Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies: Sweet, Nutty, and Perfectly Snowy

If there’s a cookie that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and holiday cheer, it’s the Peanut Butter Snowball Cookie. These sweet, nutty treats feature a tender peanut butter dough studded with mini chocolate chips and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or a cozy night in, these cookies combine the comforting flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a visually charming, wintery presentation.

Unlike traditional peanut butter cookies, Snowball Cookies offer a unique texture. They are soft, buttery, and slightly crumbly, yet hold their shape beautifully. The powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also enhances their festive appeal, making them a standout on any dessert platter.

This article will walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for achieving the perfect Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies. Additionally, it addresses common questions to ensure that even novice bakers can create cookies that impress both in taste and appearance.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Preparation Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful cookies.

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Proper lining ensures that cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Use a wooden spoon, spatula, or electric mixer on low speed. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. This step ensures a smooth, flavorful base for the cookies.

Step 3 — Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, making sure no dry flour remains. The dough should be slightly firm but easy to scoop. Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 4 — Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. This spacing allows the cookies to expand slightly while maintaining their round shape.

Step 5 — Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, but the cookies should feel firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking, as these cookies are meant to remain soft and tender.

Step 6 — Coat with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. For an extra snowy effect, roll the cookies a second time after they have fully cooled. This double dusting creates a festive, wintery appearance that’s perfect for holiday platters or gifting.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy these sweet, peanut butter-infused treats with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or milk. The combination of chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar makes them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and peanut butter are soft for easy mixing and smooth texture.
2. Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring consistent baking.
3. Chill Dough if Needed: If dough is too soft to handle, chill for 15–20 minutes to make rolling easier.
4. Double Powdered Sugar Coating: For a festive look, roll cookies twice—once warm and once fully cooled.
5. Avoid Overbaking: Cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly golden, even if the tops remain pale. Overbaking can make them dry.
6. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Snowball: Use cocoa powder in the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with allergies.
• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
• Festive Toppings: Roll cookies in colored sugar or mix powdered sugar with cinnamon for a holiday flair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the dough may be slightly softer. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if necessary for easier handling.

3. How should I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment paper.

4. Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Shape and bake cookies the next day for fresh results.

5. Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Yes. They add texture and flavor but are optional. You can also replace them with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.

6. How do I get a perfectly snowy look?

Roll the cookies once while warm and again after fully cooled for a thicker, even coating of powdered sugar.

7. Can I make mini or jumbo cookies?

Yes. Adjust baking time: smaller cookies require less time (8–10 minutes), larger cookies need more time (12–15 minutes).

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking.

Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies are an irresistible blend of nutty, chocolaty, and buttery goodness. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a snowy powdered sugar coating makes them a festive favorite for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence. With this detailed guide, even novice bakers can achieve perfectly tender, delicious, and beautiful cookies that everyone will love.

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