Irresistible Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
If you’re craving a treat that’s tender, buttery, and dusted in a snowy layer of sweetness, then Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are here to brighten your day. These cookies are irresistibly soft with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or fulfilling a weekend dessert craving, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully soft texture: These cookies have a tender crumb that practically melts when you take a bite.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and sweetened condensed milk for an easy yet luxurious flavor.
- Perfectly sweet: The natural sweetness comes from the condensed milk, balancing the buttery richness.
- Festive and fun: Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them ideal for holidays or any cozy moment.
- Great for gifting: Packaged in boxes or tins, these cookies make thoughtful homemade presents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe focuses on a handful of straightforward ingredients that together create the magic of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. Each element contributes essential flavor, texture, and that classic powdered coating that embraces every bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture, caramel-like sweetness, and a soft crumb texture.
- Unsalted butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the dough perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie, providing structure and a tender bite.
- Powdered sugar: For coating the final cookies, giving them the signature snowy appearance.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor complexity.
- Optional nuts (like pecans or walnuts): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
Variations for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Feel free to get creative! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you add personal twists to suit tastes, dietary needs, or available ingredients.
- Nut-free version: Simply omit nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower for added texture without allergens.
- Chocolate chip addition: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a luscious chocolate contrast.
- Spiced snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy aromatic dimension.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend that works cup-for-cup with all-purpose flour.
- Citrus twist: Fold in finely grated lemon or orange zest for a fresh, tangy aroma.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Begin by beating the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your dough, ensuring that each bite is luxuriously soft and sweet.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once your butter mixture is smooth, mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla adds warmth and fragrance, while the salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour (and Nuts, if using)
Gradually sift the all-purpose flour into the butter mixture and fold gently until just combined. If you’re using nuts, fold them in now for a delightful crunch throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Balls
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into round balls roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Set But Not Browned
Bake the cookies at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-18 minutes. The cookies will be set but should not brown, maintaining their delicate texture.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Let them cool completely, then give each cookie a final dusting for that signature snowy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
- Use room temperature butter: It blends better with condensed milk, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and flaky.
- Chill dough if too soft: If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Use fresh powdered sugar: For the best coating, ensure your powdered sugar is fresh and clump-free.
- Prevent overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time to maintain softness without drying out.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar around the plate or on top of the cookies just before serving. You can also add a tiny edible flower or a dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. Their buttery sweetness balances the boldness of coffee or spiced teas perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking and tying the cookies with a rustic twine ribbon as gifts or arrange them neatly in decorative tins with liners for festive parties. You can also serve them on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries for a colorful contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months, making it easy to have these treats ready whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back their soft texture, warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Evaporated milk is unsweetened, so it won’t provide the same sweetness or texture. It’s best to stick with sweetened condensed milk for this recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Since sweetened condensed milk and butter are key ingredients, vegan substitutions like coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter can work, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
How do I store cookies to keep them soft?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a small slice of bread inside to help maintain moisture and softness.
What is the best way to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll the cookies while they are still warm from the oven for the best absorption, then cool completely before rolling them again for an even snowy coating.
Final Thoughts
Making Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket of buttery sweetness. These cookies are simple yet satisfyingly rich, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with your favorite drink. Don’t wait to try this delicious recipe—once you do, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort treat!
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PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats coated in powdered sugar, delivering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich, creamy sweetness. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy moments, these cookies use simple pantry staples and offer delightful variations for every palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (fresh and clump-free)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or seeds (for nut-free version)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (for spiced variation)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest (for citrus twist)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk: Beat the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy. This creates the soft, tender base for your dough.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture, adding warmth and balancing sweetness.
- Incorporate the Flour (and Nuts, if using): Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend) and fold gently until just combined. Fold in any optional nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, spices, or zest now.
- Shape the Dough into Balls: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into round balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Until Set But Not Browned: Bake the cookies at 325°F (163°C) for 15-18 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned, preserving their delicate texture.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Let them cool completely, then roll again for the classic snowy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
- Mix only until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if too soft or sticky.
- Ensure powdered sugar is fresh and free of clumps.
- Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, sweetened condensed milk cookies, powdered sugar cookies, soft cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, gluten-free cookie option