There’s just something magical about the melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. These little treats are tender, buttery, and dusted in a flurry of powdered sugar, making every bite a blissful burst of nostalgia, perfect for holidays or any day you need a taste of comfort. The star ingredient—sweetened condensed milk—not only brings unparalleled richness but also gives these classic cookies a delicious twist that’s certain to win over family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies plays a special role, working together to create cookies that are soft, nutty, and perfectly sweet. These straightforward ingredients are all you need to bake up a batch of cloud-like, irresistible snowballs.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This is the backbone of the cookie’s dreamy texture, ensuring the dough is tender and rich.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup): The signature ingredient adds creaminess, sweetness, and a chewy bite that sets these cookies apart.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash rounds out the flavor and adds a comforting warmth you can taste in every cookie.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while maintaining a delightfully crumbly, delicate texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt sharpens and balances the flavors, making sure each bite is bright rather than overly sweet.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): Nuts provide a lovely crunch and toasty flavor; feel free to use your favorite or a mix!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): For that essential snowy finish—rolling the warm cookies in sugar is what gives them their signature look and magical melt-in-your-mouth coating.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies bake evenly and lift off easily, making cleanup a breeze so you can focus on the fun part—baking!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and slightly pale. This step is key, as it helps achieve that irresistibly tender texture these cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract, letting its aroma instantly elevate the dough with a rich, inviting warmth. You’ll notice the mixture becoming even more fragrant and creamy at this stage.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix—this keeps your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies light and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This infuses every single cookie with irresistible nutty flavor and texture.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out level tablespoons of dough and gently roll them into balls between your palms. Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each to allow for minimal spreading as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–14 minutes, watching carefully for bottoms and edges to just turn a light golden color. The outsides should be set, but the cookies will remain pale, delicate, and perfectly tender.
Step 8: Sugar-Coat for That Snowy Finish
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each in powdered sugar—this first coat will melt in a bit, creating a sweet glaze. Once fully cooled, roll them again for that classic, powdery snowball look.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try dusting your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving. A light sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or even a pinch of edible glitter for holiday flair can add just the right pop.
Side Dishes
These cookies are dreamy alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even spiced chai. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries and citrus fruits for a bright, refreshing contrast to their buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in decorative jars tied with ribbon for gifting, or pile them high on a tiered dessert tray for parties. For holiday gatherings, nestle them in paper mini-muffin liners with a tiny sprig of rosemary or holly for instant festive charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place completely cooled Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh, soft, and delicious for up to one week—if they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper; when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar so they look freshly made.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these cookies, if you’d like to refresh them, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will warm them slightly and revive some of that just-baked tenderness. Add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after reheating, if desired.
FAQs
Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply swap the nuts for mini chocolate chips or leave them out altogether. The cookies will still have their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deliciously sweet flavor.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating melts into the still-warm cookies, creating a sweet, almost creamy outer layer. The second rolling, once the cookies are cool, gives that beautiful, snowy finish and classic snowball look.
Can I freeze the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, then bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. Finish with the double powdered sugar coating after baking.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No need to chill the dough for these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. They hold their round shape beautifully and are ready to bake as soon as you finish mixing and shaping.
Can I use different extracts for flavoring?
Definitely! Almond extract or even a hint of orange zest can add a delightful twist to the classic vanilla flavor. Feel free to get creative and make these cookies truly your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason friends and family can’t stop reaching for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies—they’re easy to make, simply scrumptious, and absolutely gorgeous on any cookie platter. Give these a try and add a sprinkle of homemade magic to your next gathering!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a rich buttery dough, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
For Rolling:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and milk: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Form and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden on the bottoms.
- Roll in sugar: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again before serving for a snowy finish.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute mini chocolate chips.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
