I have to tell you about one of my favorite nostalgic treats that always brings a smile to my face: the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe. These delightful little cookies have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a subtle sweetness that feels like a soft winter hug. Whenever I make these, it’s like bringing a bit of homemade magic into the kitchen, and I’m excited to share exactly why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking lineup.
Why You'll Love This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
What truly makes this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe stand out is the way the flavors and textures come together so effortlessly. The sweetened condensed milk adds a beautiful creamy sweetness, making the cookies tender without overpowering the buttery base. When you bite into one, it’s like a cloud of softness dusted with just the right amount of confectioners’ sugar—a snowball worthy of any cozy moment.
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, I can have a batch ready in about half an hour. It feels like a special dessert, yet it doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, which is perfect for both last-minute treats and planned occasions. I love how accommodating it is in the kitchen, especially when I’m juggling a busy day but still want something homemade.
This recipe shines on numerous occasions too. Whether it’s a holiday party, an afternoon tea with friends, or a simple weekend treat for the family, these snowballs always feel festive and inviting. They stand out because of their delicate crumb and the nostalgic charm they bring to the table. I find myself reaching for this recipe whenever I want to impress guests without stress or just crave a sweet little pick-me-up.
Ingredients You'll Need
The simplicity of this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is part of its magic. Each ingredient has a humble but essential role, contributing to the buttery richness, soft texture, and snowy appearance that make these cookies unforgettable.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Butter (1 cup, softened): This creates the rich, tender base that makes the cookies melt on your tongue.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (½ cup): Adds creamy sweetness and moisture, giving the dough its perfect softness.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure without making these cookies heavy or dense.
- Baking Powder (3 teaspoons): Helps these snowballs rise just enough for a light crumb.
- Confectioners' Sugar (½ cup plus for dusting): Adds delicate sweetness and creates that iconic snowy finish.
Directions
Step 1: Begin by creaming the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it thoroughly for about 3 minutes until it turns light and fluffy—that’s the key to a soft cookie texture.
Step 2: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter while continuing to beat for another 2 minutes. This step ensures everything blends smoothly and your dough gains that signature richness.
Step 3: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to gather any stray bits, then beat the mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial for even texture and consistency.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. If you want to get creative, this is the perfect moment to gently fold in up to 1 cup of extras like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Step 5: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space each mound about 2 inches apart to give them room to bake evenly.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should look set but not browned.
Step 7: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This little rest helps them firm up without losing softness.
Step 8: Carefully transfer each cookie to a wire rack. Then, generously sift confectioners' sugar over them for that classic snowy effect.
Step 9: Allow the snowballs to cool completely before storing. This cooling step locks in their delicate texture and ensures they’re ready to enjoy or gift.
Servings and Timing
This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe yields about 12 servings — perfect for sharing or for a small gathering. Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, while baking takes around 12 minutes. Allow another 10 to 15 minutes for cooling and dusting. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, which feels like such a win when you want fresh, homemade cookies fast.
How to Serve This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
When it comes to serving these snowballs, I love how versatile they are. They make an exceptional pairing alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, adding a tender sweetness that complements those warm beverages beautifully. For a special touch, I sometimes serve them with a small bowl of spiced fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness with some fresh acidity.
Presentation-wise, dusting the cookies generously with confectioners' sugar makes them look like little winter treasures. I also enjoy arranging them on holiday platters with pine sprigs or festive napkins when serving guests. If you’re hosting a party or holiday gathering, these cookies are a charming addition to a dessert buffet where guests can help themselves.
For beverage pairings beyond tea and coffee, a light dessert wine like Moscato or a sparkling rosé can elevate the experience. On cozy evenings, I also enjoy pairing these sweet treats with creamy hot chocolate. Since these snowballs are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, I recommend enjoying them within a couple of days for peak freshness but feel free to refrigerate if your home is warm.
Variations
I often like to customize the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe depending on occasion or mood. For a gluten-free version, I swap the all-purpose flour for a blend of gluten-free flours, which works surprisingly well thanks to the moisture from the condensed milk keeping things soft. If you or your guests prefer vegan treats, I suggest using a plant-based butter substitute and a coconut or almond milk-based sweetened condensed milk alternative. The flavor shifts slightly but stays deliciously tender.
If you love experimenting with flavors, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough before baking for an extra depth of aroma. Another favorite variation is folding in mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for a pop of texture and bursts of flavor. For a fun twist on the cooking method, I've even tried gently pan-frying small portions in a nonstick skillet for a crisper exterior while maintaining the snowy, tender inside.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility, so feel free to make it your own and surprise yourself with new favorite combinations.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
After baking and cooling your sweetened condensed milk snowballs, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. A shallow container with parchment paper layers between the cookies works perfectly to keep their delicate texture intact. These cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, which makes them ideal for making ahead for events or as a quick treat during the week.
Freezing
Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully! To freeze, arrange the cooled snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready, thaw them at room temperature and dust with more confectioners' sugar if needed before serving.
Reheating
I generally recommend enjoying these snowballs at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can gently reheat them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for just 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as the texture can become a bit gummy. Quick warming in the oven refreshes the cookie’s buttery softness and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond to this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding up to 2 teaspoons of vanilla or almond extract during the wet ingredient stage enhances the cookies’ flavor beautifully without compromising texture. It’s a great way to personalize the snowballs to your taste preferences.
Are these snowballs gluten-free or easily made gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, I’ve had great success substituting a gluten-free baking blend cup-for-cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prepare even earlier, freezing is an excellent option. Just dust with confectioners’ sugar right before serving for the best presentation.
What mix-ins work well with this recipe?
Mix-ins such as mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even small candies blend nicely into the dough without affecting the delicate texture. I recommend not exceeding one cup of mix-ins to keep the balance just right.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
The original recipe uses butter and sweetened condensed milk, which are dairy products. However, you can adapt it using plant-based vegan butter and a vegan condensed milk substitute made from coconut or almond milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that combines ease, nostalgia, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, then you will absolutely adore this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe. I’m always thrilled when these little snowballs come out perfectly tender and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, turning any moment into a special experience. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (approximately 12 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are delicate, buttery cookies with a tender crumb, lightly sweetened and dusted generously with confectioners' sugar. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you want a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a subtle sweetness and a hint of vanilla if desired.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
Finishing
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This step is essential to incorporate air that results in a tender cookie texture.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter while beating continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture is fully combined. If you choose to add flavor extracts such as vanilla, do so now, limiting to no more than 2 teaspoons.
- Scrape and Mix: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Beat the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a smooth and consistent dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Beat gently until the dry ingredients are just incorporated to avoid overmixing. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries can be folded in at this stage, up to 1 cup.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until they are lightly golden and set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool on the Pan: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up to maintain their shape.
- Transfer and Dust: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a sifter to generously dust each cookie with confectioners' sugar for a classic snowball appearance.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully before storing them in an airtight container to preserve freshness and texture.
Notes
- You can enhance the flavor by adding up to 2 teaspoons of vanilla or almond extract during step 2.
- Optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can be folded into the dough in step 4.
- Ensure the butter is adequately softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dough.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender; they should barely turn golden.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
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