If you have a sweet tooth and love cookies that melt in your mouth with a tender crumb and delightful sweetness, then I am beyond excited to share this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe with you. These cookies are the perfect balance of buttery richness and soft, snowy sweetness thanks to a dusting of confectioner’s sugar. They’re irresistibly soft, easy to make, and bring a cozy feeling that’s perfect for sharing around any time of year. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to treat for holidays, tea time, or anytime you want a little bite of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, focusing on just a few essential ingredients that each play a starring role. From the creamy texture brought by sweetened condensed milk to the soft structure lent by the flour and that final snowy coating of confectioner’s sugar, every ingredient is key to making the perfect batch.
- 1 cup softened butter: Provides the rich, velvety base that makes these cookies melt on your tongue.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure to hold your cookie balls together just right without heaviness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, creating a light, airy texture you’ll adore.
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting): Finishes the cookies with that signature soft snowball look and 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 reaches a smooth, fluffy consistency. This step creates a lovely base that helps blend all your flavors seamlessly and ensures a tender crumb in the final cookies.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing continuously until the mixture looks well combined. This ingredient is the magic behind these snowball cookies’ moistness and just-right sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Baking Powder
Next, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the bowl. This not only prevents lumps but also ensures your dough is light and fluffy rather than dense. Gently mix everything until the dough forms a soft, cohesive ball.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface makes removing the cookies a breeze and keeps cleanup simple.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop small amounts of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Placing them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet will help them bake uniformly into those perfect little snowballs we’re after.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue at the edges. This gives them just enough time to set without overbaking, keeping them soft and gently chewy inside.
Step 7: Dust with Confectioner’s Sugar
Once removed from the oven, let the cookies cool slightly so the confectioner’s sugar will cling beautifully. Generously dust each snowball, creating that classic snowy effect that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These sweet treats are charming on their own, but you can elevate them by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder on top of the confectioner’s sugar. For a festive touch, try pressing a pecan or almond half into the center before baking.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a warm mug of milk to complement their creamy sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt dip to balance the richness if you want a snack with a bit of contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a clear jar or arrange them on a decorative platter dusted lightly with additional confectioner’s sugar for a snow-dusted effect. You can also wrap them in parchment paper bundles tied with festive ribbons for gifting or party favors that will impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, perfect for enjoying little bites throughout the week without worry.
Freezing
If you want to save your snowball cookie stash for later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Warm up cookies that have been stored or frozen by placing them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or until just warm. This brings back their soft texture and fresh-baked aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine or oil for the butter?
Butter is best here because it adds rich flavor and helps with the texture, but if you must, margarine can be used. Oils may change the consistency, making the cookies less firm and a bit greasy, so they’re not recommended.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
As it is, the recipe calls for all-purpose flour which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking, adjusting as needed for texture and moisture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them into your dough gently before shaping the cookies.
Why are my cookies not turning out soft?
Softness largely depends on not overbaking and the quality of butter and sweetened condensed milk. Try reducing your baking time slightly and ensure your butter is fully softened but not melted when you start.
Can I use powdered sugar in the dough instead of confectioner’s sugar for dusting?
The powdered sugar is best reserved for dusting to create that iconic snowball look. Substituting it into the dough might change the texture and sweetness, so it’s better to keep the ingredients as directed.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to every bite. They’re simple to make, wonderfully comforting, and guaranteed to become a beloved favorite whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself. So roll up your sleeves, dust off that mixing bowl, and get ready for a cookie experience that feels like a sweet little gift in every mouthful!
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
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats with a delicate crumb and a sweet powdered sugar coating. Perfect for holidays or everyday snacking, these cookies combine the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk with a touch of baking powder for lightness.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Dusting
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a light texture for your cookie dough.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour the sweetened condensed milk into the creamed butter while continuing to mix until fully incorporated, creating a rich, cohesive mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together to remove lumps, then gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and milk base, mixing gently to form a soft dough without overworking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a small scoop or spoon, portion small amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just slightly golden around the edges, ensuring a tender texture.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up slightly, then dust them generously with confectioner’s sugar for a delicate, snowy finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
- You can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a slight variation, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Confectioner’s sugar can be dusted twice after the cookies cool completely for a heavier coating.
