If you’ve been searching for a cookie that feels like a cozy winter hug, let me share my absolute favorite Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe. These cookies are delightfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted with a snowy blanket of confectioner’s sugar that truly lives up to their name. What makes them stand out is the luscious sweetness and creamy texture that only sweetened condensed milk can bring, creating a perfect balance between buttery richness and a delicate crumb. Whether for a festive gathering or an everyday indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed way to warm hearts and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake these charming snowball cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect flavor, texture, and appearance. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful morsels:
- 1 cup softened butter: Provides the rich, creamy base and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk: Adds irresistible sweetness and moisture, keeping the cookies wonderfully soft.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, giving them just the right bite.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting): Creates the iconic snowy coating and lends an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by creaming your softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a light and tender texture from the very beginning.
Step 2: Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing continuously until fully combined. This blends its creamy sweetness evenly into the butter for that signature melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure they are evenly distributed and lump-free. Then slowly fold them into the wet mixture to form a soft, smooth 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 step makes sure your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, perfecting their delicate texture.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using your hands or a small scoop, portion out the dough and gently roll it into balls about the size of a walnut. Arrange them spaced evenly on your baking sheet to allow for gentle rising.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake; you want the centers soft and tender, not crunchy.
Step 7: Dust with Snowy Sweetness
Allow the cookies to cool just enough to handle, then generously dust each one with confectioner’s sugar. This final touch gives the cookies their classic “snowball” look and adds that delightful first bite of sweetness.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the confectioner’s sugar dusting is the star garnish for these cookies, you can add vanilla bean specks to your sugar for a subtle aroma or sprinkle finely crushed pistachios for a pop of color and a mild nutty flavor that complements the sweet base beautifully.
Side Dishes
These snowball cookies pair splendidly with warm beverages. Serve them alongside a rich cup of hot cocoa, spiced chai tea, or even a creamy latte. Their delicate sweetness balances a slightly bitter or spicy drink perfectly, creating a cozy treat for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper, or stack them tied with a festive ribbon. You can also present them on a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs to embrace the winter spirit fully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Their soft texture holds up well for up to a week, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat you can enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these charming cookies longer, freeze them after dusting with confectioner’s sugar. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months without losing their delicate structure.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature and then warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or gooey.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?
Regular milk won’t work as a direct substitute because sweetened condensed milk is thickened and sweetened, which impacts both the texture and flavor of the cookies. The unique creaminess comes from the condensed milk, so it’s best to stick to the original ingredient.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup, but results might vary slightly in texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, check that your butter was softened but not melted, and avoid adding too much liquid. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain their shape.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Just mix it in with the butter and sweetened condensed milk in Step 2 for an aromatic twist.
What is the best way to get the sugar dusting to stick on the cookies?
The cookies should be warm but not hot when dusting with confectioner’s sugar. This slight warmth helps the sugar gently stick without melting away too fast, giving that perfect snowy appearance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. These tender, buttery treats dusted with snowy sugar are as delightful to bake as they are to eat. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience firsthand how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a heartwarming cookie. Your friends and family will be asking for these all year round!
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a delicate crumb and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Lightly dusted with confectioner’s sugar, these cookies offer a sweet, rich flavor perfect for any occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (about 14 oz)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Dusting
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to mix, ensuring everything is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to avoid lumps, then fold them gently into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls and roll them between your palms to form smooth round balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until their edges turn slightly golden, being careful not to overbake to maintain their soft texture.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While still warm, dust the cookies generously with confectioner’s sugar to create the classic snowball appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- The dough will be soft, handle gently to keep the shape of the cookies.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the inside tender and moist.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract during mixing.
