Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth treats like Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are proof that a handful of everyday ingredients can whip up pure magic. These beloved bites combine buttery richness, sweet vanilla, crunchy toasted nuts, and clouds of snowy powdered sugar for an undeniably nostalgic, festive cookie. Each bite feels like a warm hug from someone who loves you—irresistible any time of year, but absolute showstoppers for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or comforting weekday baking adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies feels almost too easy, yet each one brings its own touch of comfort, flavor, and irresistible texture to the table. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for these fancy little snowballs.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the backbone of that rich, melt-away crumb.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient for dreams–it adds sweetness, a light chew, and that signature creamy flavor unique to Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: Doubles as a gentle sweetener in the dough and as the iconic snowy coating after baking.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon brings warmth, depth, and classic cookie aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The flour creates structure and just enough substance to form those adorable orbs.
- Finely Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Nuts give every bite that signature crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor–feel free to swap with almonds or hazelnuts if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Pinch of Salt: An essential little addition that wakes up all the flavors.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy base ensures your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies have that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Pour in the flour, finely chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently, folding just until you have a soft, cohesive dough—don’t overmix! The dough should feel plush and easy to roll.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough, then gently roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. If the dough is sticky, a quick chill in the fridge will make rolling a breeze.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your cookie balls about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are light gold and the tops look set. Avoid overbaking—these cookies should stay pale and tender.
Step 6: Sugarcoat While Warm
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll them again for an extra-snowy finish. This double coat is what makes Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies truly enchanting.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies wear their sugar coating like a crown, you can add a soft sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of cocoa for a bit of drama at holiday gatherings. A few toasted nut pieces pressed gently on top of some cookies make for a charming visual contrast too.
Side Dishes
Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies alongside a mug of steamy cocoa, chai tea, or strong coffee. On a dessert platter, they pair beautifully with other holiday classics—think shortbread, gingerbread, or chocolate truffles—for a festive treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your cookies in a glass apothecary jar, tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting, or arrange in pretty boxes layered with parchment for loved ones. For a special touch, slip a few Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in a bakery box with a handwritten tag—it’s a gift anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop your cookies in an airtight container once fully cooled, layering with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh and magical for up to a week at room temperature, making it easy to enjoy a little snowball snack whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Freeze baked and sugar-rolled cookies in a single layer until solid, then move to an airtight freezer container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar to restore their snowy appearance.
Reheating
These cookies don’t require a traditional reheat, but if you love them slightly warm, pop one or two in the microwave for a few seconds. Just a touch of warmth revives their buttery softness—and makes them taste freshly baked all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, almonds and hazelnuts both work beautifully. Each nut brings a unique flavor, so feel free to tailor the recipe to your tastes or what you have on hand.
Why do my cookies spread or flatten during baking?
If your dough is too warm when going into the oven, the cookies may spread more than desired. Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking helps hold their round shape.
Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts for a nut-free version—the cookies will still turn out wonderfully soft and sweet. You could also try adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit bits for a different twist.
Why double-coat the cookies in powdered sugar?
The first roll while the cookies are warm allows the sugar to create a sticky, slightly melty base. The second coating, once cooled, ensures that thick, magical snowball look and texture everyone loves.
Do Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies taste overly sweet?
Not at all—the sweetened condensed milk brings creamy sweetness, but the touch of salt and rich nuts balance the flavors beautifully. The final cookie is rich, classic, and never overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a plate of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, whether with family during the holidays or just to brighten an ordinary day. I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch soon—there’s nothing quite like that buttery bite dusted in powdered sugar. Enjoy every sweet, snowy nibble!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a nutty, buttery cookie coated in powdered sugar. The sweetened condensed milk adds a touch of richness to these melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add flour, nuts, and salt, stir until dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet.
- Coat the cookies: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then roll again when fully cooled for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later.
- Try using almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
