If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that bring joy with every bite, you are going to adore this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe. These charming little cookies are wonderfully tender, sweet, and coated in a delicate dusting of confectioner’s sugar that truly earns the “snowball” name. What’s amazing is how simple the ingredient list is, yet the result feels so special—a perfect balance of buttery richness and sugary sweetness that makes them ideal for sharing during holidays, special occasions, or just whenever you crave a cozy homemade cookie. Let me take you through all the details so you can bake these irresistible delights with confidence and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that light, tender texture and sweet flavor that define these cookies. From the creamy butter to the sweetened condensed milk that keeps the cookie moist and rich, every component is essential.
- Butter, 1 cup softened: Provides that rich, creamy base that makes these cookies melt on your tongue.
- Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can: Adds natural sweetness and moisture so you don’t need extra sugar in the dough.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structure of these cookies starts here, giving them a soft but a bit crumbly texture.
- Baking powder, 1 tsp: Helps the cookies rise slightly for that perfect gentle lift.
- Confectioner’s sugar, 1 cup (for dusting): The final snowy touch that catches your eye and adds a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by softening the butter until it’s smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for a luscious texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Blend in Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing steadily until the mixture becomes well combined and glossy. This not only sweetens the dough naturally but keeps these cookies wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and baking powder to ensure there are no lumps and the leavening distributes evenly. Then gently fold these into the wet mix, forming a soft dough that holds together without being tough.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a small scoop, form small balls of dough about the size of a walnut. Place each ball on the baking sheet with some space in between because they will spread just slightly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they just start to turn a light golden shade on the bottoms and edges. Be careful not to overbake, or you’ll lose that tender softness these snowball cookies are famous for.
Step 7: Dust with Confectioner’s Sugar
Once cooled slightly, dust each warm cookie generously with confectioner’s sugar. This step is what transforms them into those iconic, snowy little treats that make the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe so delightful.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic confectioner’s sugar is perfect on its own, you can get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts on top right after dusting for a bit of crunch and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or even a warm mug of cocoa. Their subtle sweetness complements these drinks without overpowering, making them excellent for cozy afternoon breaks or holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or candied citrus peel. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a creamy filling like chocolate ganache or flavored buttercream for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled and dusted, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for about 3 to 4 days, although they’re often eaten up much sooner!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Rewarm cookies gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes if you prefer them warm, or enjoy straight from the container at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Butter is recommended for its rich flavor and proper texture, but if necessary, margarine can be used. Keep in mind the taste and consistency might be slightly different.
Do I have to sift the flour and baking powder?
Sifting helps blend the baking powder evenly and prevent lumps, resulting in a smoother dough and lighter cookie texture. While optional, it is definitely worth the extra step.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla extract or finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can enhance the flavor and add a nice twist to your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges just turning golden and a slightly firm surface. The cookies will still feel tender to touch but shouldn’t appear wet or doughy on top.
Is it necessary to dust the cookies with confectioner’s sugar?
While not mandatory, the confectioner’s sugar coating gives the snowball cookies their signature appearance and delicate sweetness, so it’s highly recommended for authenticity and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is a joyful experience that rewards you with irresistible treats every single time. I hope you embrace this simple yet magical recipe and add it to your baking favorites. Whether for holiday celebrations, gifting, or everyday indulgence, these cookies are truly a little snowflake of happiness in every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, a tender and buttery treat dusted with confectioner’s sugar. These easy-to-make cookies feature a soft dough enriched by sweetened condensed milk, baked to a delicate golden hue—perfect for holidays or any occasion requiring a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Dusting
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter until it is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to mix. This binds the mixture and adds a rich sweetness, forming the base of your dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to prevent lumps. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough into small balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies turn a light golden color around the edges, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Once warm but firm, dust generously with confectioner’s sugar to create the signature snowball effect before serving.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them as soon as edges turn golden.
- Ensure the butter is fully softened to make creaming easier and to achieve a tender texture.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container helps maintain freshness for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen after forming the dough balls; bake directly from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
