Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie. These tender, buttery cookies are filled with peanut butter and chocolate chips, then rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or whenever you’re craving a delicious treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies will not spread much and should remain in a ball shape.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra snowy effect, roll them in powdered sugar a second time.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the cookies at room temperature. Enjoy the sweet, peanut buttery flavor with a hint of chocolate in every bite!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Rolling the Cookies: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm helps the sugar adhere better.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid using natural peanut butter, as it can separate and affect the consistency of the dough.
Variations
- Nutty Snowballs: Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts to the dough for extra crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Substitute the mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Cocoa Snowballs: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Festive Twist: Mix in 1/4 cup of colored sprinkles for a fun, festive look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Chunky Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies. Just make sure it’s well-mixed before adding to the dough.
2. How Do I Store Snowball Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.
3. Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to use a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Platter: Add these snowball cookies to your holiday cookie platter for a festive treat everyone will love.
- With Hot Chocolate: Serve with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
- Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies in decorative tins or boxes for a homemade gift that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a tender, powdered sugar-coated cookie. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these delicious snowball cookies!
