Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been craving a cookie that’s sweet, nutty, and downright irresistible, you’re going to flip over this Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these soft centers, coated in a smooth candy shell, come together for a delightful treat that’s so easy to make. Whether you’re new to baking snowball cookies or looking for a foolproof way to get them just right, this recipe is a total game-changer.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These peanut butter snowball cookies are all about balance — sweet, nutty, and a bit buttery. Each ingredient plays its role perfectly, so I always recommend getting good-quality peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar for the creamiest texture and sweetest bite.

• Confectioners’ sugar: This superfine sugar creates the classic melt-in-your-mouth exterior and helps balance peanut butter’s richness.
• Creamy peanut butter: I prefer smooth peanut butter so the dough mixes easily, but chunky works if you want little peanut bits inside.
• Butter (softened): Adds richness and binds the dough — make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly.
• White candy coating: Also called melting wafers, it melts quickly for that gorgeous glossy finish that turns these into “snowballs.”
• Chopped peanuts (optional): For a little extra crunch and texture on top, I love adding these right after dipping.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and occasions. I often tweak it based on what I have in the kitchen or what my family is craving at the moment.

• Chocolate twist: Sometimes I dip half the cookies in dark chocolate candy coating instead of white for a bittersweet contrast that my kids adore.
• Nutty topping: Roasted chopped peanuts on top add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy center perfectly.
• Natural peanut butter: If you prefer a healthier option, natural peanut butter works well — just chill the dough a bit longer before shaping.
• Mini snowballs: For bite-sized treats, I make smaller 1/2-inch balls — perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

How to Make Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Dough and Chill It

Start by mixing the confectioners’ sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened butter in a bowl until smooth and combined. I like using a wooden spoon or spatula to get everything evenly incorporated—you’ll notice the dough is soft but thick. Pop it into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is key because it firms up the dough enough to roll into neat little balls without sticking all over your hands.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Snowballs

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll them between your palms to form roughly 1-inch balls. My secret is to keep a sheet of waxed paper or parchment on the counter for easy transfer. After shaping, arrange them on the lined baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes. This extra freeze time ensures the snowballs are firm enough to dip without losing their shape.

Step 3: Melt the Candy Coating and Dip

While the balls freeze, melt the white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. This prevents overheating and helps maintain that shiny coating. Grab one snowball at a time using a fork or dipping tool, submerge it into the melted coating, and let the excess drip. Place the dipped cookie back on the wax paper to set. If you’re using chopped peanuts, sprinkle them on top right after dipping before the coating hardens.

Step 4: Let Them Harden and Store

Leave the dipped cookies at room temperature until the coating solidifies—about 30 minutes should do the trick. Once hardened, these snowballs are ready to enjoy or store in an airtight container. I find they stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic by topping some of my peanut butter snowballs with chopped roasted peanuts right after the dip, adding a lovely crunch. Sometimes, a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar after the coating sets gives them an extra snowy look that’s just adorable for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For parties, I like arranging them alongside other nutty or chocolate-based treats so guests can mix and match flavors throughout the evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday or special occasions, I’ve arranged these peanut butter snowballs in festive glass jars tied with a ribbon, or stacked them into a snowball “tower” on a beautiful plate—makes for such a charming display. Wrapping a couple in cellophane bags with a handwritten tag is also a sweet way to gift them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover peanut butter snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen gets warm, a cool pantry or the fridge also works—just note that refrigeration can sometimes toughen the coating slightly.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option for making these ahead. I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. The texture stays fantastic even after freezing.

Reheating

If you want to freshen them up slightly after chilling or freezing, warming in a low-temp oven (about 200°F) for 5 minutes brings back a soft center without melting the coating. Just watch closely so you don’t overheat!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies Recipe has honestly become one of my go-to comfort sweets. I remember the first time I made them; their simple ingredients and straightforward steps blew me away with how delicious and elegant the cookies turned out. I hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating) these as much as my family and I do. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or saving a few for yourself as a sweet little moment of joy!

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