If you love melt-in-your-mouth treats with just the right amount of sweetness, then Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs will absolutely capture your heart! These classic holiday cookies are tender, buttery, delicately nutty, and cloaked in a double layer of snowy powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing (or secretly savoring with a mug of coffee), every bite brings a simple, nostalgic comfort. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap or just because, these little snowballs are pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the irresistible texture, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, and wonderful flavor that make these cookies so beloved.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for effortless creaming, creating that signature tender cookie structure.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and a luxuriously soft interior—no extra sugar required!
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavors, adding a warm, inviting aroma to every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides just the right structure while keeping the cookies soft and delicate.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors for a well-rounded cookie.
- Finely Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Add a subtle nutty crunch; chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the dough.
- Powdered Sugar: A generous roll in this essential ingredient gives each snowball that classic frosty finish.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This step ensures that the cookies will have that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually stir in the flour and salt. Take your time with the flour—adding it a little at a time makes the dough easy to work with and guarantees a tender result. Once all the flour is incorporated, the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Stir in the Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts bring a delightful crunch and subtle flavor that complements the creamy sweetness of the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of both!
Step 4: Shape Into Snowballs
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form the dough into small, even balls—about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball gently between your hands so they’re nice and round, then set them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the bottoms—you’re looking for a very pale golden color, while the tops should remain soft and snowy. This is the secret to the signature texture of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs!
Step 6: Double Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for about five minutes, then gently roll each one in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that gorgeous thick snowy coating. This double dip is what transforms these simple cookies into wintery showstoppers.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Garnishes
For the ultimate frosty finish, pile your snowballs on a platter and dust them once more with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. A light touch of edible glitter or sparkling sugar can add an extra festive touch, especially if you’re making these for the holidays.
Side Dishes
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs pair beautifully with hot drinks; try serving them with rich hot chocolate, spiced tea, or a steaming cup of coffee. For a cookie tray, they contrast nicely with chocolate-based treats or tangy options like lemon bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your snowballs nestled in mini cupcake liners for a polished look, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for easy gifting. At gatherings, arrange them in a snowy “mountain” or around a centerpiece for instant festive flair. For extra fun, tuck a few into a small tin and gift them as a sweet surprise for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to a week. Place sheets of parchment between layers of cookies to keep the powdered sugar coating intact and avoid any sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Frozen, they’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, roll again in powdered sugar after thawing to refresh their snowy look.
Reheating
No reheating is needed—these cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If you freeze and thaw them, simply let them defrost on the counter, then give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar if desired before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts work beautifully. Just be sure to chop the nuts finely, so the cookies hold together nicely and maintain their delicate texture.
Are Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour to make them safe for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
Can I flavor the dough differently?
Yes, you can get creative! A hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a new twist to the classic flavor profile. Stir your flavoring into the dough with the vanilla extract for even distribution.
My snowballs flattened—what went wrong?
Typically, snowball cookies only spread a little. If yours ended up flat, it could be due to very soft or melted butter, or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking to help them hold their shape.
How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from disappearing?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm from the oven, then again after they’ve cooled completely. This double-coating method helps the sugar stick and stay visible, keeping your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs looking perfectly snowy.
Final Thoughts
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are pure joy in every bite—soft, buttery, and finished with a flurry of sugar. There’s no better way to warm your kitchen and your heart than by baking a batch to share (or savor yourself!). Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite tradition in your home.
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are delightful nutty cookies coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
For Rolling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dough: Cream together butter and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Stir in nuts.
- Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Coat in Sugar: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm. Once cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- You can use different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- For added flavor, try almond extract or cinnamon in the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
