If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are just the answer. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into little morsels of buttery goodness, perfectly dusted with confectioners’ sugar to resemble tiny snowballs. They bring a perfect balance of rich sweetness, tender crumb, and a delightful powdery finish that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe shines for its ease and incredible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity, where each ingredient plays a vital role in shaping the texture, flavor, and appearance. From the creamy butter that gives softness to the dusting of confectioners’ sugar providing that snowy touch, these ingredients are straightforward but essential.
- Butter, 1 cup softened: The base of the cookie that brings richness and tender texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup: Adds creamy sweetness and helps bind the dough effortlessly.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Provides structure and a delicate crumb to the cookies.
- Baking powder, 3 teaspoons: Offers just enough lift for a light, airy bite.
- Confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup: Essential for that classic snowy coating and subtle sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by beating your softened butter until it’s lovely and fluffy, about three minutes. This is crucial because the lightness you incorporate here will make your cookies tender and soft. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the cookie’s texture begins to take shape.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk while beating steadily for another two minutes. This milk isn’t just sweet; it adds moisture and binds the dough perfectly without needing eggs. If you want a little extra flair, adding a teaspoon or two of flavoring extract here (like vanilla or almond) is a lovely twist.
Step 3: Scrape and Mix Thoroughly
Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything gets well mixed. Beat for one to two more minutes to achieve a smooth, consistent batter. This step ensures each cookie will have the same buttery, gentle texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add your flour and baking powder right into the wet mixture and beat until just incorporated. Over-mixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it gentle. If you want to get creative, now is the perfect time to fold in up to a cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or candy pieces — these will add pleasant surprises inside each snowball.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into equally sized mounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space your cookies about two inches apart so they bake evenly and keep their cute, rounded shapes.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop your tray into an oven preheated to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest right on the pan for five minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Step 7: Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar
Finally, while the cookies are still warm but no longer hot, generously sift confectioners’ sugar over them to create that snowy, magical effect. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to keep their delicate texture intact.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are already stunning with their snowy sugar coating, but you can enhance them further with sprinkles of finely chopped nuts like pistachios or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. A tiny pinch of cinnamon in the dusting sugar can also add warmth and spice without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, rich hot chocolate, or even freshly brewed coffee. Consider serving them alongside fruit preserves or a dollop of whipped cream for a small dessert platter that offers contrasting flavors and textures. Their tender crumb and sweet finish complement cozy beverages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the cookies on a festive platter dusted with extra confectioners’ sugar or edible glitter to make them sparkle. Stack them in little towers tied with ribbons for a delightful gifting idea. You can also sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of jam or frosting in between to create mini cookie sandwiches that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and moist for several days, making them easy to enjoy across your busy week or pass around at gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze really well. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, and the texture and flavor remain just as delightful as fresh-baked.
Reheating
To bring out that fresh-baked softness, warm the cookies gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This little touch refreshes their tender crumb and enhances that comforting buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I add flavor extracts to Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! Adding vanilla, almond, or even a hint of citrus extract can give your cookies a personalized flavor boost. Just keep it to about 2 teaspoons or less to avoid overpowering the delicate sweetness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to enjoy these cookies gluten-free.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work in a pinch, butter is highly recommended for its rich flavor and ability to create that perfect tender texture, which is essential for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and handle the dough gently without over-mixing. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain the cookie shape, especially in warmer kitchens.
What’s the best way to ensure a perfectly even coating of sugar?
Using a fine mesh sifter or a small sieve to dust confectioners’ sugar makes for an even and delicate coating. Dust the cookies while they’re still warm but no longer hot, which helps the sugar stick beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking and sharing Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. Their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible taste make them a treasured recipe to keep handy. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just starting out, these cookies promise to deliver smiles and warm moments with every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “snowball”!
PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are soft, buttery cookies with a delicate crumb and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, making them perfect for any occasion. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the richness of sweetened condensed milk with a tender cookie texture, ideal for holiday gatherings or simple everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step helps create a smooth and airy base for the cookies.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the creamed butter, beating for an additional 2 minutes until fully combined. If desired, you can add up to 2 teaspoons of extract flavoring at this point for a subtle taste enhancement.
- Scrape and Mix: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly, then beat the mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Beat just until the ingredients are mixed. Optionally, fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or candies for added flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes until they are set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool on the Pan: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before transferring.
- Transfer and Dust: Carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a sifter to generously dust confectioners’ sugar over the tops for a classic snowball appearance.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies have cooled fully before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- For added flavor, try adding vanilla, almond, or lemon extract (up to 2 teaspoons) when mixing in the sweetened condensed milk.
- You can customize these snowballs by folding in up to 1 cup of mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits.
- Make sure not to overmix the flour once added, as this can make the cookies tough rather than tender.
- These cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure.