These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are a delightful winter treat! With a creamy peanut butter base and mini chocolate chips, each cookie is dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy look, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened, to give the cookies a rich, creamy texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: 1/2 cup, adding a nutty flavor and smooth consistency.
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling, which gives each cookie a sweet, snowy coating.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, forming the main structure of the cookie dough.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhancing the flavor balance in the cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips: 1 cup, providing bursts of chocolate in each bite.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies will be pale on top but firm to the touch.
- Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For an extra snowy look, roll them a second time after they’ve fully cooled.
- Step 7: Serve
- Enjoy these sweet, peanut butter-infused snowball cookies with a warm drink for the perfect wintertime treat!
Serving and Storage Tips
- These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extended freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.
- If you plan to make them ahead, consider freezing the dough balls before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the bake time.
Helpful Notes
- For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar for an extra layer of warm, holiday flavor.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a slight variation.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and check for the right consistency in the dough.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart: Recommends chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking for a slightly denser cookie texture.
- Chef Ina Garten: Suggests using high-quality vanilla extract to elevate the flavor of simple, classic cookie recipes like these.
- Chef Nigella Lawson: Recommends a second coating of powdered sugar after cooling to create that perfect “snowball” effect for holiday cookies.