Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a cozy, delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a soft, tender bite, this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These cookies are the perfect balance of nutty creaminess and sweet chocolate bursts, all wrapped up in a delicate powdered sugar coating that feels like winter magic with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these snowball cookies promise a melt-in-the-mouth experience that’s utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of these cookies. Each simple element plays a crucial role, from the creamy peanut butter that lends richness and moisture to the mini chocolate chips that deliver pockets of melty sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides a creamy base and helps achieve a tender crumb without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds a smooth, nutty richness throughout the cookie.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness while helping create a light texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor and complements the peanut butter’s nuttiness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies, keeping them soft but stable enough to hold their shape.
- Mini chocolate chips (2 cups): Small bits of chocolate that melt in your mouth and create delightful bursts of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Adds a beautiful snowy finish and an extra touch of sweetness with every bite.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Preparing your workspace ahead keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is essential for building a tender texture. Next, add the vanilla extract and stir well to bring all those flavors together. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together softly but is not sticky. Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring every bite is packed with little chocolate surprises.
Step 3: Shape Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give room for gentle spreading. The dough balls already look irresistibly inviting.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for roughly 18 minutes. Keep a close eye and look for edges beginning to turn a light golden brown – a subtle sign that they are perfectly baked. Remember, these cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, just enough to cool slightly but remain warm. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them generously for that lovely snowy effect. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Double-Coat in Powdered Sugar
When fully cooled, give the cookies a second roll in powdered sugar. This extra coating not only creates the signature snowball look but adds a soft sweetness that will have you hooked on this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe even more.
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and fun, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or crushed roasted peanuts on top after the second powdered sugar coating. You can also dust the cookies lightly with a bit of cocoa powder for an intense chocolate aroma that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
Side Dishes
These snowball cookies are fantastic alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their sweet and nutty flavors complement creamy beverages perfectly, making snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a festive plate dusted with powdered sugar or fill a clear jar layered with colorful holiday ribbons for gifting. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a spoonful of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting to create an irresistible cookie sandwich that doubles the fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their softness and flavor beautifully for up to one week, making them easy to enjoy over time without losing their melt-in-the-mouth magic.
Freezing
If you want to keep a stash of these cookies ready for longer, freeze them either before baking (shape dough balls, freeze on a tray then transfer to a container) or after baking and cooling. Wrapped tightly, they can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft, tender texture. Be careful not to overheat, or the cookies might lose their delicate structure.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter works best to create a smooth dough and tender cookie, you can use crunchy if you prefer a little extra texture. Just expect a nuttier bite with bits of peanuts throughout.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular-sized chocolate chips will work fine, but mini chips distribute more evenly and melt beautifully in these cookies. You could also chop a chocolate bar finely as a substitute.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents for proper texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the very edges of the cookies to start turning a light golden color. They will still be soft to the touch but hold their shape. Overbaking can cause them to become dry.
Why roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll coats the warm cookies, helping powdered sugar stick and giving an initial snowy look. The second roll after cooling ensures a bright, snowy finish and adds a delicate sweetness that defines this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Soft, chewy, and generously loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. I encourage you to try this recipe soon – once you do, these snowball cookies will become a beloved staple in your baking collection, bringing joy to your family and friends every time!
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies combine creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips into soft, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. Perfectly tender with a rich flavor, they make an irresistible treat to enjoy with family and friends during the holidays or any time of year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips
Coating
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms, then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown, being careful not to overbake so they stay soft inside.
- Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Double-Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy coating that enhances their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- For best texture, use creamy peanut butter rather than chunky.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar helps it adhere better for the first coat.
- Allowing the second powdered sugar coating after cooling gives the cookies a classic snowball appearance.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
