Introduction to Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
If you’re looking for an easy, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are the perfect choice. These buttery, soft, and lightly sweetened cookies are a staple in holiday baking, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients.
What makes these cookies stand out is their tender texture, achieved by using sweetened condensed milk instead of traditional granulated sugar. This ingredient keeps the cookies extra moist and enhances their rich, creamy flavor. Once baked to perfection, they are generously dusted with powdered sugar, creating the signature snowy look that gives them their name.
Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, tea-time treats, or everyday snacking, these easy-to-make cookies are both kid-friendly and freezer-friendly. Whether you prefer the classic version or a fun variation, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are sure to become a go-to recipe in your holiday baking lineup. If you love soft, chewy treats, you might also enjoy these Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies, which offer a fruity burst of flavor in every bite.
The History Behind Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are known by different names worldwide:
- Mexican Wedding Cookies (Mexico)
- Russian Tea Cakes (Russia)
- Butterballs (U.S.)
Traditional recipes used butter, flour, powdered sugar, and nuts, but modern versions—including this one—use sweetened condensed milk for extra moisture and chewiness. This rich and creamy ingredient is also commonly used in Lemon Blueberry Cookie Bars, another sweet and tangy dessert that’s worth trying.
Essential Ingredients & Their Roles
Each ingredient in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
1. Sweetened Condensed Milk
✔️ Acts as a natural sweetener, eliminating the need for granulated sugar.
✔️ Adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
✔️ Provides a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the dough’s consistency.
2. Butter
✔️ Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔️ Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content in the recipe.
✔️ Room-temperature butter ensures smooth blending with the other ingredients.
3. All-Purpose Flour
✔️ Forms the structure of the cookies.
✔️ Provides the right balance of softness and stability.
✔️ For a gluten-free version, swap with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
4. Powdered Sugar
✔️ Used for coating the cookies, giving them their classic snowball appearance.
✔️ Has a finer texture than granulated sugar, contributing to the cookie’s delicate crumb.
5. Baking Powder
✔️ Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy texture.
✔️ Prevents the cookies from becoming too dense or heavy.
6. Optional Mix-Ins
✔️ Chopped Nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for extra crunch.
✔️ Shredded Coconut for a chewy texture and tropical flavor.
✔️ Chocolate Chips for a sweet, indulgent twist.
Each of these ingredients contributes to making Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs a deliciously soft, flavorful, and easy-to-make holiday favorite, similar to Gluten-Free Apple Cake.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Ingredients
✔️ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
✔️ ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
✔️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 tsp baking powder
✔️ 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream together butter and sweetened condensed milk.
- Add flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like nuts or coconut.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to prevent spreading.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
- Let cool before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs is their versatility. Whether you’re looking to add a little crunch, a chocolatey twist, or make them diet-friendly, here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Classic Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
✔️ The traditional version uses butter, flour, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar.
✔️ Light, buttery, and perfectly sweet, this version is a staple for holiday cookie platters.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs
✔️ After baking, dip each cookie in melted chocolate for a rich, indulgent upgrade.
✔️ Sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture.
3. Nutty Snowballs
✔️ Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough for extra crunch.
✔️ This variation is similar to Mexican Wedding Cookies and Russian Tea Cakes.
4. Coconut Snowballs
✔️ Add shredded coconut to the dough for a chewy texture and tropical flavor.
✔️ Roll the baked cookies in extra coconut flakes for a snowy look.
5. Gluten-Free Snowballs
✔️ Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
✔️ Ensures a soft, crumbly texture while remaining gluten-free.
6. Vegan Snowballs
✔️ Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter.
✔️ Keeps the cookies buttery and rich without any animal products.
Whether you keep it classic or experiment with new flavors, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! If you love holiday treats, you’ll enjoy Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, another easy-to-make, indulgent dessert perfect for the season.
Expert Tips for Perfect Snowballs
Want to make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs that are perfectly soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Follow these expert tips to achieve flawless results every time!
1. Chill the Dough for Better Shape
✔️ Refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
✔️ Chilled dough is easier to roll into uniform balls, ensuring even baking.
2. Use Room-Temperature Butter
✔️ Softened butter blends smoothly with sweetened condensed milk, preventing lumps.
✔️ Avoid overheating the butter, as melted butter can cause cookies to flatten too much.
3. Coat with Powdered Sugar Twice
✔️ Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm for the first coat—it melts slightly and forms a light glaze.
✔️ Once fully cooled, roll them a second time to create a thicker, snowy coating.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough
✔️ Mix just until the ingredients are combined—overmixing can result in dense, tough cookies.
✔️ For an extra tender texture, sift the flour before adding it to the dough.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature
✔️ Set the oven to 325°F (163°C) for a gentle bake that ensures a soft interior and a lightly golden bottom.
✔️ Avoid baking at higher temperatures, as the cookies can become too crisp or dry.
6. Store Properly for Maximum Freshness
✔️ Keep snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
✔️ Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough balls to bake fresh later.
By following these simple but effective tricks, your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs will turn out light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious every time!
Looking for another sweet and creamy dessert? Check out Raspberry Swirl Cookies for a tangy twist on classic cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the chilling step – Leads to flat cookies.
🚫 Overmixing the dough – Can make cookies dense instead of soft.
🚫 Baking at too high a temperature – Can cause cookies to brown too quickly.
FAQs About Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
1. Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes! Traditional snowball cookies often include pecans, walnuts, or almonds, but they can be made nut-free without affecting the texture. Just leave out the nuts and proceed with the recipe as usual.Learn how to make your own sweetened condensed milk.
2. Why did my snowball cookies flatten?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely because the dough wasn’t chilled before baking. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes to help them hold their shape. Also, avoid using melted butter, which can cause excess spreading.
3. How do I store sweetened condensed milk snowballs?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need longer storage, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
4. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze baked cookies or the dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.
5. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, try evaporated milk mixed with sugar or a dairy-free condensed milk substitute for a vegan version.
Final Thoughts
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are the perfect holiday treat—simple, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy the classic version or experiment with fun variations, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
For more baking inspiration, try these:
- Gourmet Donuts – If you love sweet, pillowy desserts.
- Apple Fritter Cake – A fruity, spiced delight.
- Lemon Curd Cake – A zesty, refreshing treat.
Happy baking! 🍪✨
