Nothing feels quite as comforting and delightful as a batch of melt-in-your-mouth treats, and this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that joy. These charming little cookies combine the richness of sweetened condensed milk with tender, buttery dough, then get beautifully dusted with a snowy layer of confectioner’s sugar. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a cozy snack, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a truly unforgettable cookie experience that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one plays a special role in making these cookies perfectly tender, sweet, and delightfully airy. The balance of butter, sweetened condensed milk, flour, and a touch of baking powder creates the ideal texture, while the confectioner’s sugar topping adds that signature snowball look and extra touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup softened butter: Using softened butter ensures the dough creams up smooth and light for tender cookies.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk: This adds irresistible sweetness and moisture, giving these cookies their soft, luscious texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure without making the cookies tough.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Just enough to give a gentle rise, keeping the cookies light and fluffy.
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting): The final snowy finish that makes these cookies look and taste magical.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key because it helps create a tender crumb and fluffy texture by incorporating air into the dough right from the start.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while mixing, allowing it to fully combine with the creamed butter. This ingredient is the star that makes the cookies incredibly moist and delightfully rich.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to avoid lumps, then gradually mix them into the wet mixture. Stir gently to form a soft, cohesive dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly with that perfect golden bottom.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small amounts of dough—about a tablespoon each—and roll them between your palms into round balls. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart to allow for gentle spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until they start to take on a hint of golden color around the edges. Avoid overbaking so they stay soft and tender on the inside.
Step 7: Dust with Confectioner’s Sugar
Once the cookies have cooled just enough to handle, generously dust them with confectioner’s sugar. This final step creates the snowy, powdery coating that defines the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe and gives them their signature festive look.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little extra confectioner’s sugar just before serving to revive the snowy appearance. Adding a few festive sprinkles or crushed nuts on the side can add flavor contrast and a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
These soft, sweet cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also complement rich hot chocolate, especially during colder months, turning any snack time into a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies on a decorative plate lined with a festive napkin for a holiday-ready presentation. You can also stack them into a charming cookie tower tied with a ribbon for gifting or set them alongside other colorful cookies for a dazzling dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. They will stay delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a treat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container, separating the layers with parchment paper. When frozen properly, they maintain their tender texture and sweetness for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply leave them at room temperature for a bit or warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This brings back their freshly-baked softness and enhances that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is best for this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe because it adds richness and tenderness. Margarine might be used, but it can affect flavor and texture, while oil would alter the dough’s consistency entirely.
What if I don’t have confectioner’s sugar for dusting?
If you don’t have confectioner’s sugar on hand, you could try finely powdered sugar, but confectioner’s sugar is ideal because it sticks well and provides the classic snowy look.
Can I add flavor variations like vanilla or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of finely chopped nuts can elevate this recipe nicely, giving your cookies a personal twist without losing their beloved character.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not naturally gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind that texture and taste may vary slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about a week at room temperature, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite—its simplicity, softness, and snowy sweetness all wrapped in one delightful bite. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s effortless to make yet impressive to share, this recipe is just the treat you need. Give it a try, and watch how quickly these cookies become a beloved tradition in your home, just like they are in mine!
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
Delightfully soft and melt-in-your-mouth Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies made with rich butter, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of baking powder, dusted generously with confectioner’s sugar for a perfect sweet finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Topping
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating the base for the dough.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuously mixing to ensure a well-combined, smooth mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gently fold this into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls using your hands, then arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies turn slightly golden at the edges.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before generously dusting them with confectioner’s sugar to complete the snowball effect.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be just slightly golden to maintain softness.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to avoid breakage.
- Dust with confectioner’s sugar while still warm for the best adherence.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
