Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are buttery, soft, and dusted with powdered sugar, making them look just like little snowballs! These classic cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for Christmas cookie platters, winter gatherings, or even as an edible gift.
Unlike traditional snowball cookies that use granulated sugar, this recipe uses sweetened condensed milk, giving them an extra creamy and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft & Buttery: The condensed milk adds a tender, rich texture.
✔ Super Easy to Make: Only a few ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
✔ Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful, festive, and great for holiday cookie boxes.
✔ Customizable: Add nuts, coconut, or chocolate for your own twist!
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
- ½ tsp salt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Snowball Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornstarch, and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If using nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
2. Shape into Balls
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet 1 inch apart.
3. Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before handling.
4. Coat with Powdered Sugar
- While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
✔ Use Softened Butter: Helps create a smooth and fluffy dough.
✔ Chill the Dough (If Needed): If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
✔ Roll Twice in Sugar: The first coating absorbs moisture, and the second gives a perfect snowy finish.
✔ Don’t Overbake: They should stay pale with only slightly golden bottoms.
Variations and Substitutions
🥥 Nut-Free Version: Swap nuts for shredded coconut.
🍫 Chocolate Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder.
🎄 Spiced Snowballs: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for holiday warmth.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
❄ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
🧊 Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months, then bake as needed.
🔥 Reheating Tip: If frozen, let cookies thaw for 10 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overbaking: They should be soft inside with just a hint of golden color.
❌ Skipping the Cornstarch: It keeps the cookies delicate and crumbly.
❌ Rolling in Sugar Too Soon: Let cookies cool slightly before rolling, or the sugar will melt.
Conclusion
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and effortlessly festive—a must-have for holiday baking! Whether you’re making them for Christmas cookie trays, gifts, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Try this easy recipe today and share the joy with family and friends! 🎄🍪✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
✅ Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
2. What’s the best way to keep powdered sugar from melting?
✅ Let the cookies cool slightly before rolling and double coat them for the best effect.
3. Can I use different types of nuts?
✅ Yes! Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all work well.
4. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
✅ Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.
5. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
✅ Absolutely! Just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.