Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that is impossibly tender, sweetly rich, and almost impossibly easy to pull together, you’ll fall in love with Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery soft, and finished with a flurry of powdered sugar, these cookies are a dreamy treat for every occasion. Their delicate texture and hint of caramelized sweetness make them a family favorite that everyone can help bake – and eat! Whether you’re making a holiday platter or just need a cozy midweek pick-me-up, this fuss-free recipe is truly pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one is vital to creating that signature texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for every star ingredient in this recipe:

• Butter: Use real, softened butter for the richest flavor and to give that classic melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The secret weapon for chewy richness and subtle caramel notes – don’t substitute!
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your snowballs while keeping them tender, not tough.
• Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep these cookies from being dense or heavy.
• Confectioner’s sugar: That iconic snowy finish! Dust generously for a sweet, picture-perfect look.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by adding your softened butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat it on medium speed until it’s light, fluffy, and impossibly creamy—this usually takes around three minutes. This step is key for that signature, tender crumb you expect in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. Don’t rush; really let the butter get airy and pale.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating for another two minutes. This is where the magic happens—the condensed milk blends seamlessly into the butter, creating a shiny, luscious base. Have a favorite extract like vanilla or almond? Now is the time to add, but keep it subtle so the condensed milk can still shine through.

Step 3: Scrape and Mix Again

Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, making sure no buttery goodness sticks behind. Beat again for another minute or two, ensuring everything is totally smooth and fully combined. The texture here should be thick and pillowy, with no streaks left in the batter.

Step 4: Add Flour and Baking Powder

Sprinkle the flour and baking powder over the creamy mixture. Beat on low speed just until the dough comes together and looks uniform. This is also the moment to fold in any fun additions like mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries, but no more than a cup—too much can weigh the cookies down!

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Using a cookie scoop (or a spoon if you’re feeling old-school), portion the dough into even mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave at least two inches between each mound—these snowballs like their personal space, and you want them to bake up picture-perfect without crowding.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your tray into a preheated 320 degrees F oven and bake for 12 minutes. The snowballs will puff up just slightly, and you’re looking for barely golden edges, not browned tops. The centers should feel soft when you touch them lightly—they’ll continue setting as they cool.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Take the cookies out of the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes. This brief period lets them firm up enough to transfer without crumbling, which is especially important with the delicate texture of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs.

Step 8: Dust and Finish

Lift each cookie gently and move to a wire rack. While they’re still slightly warm, use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to shower each one with lots of confectioner’s sugar—it should look like a fresh snowfall! Let them cool completely before storing, if you can resist sneaking a taste.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Garnishes

To keep that wintry, snowball aesthetic, the best garnish is a second dusting of confectioner’s sugar right before serving. For a festive touch during the holidays, you can add gentle sprinkles of edible glitter, a single silver dragee, or even a pinch of finely chopped pistachios for color. Give your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs a little sparkle and watch them disappear from the platter first!

Side Dishes

Snowballs love some good company! Serve them with a pot of strong coffee, an aromatic chai, or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. They’re also fabulous alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or clementines, or presented with a medley of other cookies for a beautiful dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or as edible gifts, stack your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or pile them onto a silver platter ringed with fresh mint leaves. Layering them in a pretty tin with parchment between each layer keeps them pristine. You can also nestle a few into cupcake liners for an extra touch of elegance at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs (and that’s a big IF!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and luscious for up to five days. Just make sure the container is truly sealed, so none of that lovely moisture escapes.

Freezing

These cookies freeze brilliantly! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw at room temp and dust with a fresh sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar before serving for that snowy finish.

Reheating

You don’t actually need to reheat Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs, as they taste amazing at room temperature. If you want them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (275 degrees F) for 2-3 minutes, but watch closely—they’re delicate! Always add an extra dusting of sugar after warming.

FAQs

Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free blend (preferably one with xanthan gum included) and follow the same instructions. The cookies may be a bit more crumbly but will still taste utterly delicious.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes! Feel free to mix in up to one cup of your favorite additions, like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries. Just be careful not to overload the dough, so your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs stay light and tender.

Why do my cookies spread or flatten?

If the dough is too soft, the snowballs might spread more than you want. Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping if your kitchen is particularly warm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for bake sales or gifting. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl and mix thoroughly so every bite is as delicious as the last.

How long do Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days. They also freeze well—so you can always keep a stash for unexpected guests or sweet cravings!

Final Thoughts

Baking Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs is pure joy, from mixing the buttery dough to sprinkling on that final snowy shower. These cookies are guaranteed to bring big smiles and lasting memories, whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring them solo. Give them a try, and I think you’ll be as enchanted by their soft, sweet magic as I am!

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