If you are looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines buttery texture with a lovely nutty crunch, this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is a delightful choice. These cookies are perfectly soft yet crumbly, and their signature snowy coating of powdered sugar makes them irresistible for cozy holiday moments or anytime you crave a comforting sweet bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients, they deliver endless joy and have become one of my all-time favorite homemade cookie recipes to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe means gathering some straightforward but magical components. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring the cookies achieve that perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting look you expect from these classic delights.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies tender and buttery.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture and natural sweetness that keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle caramel note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, giving them their delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling): The final magic touch, coating the warm cookies to create that classic snowy appearance.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple step saves you from any baking mishaps and keeps cleanup easy.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it turns smooth and creamy. This process aerates the butter, giving your cookies a lighter texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for effortless results.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Next, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract with the creamed butter. These two ingredients blend to create a luscious, fragrant base that lends sweetness and moisture, key to achieving that tender crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts
Gently fold the finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough. These little bits offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the texture to a whole new level. If you prefer, you can swap them for almonds, hazelnuts, or leave them out completely.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for lightly golden bottoms and pale tops—this ensures the cookies stay soft inside with a subtle crisp beneath.
Step 7: The Snowy Sugar Coat
Immediately after baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar for the first layer of “snow.” Once fully cooled, give them one more generous roll in powdered sugar to achieve the iconic snowy finish that defines the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies look stunning as they are, you can sprinkle a hint of finely grated lemon zest or cinnamon powder on top after the powdered sugar coating for a subtle twist. Another idea is to lightly dust crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of vibrant color and tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your snowball cookies with a hot mug of rich coffee, creamy hot cocoa, or fragrant chai tea for an irresistibly cozy snack. They also make a lovely sweet finish to holiday meals alongside fruit compotes or whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe on a tiered cake stand, interspersed with fresh holly leaves or edible flowers. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper bags tied with twine makes for charming gifts that your loved ones will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The powdered sugar coating may soften slightly, so you can roll them in additional sugar before serving if desired to refresh their snowy look.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies slightly warm, place them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave a single cookie in 10-second bursts just until tender. Avoid overheating as they can lose their delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts or omit them altogether?
Absolutely! The recipe is very versatile. Try almonds, hazelnuts, or leave out the nuts entirely for a classic shortbread-style snowball. The texture will remain tender and delicious.
Is sweetened condensed milk essential in this recipe?
Yes, it provides moisture, sweetness, and a wonderful chewy softness that’s hard to replicate with substitutes. It’s a key ingredient that makes these snowball cookies so special.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be mindful that the texture might vary slightly.
Why are the cookies rolled in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the warm cookies once helps the sugar stick well, and the second roll after cooling adds a thicker, snowy coating that defines the classic snowball appearance and enhances sweetness.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Creating the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug from the inside out. Their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and snowy sweetness make them a timeless treat that’s both comforting and impressive. Once you bake a batch, these cookies will quickly become a go-to recipe for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery cookies with a delicate crumb and a nutty crunch, coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. These classic American dessert treats are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth sweet snack. Made with simple ingredients including sweetened condensed milk, butter, and your choice of nuts, these cookies offer a rich and satisfying flavor that delights the senses.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and catch any crumbs.
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes creamy and smooth, creating a fluffy base for the dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the dough to add texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden but the tops remain pale, indicating perfect doneness.
- Initial Coating: Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes so they are warm but firm enough to handle. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them in an initial layer.
- Final Coating: Once the cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, roll them again in powdered sugar for a bright, snowy finish that enhances their sweetness and appearance.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts, or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for preparing in advance for holiday gatherings or special events.
