If you’re craving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and festive joy, this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need on your baking roster. These delicate cookies are wonderfully soft, subtly sweet, and dusted in a perfect blanket of powdered sugar that looks like freshly fallen snow. They balance richness and crumbly texture beautifully, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple sweet craving, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk to the crunch of finely chopped nuts, every element plays a crucial role in making these cookies unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb, essential for soft cookies.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and keeps the dough wonderfully moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting aroma and depth.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and just the right texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft dough.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates the signature snowy coating that makes these cookies magical.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly. Getting this step right sets the foundation for baking success and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies get that luxurious texture and gentle sweetness that makes the recipe stand out.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix it thoroughly. This simple addition lifts the flavor profile to a new level, giving your cookies that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture. The goal is to form a soft dough without overmixing. A tender dough is key to the delicate texture that makes these snowball cookies simply irresistible.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts
Gently fold in your choice of finely chopped walnuts or pecans. These add the perfect nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth dough, creating layers of texture in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Watch for the bottoms to turn lightly golden while keeping the tops pale, preserving their tender nature.
Step 7: Cool and Sugar Coat
After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes—still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Once fully cool, roll them again for that signature snowy finish that makes these cookies so charming and festive.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can elevate presentation by adding a few whole nuts on top before baking or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These little touches add visual appeal and bonus flavor without stealing the spotlight from the main cookie.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to complement the soft sweetness of these cookies. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected yet delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter sprinkled with cinnamon sticks or fresh cranberries for a festive touch. For gift-giving, stack in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, adding a personal note mentioning it’s the beloved Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe they’ll want to bake again and again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked snowball cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly tender for up to one week, making them a great make-ahead option for holiday parties or last-minute treats.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, the unbaked dough balls can be frozen on a baking sheet until firm, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Since these cookies are delicate, there’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy them at room temperature. If you prefer a warm treat, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) will soften them up without compromising their texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the walnuts or pecans for mini chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. The dough remains just as delicious and festive.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar while warm and again when cooled?
Rolling the cookies while warm allows the powdered sugar to stick and melt slightly into the surface, creating that iconic snowy coating. The second roll after cooling reinforces the snowy appearance and adds a delightful extra layer of sweetness.
Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?
Butter is preferred because it provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine might work but can alter the richness and tenderness, while oil is not recommended as it will affect the cookie’s structure.
How can I make the dough less sticky if it’s hard to handle?
If your dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before rolling into balls. This makes shaping easier without changing the texture or taste of the final cookies.
What is the best way to ensure the cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake them. Remove the cookies when the bottoms are just starting to turn golden but the tops remain pale. Also, properly storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their soft, tender quality.
Final Thoughts
This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little sweetness and warmth to your kitchen. The simple ingredients come together in a magical way, creating cookies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself. If you love a soft, tender cookie with a snowy sugar coating and a hint of nutty crunch, you really have to make these. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your favorite recipes to pull out whenever you want a little cozy comfort in cookie form.
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these buttery Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, perfectly soft and nutty bites coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Combining the richness of sweetened condensed milk with finely chopped nuts, these classic American holiday treats are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 Milk: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, providing a creamy base for your dough.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. The flour provides structure, while salt enhances the overall taste.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing the nuts evenly throughout the dough for delightful crunch in every bite.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale, ensuring a tender texture.
- First Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then while still warm, carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start the snowy coating.
- Cool and Coat Again: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar once more for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute the chopped nuts with mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
