Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies: Prepare to be enchanted by a cookie that melts in your mouth and evokes the magic of winter, no matter the season! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a delightful combination of nutty goodness and delicate sweetness, all wrapped in a blanket of powdered sugar. Imagine biting into a crumbly, buttery cookie with a subtle peanut butter flavor that dances on your tongue.

While the exact origins of snowball cookies are debated, similar variations have been enjoyed across cultures for centuries, often associated with festive celebrations. Some believe they evolved from European butter cookies, adapted with local ingredients and traditions. Regardless of their precise history, these cookies have become a beloved treat worldwide, cherished for their simple elegance and comforting flavor.

What makes Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the delicate crumb that practically dissolves in your mouth, contrasted with the slight grit of the powdered sugar coating. The peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates the classic snowball cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for a quick baking project or a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to experience a cookie that’s both nostalgic and utterly delightful!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating

Preparing the Dough:

1. First, let’s get started by creaming together the butter and peanut butter. In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Beat them together on medium speed until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. We want a smooth and creamy base for our cookies!
2. Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until well combined. The mixture should be light and airy. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated. The sugar will add sweetness and the vanilla will enhance the overall flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step is important because it ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will help to balance the sweetness of the cookies and enhance the other flavors.
4. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies chewy instead of tender. We want these cookies to be melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
5. Once the dough comes together, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the butter to firm up, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps the flavors to meld together. You can chill the dough for longer, even overnight, if you prefer.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential for preventing the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
3. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This will allow the cookies to spread slightly during baking without running into each other.
4. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cookies from breaking apart while they are still warm and delicate.

Coating the Cookies:

1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the powdered sugar coating. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, making sure to coat it evenly. You can roll them once for a light coating or twice for a thicker coating, depending on your preference. I personally like a generous coating of powdered sugar!
3. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to allow any excess powdered sugar to fall off.
4. And that’s it! Your Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy. These cookies are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies:

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream together with the peanut butter and sugar.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Coat the cookies while they are still slightly warm: This will help the powdered sugar adhere to the cookies better. However, make sure they are not too hot, or the powdered sugar will melt.
• Add chocolate chips: For an extra touch of decadence, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Use different nut butters: Experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique flavor.
• Add spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: Make sure you are using softened butter, not melted butter. Also, make sure you are chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. If the dough is still too soft, add a tablespoon or two of flour.
• Cookies are dry and crumbly: You may have overbaked the cookies. Bake them for a shorter amount of time. Also, make sure you are not overmixing the dough.
• Powdered sugar is not sticking to the cookies: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before coating them in powdered sugar. If the powdered sugar is still not sticking, try lightly brushing the cookies with milk or melted butter before coating them.

Variations:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Almond Butter Snowball Cookies: Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter.
• Cashew Butter Snowball Cookies: Substitute the peanut butter with cashew butter.
• Spiced Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies are truly a must-try this holiday season (or any time you’re craving a little sweet treat, really!). They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a burst of peanut butter flavor in every single bite. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the sweet, powdery coating, makes them utterly irresistible. I promise, these little snowballs will disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter”!

But why are these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up a batch of these. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are consistently fantastic. Plus, the peanut butter adds a richness and depth of flavor that you just can’t get with other cookies. They’re also naturally gluten-free (if you use gluten-free flour, of course!), making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Beyond the basic recipe, there’s plenty of room for experimentation! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies to the powdered sugar coating. Or, for a richer, more decadent flavor, dip the finished cookies in melted chocolate. You could even add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays, but they’re also a delightful treat to enjoy all year round. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a wonderful addition to a cookie platter or gift basket. I’ve even been known to crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a little extra sweetness in the morning!

I truly believe that these Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of easy, delicious, and versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve them with anything special? What did your friends and family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these amazing Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do.

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