If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that truly lives up to its name, look no further than this Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats bring together the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter with bursts of mini chocolate chips, all wrapped in a delicate, powdered sugar coating that feels like a gentle snowfall. The result is a cookie so tender and flavorful, it practically melts away with every bite, making it an irresistible addition to any dessert spread or cozy afternoon snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter and peanut butter that provide richness, to the powdered sugar that adds a sweet, snowy finish. Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a luscious, tender crumb without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds that signature nutty richness for the perfect peanut butter cookie base.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens and helps achieve the classic snowball coating for a delicate finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty chocolate that perfectly complement the peanut butter.
How to Make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving them those beautiful smooth bottoms that are just barely golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butters
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and luxuriously creamy. This mix is the heart of your dough, promising that melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor that will steal the show.
Step 3: Add Sweetness and Flavor
Next, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The powdered sugar is key not only for sweetness but also contributes to that tender texture, while vanilla adds warmth to every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, blending just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips for those delightful pockets of melty chocolate.
Step 5: Form and Bake
Scoop the dough into one-inch balls and space them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, watching carefully for lightly golden bottoms. Remember, underbaking slightly keeps them tender and prevents any dryness.
Step 6: The Snowball Finish
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create that classic snowball look. Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for the ultimate snowy effect that’s both beautiful and delicious.
How to Serve Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a festive, snowy touch that elevates the presentation. For a fun twist, consider a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top, or even a few chopped peanuts for added texture and a hint of crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea, making each bite feel like a little moment of bliss. For holiday gatherings, serve alongside some fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich peanut butter flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift or party treat, stack them in a glass jar with layers of powdered sugar for a snow effect or wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter chocolate chip snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft for up to one week. Avoid stacking them too tightly to preserve their delicate coating.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they stay separate and won’t stick together. Frozen cookies can last up to three months without losing their irresistible texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your snowball cookies a little warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10 seconds, but watch closely so they don’t lose their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother dough and softer cookies. Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture and crunch, which some might enjoy!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but keep in mind texture might vary slightly.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll while warm allows the sugar to stick and melt slightly, creating that signature coating. The second roll after cooling enhances the snowy appearance and ensures a nice, sweet finish in every bite.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors develop and can make the cookies even more delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled well if you notice spreading, and avoid using melted butter as it can cause thin, flat cookies. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their perfect shape.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cookie that hits every note of comfort, sweetness, and indulgence, this Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug wrapped in powdered sugar, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on a quiet moment all to yourself. Trust me, once you bite into these fluffy, peanut buttery marvels dotted with chocolate chips, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again.
Print
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies combine creamy peanut butter with sweet mini chocolate chips, creating a soft, buttery treat rolled in powdered sugar for a delightful snowball finish. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a tender, meltaway cookie with rich nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even base for your dough.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Incorporate ½ cup powdered sugar and the vanilla extract into the butter-peanut butter mixture, mixing until fully combined for sweetness and flavor depth.
- Form Dough: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain the soft texture.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar for the first coating.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once fully cool, roll them a second time in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowball appearance.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft.
- These cookies freeze well; you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough. If freezing dough, thaw before baking.
- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
