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Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs are my favorite treat for sharing during the holidays or anytime a chocolate craving strikes. Soft peanut butter centers wrapped in creamy chocolate cookie dough get a snowy coconut finish for a festive bite that melts in your mouth.
When I first shared these at my book club everyone begged for the recipe and now they have become a must at every gathering
Ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter: this creates a soft and flavorful middle always select a fresh jar and stir well before using
- Powdered sugar: for sweetening and binding use a brand with ultra fine texture for easiest mixing
- Vanilla extract: for an aromatic hint of warmth pure vanilla gives best flavor
- Crushed chocolate cookies: provides a fudgy outer layer choose crisp cookies for easy crushing
- Cream cheese softened: adds richness and helps the dough bind together let it warm to room temp for smooth blending
- Cocoa powder: deepens the chocolate flavor use unsweetened for best results
- Shredded coconut: coats every bite in snowy goodness opt for fine shreds to help it stick better
- Caramel sauce: completely optional but adds delicious gooeyness you can use homemade or a store bought squeeze bottle
Instructions
- Mix Peanut Butter Filling:
- Spoon the peanut butter into a medium bowl and add the powdered sugar plus vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to blend until smooth and thick. If the mixture seems sticky let it chill for a few minutes so it firms up and is easier to handle.
- Shape and Freeze Centers:
- Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon portion the peanut butter mixture into 12 even balls. Roll each one quickly between your palms to smooth them out. Place on a plate or small tray and freeze for at least 15 minutes. Chilling firms the filling so it is easier to wrap.
- Make Chocolate Dough:
- In a separate larger bowl toss together the crushed chocolate cookies and cocoa powder. Add the softened cream cheese. Work everything together with a fork then your hands until a soft dough forms. It will look like thick chocolate truffle dough and should not be sticky.
- Wrap the Peanut Butter Centers:
- Pinch off about a tablespoon of chocolate dough and flatten it into a round disc in your palm. Place a chilled peanut butter ball in the center and gently fold the dough around it. Roll the two together between your hands to make a smooth ball. Repeat with the rest.
- Coat with Coconut:
- Spread the shredded coconut in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the coconut being generous to make sure all sides are covered. Press lightly so it sticks.
- Chill and Serve:
- Arrange the coated snowballs on a tray or airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows them to set and flavors to meld together. Just before serving you can drizzle each with a little caramel sauce for shine and extra flavor.
- Optional Caramel Drizzle:
- If using caramel pour a bit over each snowball just before serving. Do not drizzle ahead of time or the caramel might soak in or make the coconut soggy.
My favorite part of this treat is the peanut butter and chocolate combo that reminds me of making holiday candies with my grandmother It is a recipe my nieces love to help with and the rolling step is always a hit in the kitchen
Storage Tips
Store finished snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week The coconut keeps them from sticking together. If making ahead you can freeze the snowballs without caramel drizzle for up to three months Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. Snowballs should be served chilled or at cool room temperature They are softest and creamiest this way.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap almond or cashew butter for the peanut butter for a new spin. Dairy free cream cheese works here for anyone avoiding dairy just be sure it is the spreadable type. No chocolate cookies Use lightly sweetened vanilla cookies and stir in an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to boost that chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange snowballs in festive cupcake liners for parties. Stack them into a pyramid and drizzle with both dark and white chocolate for a more decadent centerpiece. They pair beautifully with coffee or mulled wine for a cozy dessert spread.
Cultural and Historical Context
No bake holiday treats are popular in many countries and these snowballs put a North American twist on the classic truffle by combining beloved flavors and snowy coconut. The peanut butter chocolate duo has been a holiday favorite since the mid twentieth century. You might see similar treats called bonbons or buckeyes in Midwest traditions.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch the coconut for colored sprinkles to match different holidays. Use white chocolate cookie crumbs instead of chocolate for a lighter springtime version. Try adding festive spices like cinnamon or ginger to the dough for fall flavors.
Helpful Notes
Chill the peanut butter centers well so wrapping is easy. For neat shapes roll the snowballs again after coconut coating. If using natural peanut butter stir well and refrigerate to firm before using.
Success Stories
I have made these for neighborhood cookie swaps and they always spark conversation and recipe requests. Kids love rolling the dough and getting messy in the kitchen I often double the batch so there are leftovers. Several friends on gluten free diets have made these using gluten free chocolate cookies with great results.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Form snowballs up through the coconut rolling step and freeze in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer container with parchment between the layers. When ready to serve thaw in the refrigerator overnight and drizzle with caramel just before enjoying.
With just a few steps you can create delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs that delight everyone. These treats always bring smiles—enjoy sharing them this season.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds texture but may alter the smoothness of the center.
- → How long should the snowballs be chilled before serving?
Chill them for at least 30 minutes for best texture and flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for shredded coconut?
You can try finely chopped nuts or leave the balls uncoated if preferred.
- → Can these snowballs be prepared in advance?
Absolutely, they keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What’s the purpose of freezing the peanut butter balls first?
Freezing helps maintain their shape when wrapping in chocolate dough.