Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe

Memories of winter gatherings sparked my love for sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies that melt instantly on your tongue.

These delicate treats carry a nostalgic charm from childhood kitchens.

Soft and powdery, each cookie promises a delightful surprise with its creamy center.

Biting into a cloud-like confection dusted with fine sugar.

Gentle warmth and sweet memories blend perfectly in this simple recipe.

The magical combination of ingredients transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Trust me, these cookies will become your new favorite winter indulgence.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s bake something special together.

Why You’ll Love Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: These snowball cookies deliver an incredibly soft, delicate texture that practically dissolves on your tongue, creating a luxurious sensory experience with each delightful bite.
  • Quick and Simple Delight: Requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or busy home cooks wanting a fast, impressive treat that takes less than an hour to prepare.
  • Versatile Sweet Sensation: Packed with rich buttery flavor and a nutty crunch, these cookies work beautifully as holiday gifts, afternoon tea companions, or festive dessert table centerpieces that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Nostalgic Winter Comfort: The powdered sugar coating resembles fresh snow, evoking warm memories of cozy winter days and creating a charming, whimsical dessert that feels like a sweet childhood memory transformed into a delectable treat.

Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and tender texture for cookies.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creates soft, moist cookie consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and body to the cookie dough.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates classic snowball coating with soft, snowy appearance.
Texture and Crunch Ingredients:
  • Chopped Nuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth to cookie texture. Pecans or walnuts work best, and toasting nuts beforehand can intensify their flavor.

Steps to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Steps to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and beat the butter until it transforms into a silky smooth mixture. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, blending everything into a luxurious cream. Gradually sprinkle in the flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the chopped nuts, creating a delightful texture throughout.

Step 2: Chill and Relax the Dough

Wrap the dough securely and slide it into the refrigerator for a cool 30-minute rest. This little break helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape into perfect little balls.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a pristine surface for your cookies.

Step 4: Roll Into Delightful Spheres

Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into adorable one-inch balls. Arrange these little treasures on the prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie some breathing room.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the cookies bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a subtle golden color on the bottom while keeping the tops delicately pale.

Step 6: Sugar Coat the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes, begin the magical sugar coating process:
  • Grab a bowl of powdered sugar
  • Gently roll each warm cookie
  • Coat completely
  • Let the cookies cool entirely
  • Roll a second time for an extra snowy finish

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these heavenly treats and watch them disappear! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh and delicious.

Helpful Hints for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect snowball shape during baking.
  • Nut Swap Magic: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to customize the flavor and texture of your cookies.
  • Gentle Rolling Technique: Use light hands when forming dough balls to keep the cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Sugar Coating Pro Tip: Double-roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm and after cooling for an extra-thick, snow-like dusting that looks and tastes amazing.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Storing Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Seal cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for maximum 3 months. Separate layers with wax paper to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with fresh powdered sugar to restore their snowy appearance.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate texture.

What Goes Well With Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The creamy, spiced chai complements the nutty, sweet snowball cookies perfectly. Its warmth and aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger create a delightful contrast with the buttery, powdery cookie texture.
  • Match with Almond Liqueur: A smooth almond liqueur enhances the nutty undertones of the cookies. Its rich, sweet profile provides a luxurious adult twist to this classic treat, elevating the dessert experience.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the cookie's sweetness, adding a refreshing brightness. The fruity notes balance the rich, buttery snowball cookies, creating a more complex flavor profile.
  • Complement with Cold Vanilla Milk: Chilled vanilla milk offers a classic, comforting pairing that highlights the cookie's sweetness. The cool, smooth drink provides a delightful counterpoint to the warm, crumbly texture of the snowball cookies.

New Takes on Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Replace chopped nuts with mini chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolatey version that adds extra richness to the classic snowball cookie.
  • Coconut Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and roll finished cookies in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired texture and flavor profile.
  • Almond Essence: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract and use finely chopped almonds instead of mixed nuts, creating a more nutty and aromatic cookie experience.
  • Citrus Burst: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough and incorporate finely chopped candied citrus peel for a bright, refreshing take on the traditional snowball cookie.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies FAQs

  • What makes these snowball cookies unique?

The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies an extra creamy, rich texture that sets them apart from traditional snowball cookies. The condensed milk creates a more tender and moist cookie with a subtle sweetness.

  • Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the nuts or substitute them with other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit if you prefer. The base cookie recipe will still turn out delicious and tender.

  • Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes the dough easier to handle. It allows the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their perfect round shape when baking.

  • How do I get that perfect snowy white coating?

The key is to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice – once when they’re still warm and again after they’ve completely cooled. This double coating creates that signature thick, powdery snow-like exterior that makes snowball cookies so special.

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Snowball cookies elevate festive baking with their delightful Mexican wedding cookie charm. Powdery clouds of buttery shortbread melt in your mouth, inviting sweet comfort and holiday nostalgia that connects generations of bakers.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar, for coating
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Create a silky foundation by whipping softened butter until it transforms into a smooth, airy texture. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and pure vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to form a harmonious mixture.
  2. Gradually introduce flour and salt into the creamy base, stirring gently until just integrated. Tenderly fold chopped nuts throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Wrap the dough completely and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to solidify and become more manageable for shaping.
  4. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a pristine surface for cookie placement.
  5. Using gentle hands, craft uniform spherical shapes approximately one inch in diameter. Position these delicate orbs across the prepared baking surface, maintaining slight separation between each cookie.
  6. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Monitor closely, removing when the cookie bottoms develop a subtle golden hue while maintaining a pale upper surface.
  7. After removing from the oven, permit cookies to rest momentarily. While still warm, delicately roll each cookie in powdered sugar, creating an initial light coating.
  8. Once cookies reach room temperature, perform a second powdered sugar dusting, transforming them into elegant, snow-white confections with a delicate, powdery exterior.
  9. Serve immediately or preserve in an airtight container, maintaining their delectable texture and appearance.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spread and maintaining the snowball shape during baking.
  • Opt for finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a delicate texture that integrates smoothly into the cookie.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature to create a smooth, evenly mixed dough that prevents lumpy cookies.
  • For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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