Welcome, fellow cookie lovers! If you're searching for a simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor and an irresistible texture, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are about to become your new favorite. These delightful bites are incredibly easy to prepare and produce a cookie so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Their classic powdered sugar coating gives them their charming "snowball" look, making them a festive addition to any holiday platter or a perfect year-round treat.
Why These Snowball Cookies Are a Must-Make
There’s something truly special about a cookie that requires minimal effort but yields extraordinary results. These snowball cookies tick all the boxes for a perfect homemade treat:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch of these sweet, buttery cookies in no time.
- Irresistible Texture: Thanks to the magical touch of sweetened condensed milk, these cookies boast a uniquely soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable Fun: While traditionally made with nuts, you can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Skip the nuts, or add mini chocolate chips for a delightful variation.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their delicate appearance and exquisite taste make them ideal for cookie exchanges, hostess gifts, or simply sharing with loved ones. They travel well and are always a hit!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients for these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies is a breeze. Here's what you'll need to create this simple yet spectacular dessert:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For more exact measurements and full recipe details, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Ready to bake some cookie magic? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Cream these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. An electric mixer can make this step quicker, but a sturdy spatula works well too.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are just combined and form a soft, cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 4: Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into small, uniform balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottoms, but their tops should remain pale, maintaining that classic snowball appearance.
Step 6: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll each cookie generously in additional powdered sugar until completely coated. For an extra festive look and a thicker sugar layer, you can roll them a second time right before serving. Learning about the properties of powdered sugar is quite fascinating!
Tips for Success & Variations
These cookies are wonderful as is, but a few tips and tricks can elevate them further:
- Chilling the Dough: While not strictly necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Nut Choices: While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to use almonds, pistachios, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Ensure they are finely chopped for the best texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor, or a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different aromatic profile.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a delightful twist, fold in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips along with the nuts.
Storage and Enjoyment
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are fantastic for making ahead! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated. The dough also freezes beautifully: simply form balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. You might also enjoy our recipe for Italian Cannoli-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies for another festive cookie idea!
Conclusion
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat; they're a celebration of simple, comforting flavors that bring joy with every bite. Their tender texture and sweet, powdery finish make them an absolute delight for any occasion. Don't hesitate to whip up a batch today and experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
If you're looking for more delectable dessert ideas, be sure to check out our Pineapple Pound Cake for another crowd-pleasing sweet treat. Happy baking, and enjoy these wonderful cookies!
FAQs
What makes these snowball cookies so tender?
The key ingredient is sweetened condensed milk, which adds moisture and richness, resulting in a wonderfully soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make these snowball cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer them without, you can easily omit the chopped nuts from the recipe. They'll still be delicious!
How do I store Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator.
What's the best way to get the perfect powdered sugar coating?
Ensure the cookies are completely cool before rolling them in powdered sugar. For an extra generous coating, roll them once, let them sit for a few minutes, and then roll them again right before serving.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender, buttery cookies made with sweetened condensed milk and rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and cohesive.
Step 4: Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra touch, you can roll them again right before serving to refresh the coating.
Notes
For best results, use good quality unsalted butter. Feel free to experiment with different types of finely chopped nuts or even mini chocolate chips for a twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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