Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Introduction

There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about a snowball cookie. Soft, tender, lightly sweet, and beautifully dusted in a layer of powdered sugar, these petite treats have long been a favorite during the holidays—and for good reason. They’re simple, pretty, and delicious, offering the kind of melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it impossible to stop at just one. While many snowball cookie recipes rely on powdered sugar, nuts, or cornstarch to achieve their classic texture, this version stands out for a special ingredient: sweetened condensed milk.

The sweetened condensed milk adds moisture, richness, and an ultra-creamy quality that transforms a simple dough into something exceptional. Paired with butter, flour, and baking powder, this cookie comes together quickly and bakes into soft, round pillows that resemble fresh-fallen snow once dusted with confectioners’ sugar. They’re tender without crumbling, sweet without being heavy, and perfect for gifting, cookie boxes, celebrations, or enjoying with warm drinks.

Even better, these cookies require only a handful of everyday ingredients, need no chilling, and bake in just 12 minutes. Whether you’re planning a holiday dessert table, filling treat boxes for friends and neighbors, or simply satisfying a seasonal craving, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs deliver beautiful results with very little effort. Their festive appearance and simple preparation make them ideal for beginners, kids helping in the kitchen, and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the exact list of ingredients provided. No substitutions or modifications have been made.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 1 cup butter, softened
  The base of the cookie, providing richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  Adds creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and helps bind the dough.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  The structure of the cookie; creates a soft, dense, yet tender snowball shape.
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
  Gives lift and lightness, helping the cookies puff gently rather than spread.
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  For dusting the warm cookies, giving them their snowball finish.

Optional Add-Ins

(If using, these are incorporated exactly as described in the instructions.)

• Up to 2 teaspoons extract (vanilla, almond, peppermint, etc.)
• Up to 1 cup mix-ins such as:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Dried cranberries
  • Festive candies

These additions are optional and included only if the baker chooses to use them.

Equipment Needed

Before beginning, gather the following:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula (for scraping the bowl)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (recommended for even size)
• Wire cooling rack
• Sifter for dusting confectioners’ sugar

Having these tools ready keeps your baking smooth and efficient.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The following instructions match your original recipe exactly, written in a polished food-blog format for clarity and reader friendliness.

1. Cream the Butter

Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl.
Beat for about 3 minutes, or until the butter becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. Proper creaming helps create the delicate texture these cookies are known for.

2. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk gradually while continuing to mix.
Beat for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to fully blend and become smooth.

If you’re adding any extracts (up to 2 teaspoons total), mix them in at this stage.

3. Scrape the Bowl and Mix Again

Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Beat the mixture for another 1–2 minutes to ensure everything is fully incorporated with no butter streaks remaining.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and baking powder directly to the butter mixture.

Beat just until combined—overmixing will make the cookies tough rather than soft.

Optional: Fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or colorful candies.

5. Shape the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds.
Space each mound about 2 inches apart to allow gentle puffing.

6. Bake

Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C).

Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. They should be pale on top but fully set, with a soft, tender interior.

7. Cool on the Pan

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes directly on the pan.
This helps them firm up slightly before transferring.

8. Transfer and Dust

Move the cookies carefully to a wire rack.

Using a sifter, generously dust them with confectioners’ sugar while still warm to achieve the classic snowball effect.

9. Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool completely before storing. Once cooled, they can be placed in an airtight container to preserve softness.

Texture & Flavor Notes

These cookies bake up:

• Soft
• Pillowy
• Lightly sweet
• Delicately buttery
• Beautifully dusted in snowy powdered sugar

The sweetened condensed milk adds a smooth, velvety flavor that makes these snowballs richer than traditional versions. They stay soft for days when stored properly, making them perfect for holiday gift boxes or winter gatherings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Snowballs

Use Softened Butter

Properly softened butter blends smoothly and creates the fluffiest texture.

Do Not Overmix the Dough

Mix just until the flour disappears. Overworking develops gluten, which makes cookies dense instead of tender.

Weigh Ingredients When Possible

Though not required, weighing flour improves accuracy and consistency.

Add Powdered Sugar While Warm

Dusting while warm helps the sugar cling and form that signature snowy appearance.

Let Them Cool Completely Before Storing

Warm cookies can become overly soft or lose their powdered coating inside a container.

Variations & Flavor Ideas

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are ways to make it your own (while keeping the base ingredients intact):

1. Classic Vanilla Snowballs

Add 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dough.

2. Almond Snowballs

Add almond extract and top with finely crushed nuts before dusting.

3. Peppermint Snowballs

Add peppermint extract and fold in mini chocolate chips for a holiday-inspired twist.

4. Cranberry Snowballs

Fold in dried cranberries for a seasonal burst of tart sweetness.

5. Chocolate Chip Snowballs

Stir in mini chocolate chips for a rich, bakery-style version.

6. Confetti Snowballs

Fold in colorful baking candies for a fun party look.

All variations align with the optional add-ins you noted.

How to Store Snowball Cookies

These cookies store exceptionally well and keep their soft texture for several days.

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Refrigeration

Not required; room temperature is ideal for maintaining texture.

Freezing

Freeze baked (cooled) cookies for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature and re-dust with powdered sugar if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs shine on:

• Holiday cookie trays
• Dessert boards
• After-dinner coffee tables
• Potluck dessert spreads
• Homemade gift assortments
• Bake sale boxes

Their powdered-sugar finish brings a festive touch to any display.

Troubleshooting

Cookies Spread Too Much

The butter may have been too soft. Try chilling the dough briefly next time.

Cookies Too Dense

Overmixing can toughen the dough. Mix only until ingredients are incorporated.

Powdered Sugar Melts Into the Cookie

Dust generously while warm, then add a second dusting after cooling.

Cookies Crumble

Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for the full 5 minutes before transferring.

Nutrition Overview

(Approximate per cookie; varies by mix-ins)

• Calories: ~90–110
• Fat: Moderate
• Sugar: Moderate
• Protein: Low
• Contains: Dairy, gluten

FAQs

1. Do I need to chill the dough?

No. This is a no-chill dough, making the recipe quick and convenient.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply multiply ingredients while keeping ratios the same.

3. Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour can cause dryness. Spoon and level flour rather than packing it.

4. Can I make these without sweetened condensed milk?

Not in this recipe—the condensed milk is essential for texture and flavor.

5. Can I re-roll or reshape the dough?

Yes. The dough is forgiving and can be handled as needed.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?

The sweetness primarily comes from the condensed milk, so reducing sugar isn’t recommended.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are everything a holiday cookie should be: simple, soft, sweet, and absolutely delightful. With their buttery base, creamy richness from the sweetened condensed milk, and that signature snowfall of confectioners’ sugar, they offer an irresistible treat that’s perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying any time of year. Their no-chill dough and quick bake time make them ideal for last-minute baking, yet the results always look festive and impressive.

Whether you stick with the classic version or explore optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or cranberries, these cookies promise melt-in-your-mouth happiness with every bite. Add them to your holiday baking rotation or make them whenever you need a comforting, simple dessert—snowballs never go out of season.

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