Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Introduction

As a big fan of holiday baking, I’m always on the lookout for new cookie recipes to try, and this one quickly became a favorite in our household. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies have all the best elements of a classic snowball cookie, with an irresistible twist of creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dusted in powdered sugar that’s perfect for any occasion, but especially for the holidays when you want something comforting and delicious.

My family loved the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and it was so easy to prepare. The kids couldn’t wait for the cookies to cool before popping one into their mouths, and I’m happy to say that they were just as delighted with the taste as they were with the snowball look of the cookies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a treat that feels like a cozy hug, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies will definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step will ensure a smooth texture for your cookies.
3. Add the Sweetness and Flavor: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is well combined, making sure the mixture is nice and smooth.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly thick and easy to handle. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing will give them room to bake evenly without sticking together.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Don’t worry if the cookies are still soft when you take them out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are cool enough to handle but still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets, then roll them a second time in powdered sugar for that snowy finish.

Nutrition Facts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delicious treat, but they do have some calories, so enjoy in moderation! Here are the estimated nutrition facts:

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150 calories
• Total fat: 10g
• Saturated fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10–12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

These cookies are delicious served as a snack or dessert. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With a glass of milk: A classic pairing that never goes out of style.
• With coffee or hot cocoa: Perfect for a cozy treat on a chilly day.
• As a holiday treat: Pack them into festive tins for gifting to friends and family.
• At a cookie exchange: These unique cookies will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Make an indulgent dessert by pairing the cookies with ice cream.

Additional Tips

1. Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the peanut butter.
2. Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
3. Roll dough tightly: Roll the dough balls as tightly as possible for a consistent shape and texture.
4. Check cookie bottoms: If your cookies aren’t golden on the bottoms after baking, let them bake for a few more minutes.
5. Don’t skip the second roll in powdered sugar: This extra step ensures a snowy finish that makes these cookies extra festive.

Recipe Variations

While the recipe is perfect as-is, you can customize it to suit your tastes:

• Use chunky peanut butter: For added texture and a more rustic feel, swap creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter.
• Add other mix-ins: Try adding crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or coconut flakes to the dough for a twist on the classic.
• Use dark chocolate chips: For a richer, less sweet option, swap the mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
• Try almond flour: For a gluten-free version, use almond flour in place of regular flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a platter with other holiday cookies such as gingerbread or snickerdoodles.
• Include these cookies as part of a dessert bar at your next family gathering.
• Pack them in cute, holiday-themed containers and give them as gifts.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze the dough, roll it into balls and place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storing: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture and flavor.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but omit the extra salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
3. What size should the cookie balls be? Roll the dough into 1-inch balls for even baking.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
5. Can I add more chocolate chips? Absolutely! If you love chocolate, feel free to add up to 1 1/2 cups of mini chocolate chips.
6. How can I make these cookies more festive? Add colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed candies on top before baking.
7. Can I freeze the cookies after baking? Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
8. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
9. Can I use different nuts in this recipe? Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds would work well in this recipe.
10. How do I make these cookies gluten-free? Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will quickly become a staple in your cookie collection. With the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, and a snow-dusted finish, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and full of flavor, they offer the best of both worlds—a classic snowball cookie with a peanut butter twist. Whether for the holidays or any time of year, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day!

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