Name: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)

Imagine biting into a cookie so light and buttery it practically melts in your mouth. Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies bring together the richness of creamy butter, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the powdery finish of snowy sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings, festive gift-giving, or just cozy nights by the fire, these cookies are as simple to make as they are delicious. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe ensures that you’ll produce bakery-worthy results every time. Let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these delightful treats that are guaranteed to bring joy to your home.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for a stress-free baking session:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The creamy base for these cookies.
½ cup sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and binds the dough together.
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating) – For sweetness and that signature snowy finish.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, comforting aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The structural base of the cookies.
1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional) – Adds texture and a nutty twist if desired.

Substitutions and Additions

Make this recipe your own with these creative swaps and add-ins:

Vegan Butter: Substitute unsalted butter for plant-based options to make the cookies vegan-friendly.
Flavor Variations: Swap vanilla extract with almond or orange extract for a unique twist.
Festive Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or colorful holiday sprinkles for extra cheer.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts entirely if you’re catering to allergies or preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Let’s get your baking journey started! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the ideal temperature to bake these cookies to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure an easy release and mess-free cleanup.

One important tip: make sure your butter is fully softened at room temperature before starting. Softened butter ensures a smooth dough that comes together effortlessly, yielding light and fluffy cookies. If your butter is still too firm, leave it out for a few hours or overnight, but avoid the temptation to microwave it—it can change the texture of your dough.

With your ingredients ready and your oven warming, you’re set for the next step!

Mixing the Dough

Now comes the fun part—bringing the dough to life! In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the two together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, almost cloud-like. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The batter should already smell warm and inviting, like a holiday morning in your kitchen.

Gradually add the flour, a little at a time, to the mixture. As the dough forms, it will be soft yet pliable, easy to work with but not sticky. If you’ve decided to add chopped nuts or festive mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.

With your dough ready, it’s time to shape these delightful cookies!

Forming and Shaping

Grab your cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough. Each portion should be about one tablespoon, perfect for a bite-sized treat. Roll the dough between your hands to form smooth, round balls. This tactile step is especially fun if you’re baking with kids—they’ll love helping with this part!

Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of space between each one. These cookies won’t spread much, but giving them a little room ensures even baking.

Take a moment to admire your rows of dough, knowing these little balls will soon transform into delectable snowballs.

Baking and Coating

Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and set your timer for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies—their tops should remain pale, while their bottoms turn a delicate golden brown. This balance ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just a hint of crispness on the edges.

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in a generous coating of powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowy appearance.

For that picture-perfect finish, wait until the cookies are completely cooled and roll them in powdered sugar again. The second coating not only enhances their festive look but also adds an extra layer of sweetness, making them irresistible to anyone who takes a bite.

With a baking tray full of snowy, buttery cookies, your home will smell like a winter wonderland, and you’ll have a treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or as a heartfelt gift. Enjoy the magic of these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies—because every bite is pure joy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

Achieving bakery-perfect Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies is easier than you think. These pro tips will ensure your cookies turn out flawless every single time:

Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. This not only makes the cookies uniform in shape but also ensures they bake evenly.
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking. This simple step guarantees that cookies bake evenly, avoiding overdone edges or undercooked centers.
Room-temperature butter is key. Softened butter blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a cohesive dough. If the butter is too cold, your dough might not come together properly, and if it’s too soft, the cookies could spread too much.

With these tips in mind, your snowball cookies will be just as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Recipe FAQ

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Why did my cookies flatten? If your cookies turned out too flat, the likely culprit is overly soft dough. Try chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
How do I prevent overbaking? Watch for golden bottoms and ensure the tops remain pale. Overbaking can dry out the cookies, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven promptly.

Ingredient FAQ

Can I use low-fat condensed milk? It’s not recommended. Low-fat condensed milk may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them less rich and less cohesive. Stick to full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the best results.
What nuts work best in this recipe? Toasted pecans or almonds are excellent choices. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookies.

Serving FAQ

Best occasions to serve: These cookies are a holiday favorite but are versatile enough for any gathering, from potlucks to tea parties. They also make fantastic homemade gifts.
How to gift-wrap: Package your cookies in decorative tins, festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or charming cookie boxes. Add a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

Store them in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container. Use layers of parchment paper to separate them, and ensure the container has a tight seal to lock in freshness. Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating and Refreshing

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving. This ensures they maintain their delicate texture.
For a freshly baked look, dust the cookies with an extra layer of powdered sugar after they’ve thawed completely.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, try these recipes from Creative Cookery:

These recipes offer a variety of sweet holiday treats to complement your cookie platter!

Conclusion

These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a simple yet magical recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to spread holiday cheer, impress guests, or indulge in a sweet treat, these cookies deliver with every bite. Their buttery richness, soft texture, and festive powdered sugar coating make them a must-bake recipe for the season.