If you’re looking for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a dreamy, bite-sized delight that will quickly become a favorite in your household. These little confections are sugar-dusted, buttery, and packed with finely chopped nuts for a big flavor in each pillowy bite. With sweetened condensed milk bringing tenderness and richness, every cookie boasts an irresistibly soft, crumbly texture—perfect for parties, holidays, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, the ease and classic charm of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies make them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create such magical cookies! Each ingredient in this recipe has its own special purpose, working together to give you the classic snowball cookie experience you love—soft crumb, rich flavor, and a beautiful, snowy finish.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides that melt-in-your-mouth texture and the rich foundation for the dough.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the cookies a subtle caramel sweetness and extra tenderness—this is what sets these snowballs apart!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone; just enough to create a soft cookie that holds its shape.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet notes and enhances the flavors of the nuts and vanilla.
- Finely Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Bring a gentle crunch and a lovely nuttiness; feel free to pick your favorite or mix them together!
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling—creates that iconic snowy coating while adding the perfect touch of sweetness.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare your Baking Sheet
First things first: start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps the cookies bake evenly and keeps clean-up simple, so you can focus on enjoying the process (and, of course, licking the beaters).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Grab a medium bowl and beat together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and ultra-creamy. This step is where the cookies get their signature tender crumb, so don’t rush—give it a good mix to fully combine everything.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract to your creamy base. This small step infuses each cookie with a gentle, fragrant sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nuts and buttery dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. It should come together easily without being too sticky or dry—a perfect canvas for those delicious nuts you’re about to add.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts
Gently fold in your choice of finely chopped pecans or walnuts, making sure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough. They add a burst of flavor and a pleasing texture to every bite of these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Arrange the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to create smooth, even balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart—they’ll hold their shape beautifully and won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few per tray.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the bottoms are a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they should stay pretty pale on top but develop a delicate, buttery aroma that signals they’re done.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar Twice
Let the cookies cool for five minutes after baking; they’ll be just warm enough to help the first dusting of powdered sugar stick. Roll them gently, coat them well, and then let them cool completely. Once cool, give them one last tumble in powdered sugar for a perfectly snowy finish. Truly dreamy!
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Go all out with a double coating of powdered sugar for that “fresh snowfall” look. If you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little edible glitter, finely chopped pistachios, or crushed freeze-dried berries for pops of color against the snowy backdrop.
Side Dishes
These cookies play well with so many drinks! Serve alongside mugs of hot cocoa, fresh coffee, or a creamy chai latte. On a dessert tray, they’re a wonderful partner to chocolate truffles, lemon bars, or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun holiday display, pile your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies into a mountain on a cake stand and sprinkle extra sugar over the top, or tie up several in a cellophane bag with a ribbon and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay wonderfully fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure the lid is tight to keep the texture perfectly tender and prevent the sugar coating from dissolving.
Freezing
You can freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies with fantastic results! Once cooled and coated, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay good for up to two months and are delicious straight from the freezer or thawed.
Reheating
If you want to revive that freshly-baked coziness, simply let frozen cookies come to room temperature. For extra warmth, pop them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 3-5 minutes. If any sugar dissolves, roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are the classic choices and add a buttery, rich nutty flavor, almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts work beautifully in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies for a fun flavor twist.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries—just lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or a nonstick spray. The cookies should still release easily, but parchment does help prevent browning on the bottoms and makes cleanup a breeze.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes! If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts. The cookies will still be deliciously tender and sweet, though the texture will be a bit different (less crunchy). You could even try adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
How do I get a really thick, even sugar coating?
For that ultra-snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm, let them cool completely, then roll again. The double-coating technique ensures every Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookie looks like it’s been dusted by a winter storm.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! This dough can be mixed ahead and chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it soften a bit before shaping and baking so you can easily roll those perfect cookie balls.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a cookie to bring a little magic to your kitchen, it’s Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. They’re impossibly easy and always disappear fast, so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—or the recipe! Whip up a batch soon, and let these snowy bites add extra warmth and joy to your dessert table.
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
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a buttery dough enriched with sweetened condensed milk and chopped nuts, these cookies are then coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
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 pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and milk: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Coat with sugar: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different flavor profile.
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