There’s something magical about these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs—delicate, buttery, and coated with a flurry of powdered sugar, they’re the kind of treat that makes every bite feel like a festive celebration. These cookies are a simple yet elegant option for any occasion, from holiday parties to quiet tea breaks. And the best part? They’re super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
This recipe has become a household favorite in my family, especially during the holiday season. There’s a nostalgic warmth that fills the air as they bake—soft buttery notes mingling with just the right touch of sweetness from the condensed milk. Growing up, I loved helping my mom dust these cookies with powdered sugar; it was like sprinkling magic onto little snowballs.
Let’s dive into why you’ll adore this recipe and how to make it step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
- Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: With only a few pantry staples, these cookies are deceptively easy to make while delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable Goodness: Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a hint of your favorite extract to make them your own.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a pretty box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift.
- A Hit with Everyone: Whether you’re baking for kids, coworkers, or friends, these cookies are a universally loved treat.
- Stress-Free Baking: No complicated techniques here. This recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, making it ideal for anyone new to baking.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 12 minutes
- Cooling: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 120 calories per cookie
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened: Ensures the cookies are rich and buttery.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, creating a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Provides a little lift for a light texture.
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar: For that signature snowy finish.
Optional Additions:
- Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts (up to 1 cup total).
- Flavor extracts like vanilla or almond (up to 2 teaspoons).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter
Start by adding your softened butter to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step is essential for ensuring a smooth and creamy cookie base.
Pro Tip: If your butter isn’t quite soft, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat the mixture for another two minutes. You’ll notice it becoming even creamier and slightly glossy. If you’re adding any extracts (vanilla, almond, or even coconut), now’s the time to do it.
Tip: Don’t go overboard with the extracts—stick to a maximum of two teaspoons to avoid overpowering the cookies.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined.
Optional Add-ins: If you’re using mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits, gently fold them in at this stage. Keep the total amount to one cup to maintain the integrity of the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into evenly sized mounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Tip: For perfectly round cookies, lightly roll each mound of dough between your palms before placing it on the baking sheet.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops remain pale. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should be soft and tender.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and, using a sifter, generously dust each cookie with confectioner’s sugar.
Pro Tip: For a thicker snowy coating, dust the cookies a second time after they’ve cooled completely.
7. Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week and maintain their soft, buttery texture.
How to Serve
These sweetened condensed milk snowballs are versatile and pair beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Tea or Coffee: A perfect pairing for your afternoon break.
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Add these to your festive cookie spread for a touch of snowy charm.
- As a Gift: Place in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade treat.
- Kids’ Snacks: Pair with a glass of milk for a kid-friendly snack.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe is simple, each ingredient shines. Opt for good-quality butter and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Letting the cookies cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar ensures the sugar doesn’t melt.
- Make Even-Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform baking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Customize with Care: When adding mix-ins, keep the total amount to one cup to avoid overwhelming the dough.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Fold in 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
- Nutty Snowballs: Add finely chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Lemon Snowballs: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon extract for a citrusy touch.
- Festive Fun: Mix in red and green chocolate candies or sprinkles for a holiday-themed treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw the cookies at room temperature and refresh them with a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter is highly recommended for its flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Q: How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
A: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to bake in batches if your oven can’t accommodate a larger batch.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are the perfect combination of buttery richness and delicate sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a casual get-together, or just because, they’re sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.
I can’t wait to see how your snowballs turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Happy baking! 😊
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs: Soft, Buttery Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery cookies made with sweetened condensed milk, dusted with powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holidays or gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Optional: Fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Scoop dough into mounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12 minutes.
- Cool slightly, dust with confectioner’s sugar, and let cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Limit mix-ins to 1 cup to maintain cookie texture.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar only after they’ve cooled slightly to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International