Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a truly irresistible treat that melts in your mouth and brings a sparkle of nostalgia to your dessert table, look no further than Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. These tender, buttery cookies are rolled in a flurry of powdered sugar, with a subtle crunch from toasted nuts and a rich, creamy sweetness that only sweetened condensed milk can deliver. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a little bite of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the signature taste, texture, and snowy appearance that make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/3 cup): Adds creamy sweetness and keeps the cookies tender — the secret ingredient that sets these apart.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and deepens the cookie’s sweet flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cookies light and delicate.
- Finely Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup): Lends a subtle, nutty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup, for rolling): Creates that classic, snowy finish and just the right amount of extra sweetness.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze — no sticky bottoms or stubborn bits to scrub off later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base is the secret to the luscious texture of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies.
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract to your butter mixture and give it a quick stir. This is your flavor enhancer — just a teaspoon elevates the aroma and overall taste, making each bite a little more special.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Pour in the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms, making sure everything is well combined but taking care not to overwork the dough. This step brings together the nutty crunch and gentle crumb that are hallmarks of these cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one into a ball using your hands. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them. The uniform shape ensures all your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are just turning lightly golden, while the tops stay pale and delicate. Resist the urge to overbake — the goal is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This first layer clings beautifully. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them again for that magical snowy finish that gives Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies their name.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
A classic dusting of powdered sugar is all you need for that beautiful, wintry look, but you can also add a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate or a hint of edible glitter for a festive touch. A tiny mint leaf or a few crushed nuts on top adds both color and crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa. For a holiday platter, serve them alongside fresh berries, dried fruit, or a selection of other small cookies for a truly inviting spread. They’re also lovely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in pretty layers on a tiered cake stand or tuck them into decorative boxes as homemade gifts. For a party, string them (carefully!) onto a ribbon for an edible garland, or create mini “snowball mountains” on dessert plates with a dusting of extra powdered sugar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar helps seal in freshness, so they stay soft and tender — perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
You can freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, either before or after rolling in powdered sugar. If freezing after baking, layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and dust with fresh powdered sugar once thawed. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, simply let frozen cookies come to room temperature or pop them in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes. If you prefer, you can re-roll them in a little extra powdered sugar after reheating to refresh their snowy appearance.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Pecans and walnuts are traditional, but almonds or hazelnuts work beautifully too. Just be sure to chop them finely for the perfect snowball texture.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
Not at all! The sweetness is balanced by the nuts and just a bit of salt. The powdered sugar coating adds a sweet finish, but the cookie itself is gently sweet, not cloying.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results are delightfully similar, though the texture may be ever-so-slightly more tender.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the cookies while warm lets the sugar melt a little and stick, creating a light, sweet coating. Once cool, the second roll gives them that iconic snowy look and adds extra sweetness and charm.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly before shaping and baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to bake these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies as I am to share them. They’re a little bite of comfort, celebration, and homemade magic. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the scent of buttery sweetness fill your kitchen — these cookies are pure joy in every bite!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and delightfully soft cookies dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for festive occasions or an everyday treat. These easy-to-make American-style cookies combine the rich flavor of sweetened condensed milk with chopped pecans or walnuts for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy base for the dough.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, finely chopped nuts, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms; be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops will remain pale and soft.
- First Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully roll them in powdered sugar while still warm for an initial coating.
- Second Roll for Finish: After the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a beautiful, snowy finish and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, these cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or other nuts based on preference or availability.
- Ensure butter is softened for easier creaming and a smoother dough texture.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them the signature snowy look and a pleasant sweetness contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
