Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth delight, with a tender, buttery texture that’s both rich and sweet. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or just a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Made with the creamy goodness of sweetened condensed milk, these snowball cookies are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and come together in no time.
The beauty of snowball cookies lies in their simple elegance. These cookies feature a meltaway dough that, once baked, is generously dusted with powdered sugar, creating a snow-like effect. Their crumbly texture and delicate flavor make them a favorite among cookie lovers everywhere. With the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are sure to become a staple in your cookie collection.
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistibly delicious cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Buttery and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture
The combination of butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a soft, delicate texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
2. Simple Ingredients
These cookies require minimal ingredients that are easy to find, making them an ideal last-minute treat or an easy go-to recipe.
3. Perfectly Sweet
The sweetened condensed milk adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the butter without being overly sugary.
4. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe comes together quickly, requiring just a few simple steps. They’re perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in need of a quick, delicious treat.
5. Versatile and Customizable
Feel free to add in extras like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a twist on the classic recipe, or stick to the traditional method for a classic version.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- Unsalted butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
Variations
- Nutty Snowball Cookies: Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough for a crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Snowballs: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Citrus Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Coconut Snowballs: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined. Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms. If desired, add any optional ingredients such as chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips at this stage and mix them into the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little room between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies should remain soft and tender.
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat it completely. Place the dusted cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Enjoy
Once the cookies are cool, they’re ready to be enjoyed! The powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping it into balls. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can result in a less tender texture.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: For an extra thick dusting of powdered sugar, roll the cookies in sugar twice—once when they’re warm and once after they’ve cooled.
How to Serve
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are perfect as a standalone treat or served with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They can also be included in holiday cookie trays or served at gatherings for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies will stay soft and delicious, and the powdered sugar coating will remain intact.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. To freeze, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired. Just be careful not to overheat them, as they might lose their delicate texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweetened condensed milk from a can?
Yes, canned sweetened condensed milk is perfect for this recipe. It’s the key ingredient that adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the cookies.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in a pinch. The result may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.
3. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, mini chocolate chips make a great addition to these cookies. Just fold them into the dough before shaping the cookies.
4. Are snowball cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would enhance the flavor and give the cookies a warm, comforting spice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
6. Do I have to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature snowball appearance, but if you prefer, you can skip the sugar coating or replace it with a dusting of cocoa powder for a different look.
7. Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?
Cornstarch is what gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, if you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of rice flour or just omit it entirely, though the texture may change slightly.
8. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds is a delicious option that adds a great crunch and flavor to the cookies.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them; they should remain soft and tender in the center.
10. Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative.
Conclusion
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich buttery flavor, and sweet powdered sugar coating, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re a delicious treat you’ll enjoy time and time again!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies made with sweetened condensed milk and rolled in powdered sugar. These soft and melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for the holidays, special events, or whenever you’re craving a sweet, simple cookie. Their light texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake, since they should be soft and not over-brown.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While they are still warm, roll the cookies gently in a plate or bowl filled with powdered sugar to coat them completely. Be careful not to press too hard, as the cookies are soft and may crumble.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra coating if desired.
Notes
- Texture: These cookies are soft and tender, and they have a delicate crumb due to the use of cornstarch in the dough.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies also freeze well, so you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just allow them to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Flavored Variations: You can add a bit of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the dough for some added crunch and flavor. You can also try adding a bit of almond extract for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American