Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that feels like a hug in every bite, you’re going to adore these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. Imagine buttery, tender little orbs that carry a whisper of sweetness from rich condensed milk, dusted generously with a snowy blanket of confectioner’s sugar. These cookies are not only incredibly simple to make but also have a delicate crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just to brighten a regular afternoon, these snowball cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies truly special is the way a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays an essential role: the butter brings luscious richness and tenderness, the sweetened condensed milk offers natural sweetness and moisture, and the flour with baking powder creates the perfect light structure. Lastly, the confectioner’s sugar adds that magical finishing touch, making these cookies as beautiful as they are tasty.

• 1 cup softened butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a smooth dough texture.
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds creaminess and irresistible sweetness without needing extra sugar in the dough.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure; sift it for light, airy cookies that melt in your mouth.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift to keep them tender but not dense.
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting): This sweet dusting creates that classic snowball look and adds a soft sweetness.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating your softened butter in a large bowl until it becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This step is key for a light and tender cookie because it traps air, helping the dough rise beautifully as it bakes.

Step 2: Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to mix. This not only blends sweetness into your dough but also creates moisture that keeps your snowball cookies perfectly soft and chewy rather than dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms. It should hold together nicely without feeling sticky—a gentle balance that ensures delicate cookie texture.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Before shaping the cookies, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Scoop small amounts of dough—think bite-sized—and roll each into a smooth ball using your hands. These little dough balls will transform into tender, snowball-like cookies after baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place your cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving some space for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn a soft golden hue. They should still feel slightly soft in the center when you pull them out.

Step 7: Dust with Sugar

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes to firm up, then generously dust them with confectioner’s sugar. This final step is what gives the cookies their namesake snowball look and that irresistible sweet finish.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, try rolling your warm snowball cookies in cinnamon-sugar or even a hint of finely grated lemon zest mixed with confectioner’s sugar. Sprinkling chopped nuts like toasted pistachios or almonds over the sugar while still slightly warm can add delightful texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cozy cookies pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm mug of spiced chai tea. For a festive treat, serve alongside rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. The creamy richness of the cookie and the drink create a comforting combination guaranteed to warm your heart.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies on a decorative platter in a pyramid shape, garnish with edible flowers, or place them in small paper cups as little holiday gifts. You can even assemble a cookie jar gift filled with these snowballs layered with powdered sugar for an unforgettable present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to 4 days, and keeping them sealed ensures they don’t dry out or lose their delicate texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. Freeze dough balls on a tray first before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to prevent sticking, and they’ll keep well for about 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw them at room temperature before dusting with sugar.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies fresh from “the oven” again, warm them briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and aroma. Avoid microwaving too long as they can dry out quickly.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is essential in this recipe for flavor and texture. Margarine may change the flavor and make the cookies less tender, so it’s best to stick with real butter for those perfect snowballs.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies their distinctive richness and moist texture. Using regular milk or other substitutes will likely alter the results significantly.

Can I add flavorings like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can add a lovely depth of flavor, making your snowball cookies even more delightful.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your dough balls are flattening out too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure you’re not using melted butter; softened, but not melted, butter works best.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make gluten-free snowball cookies, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to create a batch of cookies that feels like a warm, sweet embrace, give these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies a try. They are wonderfully simple to make and deliver that perfect balance between buttery richness, tender crumb, and snowy sweetness. Once you taste them, you’ll see why they’re such a cherished treat to share with friends and family throughout the year.

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