Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowballs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will only take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Once the dough has come together, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but firm enough to hold its shape when you roll it into balls.

5. Form the Snowballs

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in your hands to smooth out any imperfections, and then roll each ball in powdered sugar to give it that signature “snowball” look. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake

Bake the snowballs in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the bottom and slightly firm to the touch. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’ve cooled, give them another light dusting of powdered sugar, if desired, for that extra snowball effect.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies keep their shape during baking. This is especially helpful if your dough is too soft or sticky.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies can go from perfectly soft to overly crunchy quickly, so be sure to watch them carefully during the last few minutes of baking.
• Add Extra Flavor: If you love peanut butter, feel free to add more to the dough. A tablespoon or two extra can give the cookies an even richer peanut butter flavor. You can also experiment with adding chopped peanuts or other mix-ins like toffee bits or M&Ms.

Why Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowballs Are So Special

These cookies are a delightful hybrid of two classic flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—wrapped up in a soft, buttery dough and rolled in powdered sugar. The result is a cookie that’s both sweet and salty, rich and satisfying, and just the right amount of festive. The mini chocolate chips melt slightly as they bake, giving you pockets of gooey chocolate goodness in every bite, while the peanut butter ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy.

Additionally, the powdered sugar coating is what truly makes these snowballs special. It gives them a fun, frosty look that’s perfect for the holidays but works for any time of the year when you need a treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Perfect Pairings

• Hot Chocolate or Coffee: The creamy peanut butter and chocolate are an ideal match for a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.
• Fruit Salad: Pair these cookies with a light fruit salad for a balance of sweetness and freshness.
• Ice Cream: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowballs are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying, making them the perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, you can’t go wrong with these little snowballs.

So, whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just as a sweet snack for yourself, give these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowballs a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!