Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

If you’re searching for a new cookie to dazzle your friends and family, look no further than Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled twice in a cloud of powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy effect. With a rich, nutty bite, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of sweetness from the condensed milk, they bring nostalgic charm and a touch of elegance to any dessert spread. Whether you’re planning holiday baking or celebrating any simple weekday, these snowballs are a surefire hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs is just how straightforward the ingredients are—every bite showcases their quality. Each item on the list brings something vital, whether it’s flavor, texture, or a familiar, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake.

  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates the rich, tender crumb that sets these cookies apart.
  • Sweetened condensed milk (1/4 cup): Adds the perfect dose of creamy, caramelized sweetness while helping bind the dough.
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
  • All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the foundation of the cookie, ensuring just the right texture.
  • Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup): Lend a subtle nutty crunch and complexity; feel free to use your favorite.
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brightens every other ingredient.
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling): Delivers the signature snowy finish, coating each cookie in a delicate, sweet powder.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sweetened Condensed Milk, and Vanilla

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and a bit lighter in color. This step ensures your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs will have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior while distributing all that delicious vanilla evenly.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and your choice of finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Mix gently until everything comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. The chopped nuts provide little pops of texture throughout the snowballs, and the salt makes all the flavors pop against the richness of the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Dough into Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. This not only keeps the cookies uniform in size for even baking but also lets you fit a whole batch on one tray—perfect for when you want more Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in less time.

Step 4: Bake to Just Golden

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. You’re looking for the bottoms to turn just golden while the tops remain pale and soft; this is the secret to that classic snowball texture. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar, Twice!

After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for five minutes—just enough so they’re not too fragile to handle but still warm. Roll the cookies gently in powdered sugar, coating each one generously. Once fully cooled, roll them a second time so every Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball looks like it’s been freshly dusted with snow.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Garnishes

Sometimes, a little extra flourish makes all the difference. Try a final sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect, or roll some cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. A touch of shaved chocolate or even a sprinkle of edible glitter can make a festive plate perfect for parties.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but pair beautifully with a hot beverage like coffee, black tea, or spiced hot cocoa. For a dessert board, arrange your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs alongside nutty shortbreads or chocolate-dipped biscotti, offering a lovely mix of flavors and textures for guests to enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, stack the snowballs into a small pyramid on a cake stand, then dust with extra powdered sugar for a “just snowed” look. Tuck them into cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon for gift giving, or even nestle a few among other homemade treats in a festive cookie tin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and coated in sugar, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re stacking them, layer parchment or wax paper between each cookie to preserve the powdered sugar coating and keep things tidy.

Freezing

These cookies are a dream to freeze! Place cooled, uncoated snowballs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar for that classic finish.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary here. Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, as this keeps their texture perfectly tender. If you’ve frozen the cookies, simply let them thaw on the counter, then re-coat in powdered sugar before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs nut-free?

Absolutely! Just omit the nuts entirely, or swap in something crunchy like finely crushed pretzels or roasted seeds for a safe and tasty alternative. They’ll be just as delicious and still feature that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why do you roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll, while the cookies are still warm, allows the sugar to form a sweet coating that melts slightly and sticks well. The second roll after the cookies are cool gives you that gorgeous, powdery white exterior—the perfect “snowball” look and a little extra sweetness in every bite.

Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs ahead for an event?

These cookies are ideal for prepping ahead! You can make them up to a week in advance and store at room temperature, or even freeze them for longer storage. The flavor actually improves slightly after a day or two, so feel free to plan ahead for holidays or celebrations.

What’s the best way to get uniform-sized cookies?

Using a small cookie scoop ensures each snowball is the same size, which helps them bake evenly. If you don’t have a scoop, simply roll the dough between your palms into 1-inch balls. Consistency is key to getting those pretty, bakery-perfect snowballs.

Can I use other flavor extracts in this recipe?

Yes! While vanilla is classic, try almond extract for a nutty twist, or even add a hint of orange or lemon extract for a fresh, zesty flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate taste of the condensed milk and butter.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs fills your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas and brings a sprinkle of magic to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting a tin, or sneaking a few with your morning coffee, I hope you find these cookies as delightful as I do. Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than the first real snowfall!

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs, a delightful treat with a snowy powdered sugar finish. These nutty, buttery cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of the year.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add flour, salt, and nuts; mix to form a dough.
  3. Form Dough Balls: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls on the prepared sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
  4. Cool and Roll: Let cool briefly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once cooled, roll again for a snowy effect.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • For a nut-free version, omit or substitute nuts with pretzels or seeds.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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