

These variations can make your melt-in-your-mouth cookies even more exciting! If you want even more cookie ideas, check out my Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or the indulgent Hot Chocolate Cookies for delightful seasonal treats!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peanut butter is best for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using creamy peanut butter, but crunchy can add a delightful texture if you prefer a little extra bite. Just ensure whichever you choose is well mixed.

How should I store the cookies after baking?
To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, the fridge is also an option, although some texture may be lost.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands or the work surface while shaping the cookies. Make sure you don’t add too much flour, as that could change the texture of the cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It depends! These cookies contain peanuts and flour; however, you can make them nut-free by using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Always check labels for allergens, especially if you’re serving them to guests with specific dietary needs.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Very much so! You can prepare the dough and then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure an even bake. Enjoy the holiday spirit with warm-baked cookies anytime!