There is something utterly magical about a batch of melt-in-your-mouth Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe. These delightful treats combine the richness of butter, the subtle sweetness of condensed milk, and a tender, cakey texture that simply melts on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to reach for time and time again. Perfectly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these snowballs are as charming to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a cookie that’s both tender and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the creamy butter that gives richness, to the sweetened condensed milk that adds a unique moist sweetness, all balanced with the perfect rise from baking powder.
- 1 cup butter (softened): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb, so make sure it’s nicely softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and moisture, making these snowballs uniquely rich and soft.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, giving structure and a delicate texture.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, ensuring they stay light and fluffy.
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: Used for dusting, it adds that classic “snowball” look and a sweet final touch.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by beating the softened butter until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process takes about three minutes and is crucial for the cookie’s tender texture. The more air you incorporate here, the better your snowballs will bake up.
Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, beating for another two minutes until the mixture is thoroughly combined. If you want to add a subtle flavor twist, like vanilla or almond extract, now is the moment to blend it in—but don’t exceed two teaspoons, so it doesn’t overpower the delicate sweetness.
Step 3: Scrape and Mix
To ensure an even mixture, scrape down the sides of your bowl. Then, beat the mixture for one to two more minutes. This guarantees every bit of butter and condensed milk is smoothly blended, setting the foundation for a perfect dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Beat just until incorporated—over mixing can toughen these tender cookies, so gentle mixing is key. If you feel adventurous, now’s the time to fold in up to one cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or small candy pieces for added personality.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form even-sized dough mounds. Place them neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about two inches in between to allow for baking spread, ensuring each cookie bakes evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the cookies into a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) and bake them for 12 minutes. They may look slightly underbaked at first, but that soft center is what will make these snowballs melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Step 7: Cool on the Pan
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies rest on the pan for five minutes. This brief cooldown helps them firm up slightly so they’re easier to transfer without breaking.
Step 8: Transfer and Dust
Gently move the snowballs to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, dust the tops generously with confectioners’ sugar using a sifter, giving them that classic powdered sugar snowfall appearance.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool all the way through before storing them. This step ensures the sugar coating sticks beautifully and the texture is just right for biting into.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder along with the confectioners’ sugar, or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like pistachios for a splash of color and crunch. A few edible flower petals or a drizzle of melted chocolate around the plate can also make these snowballs feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of fragrant tea or a rich mug of hot cocoa. For a brunch or dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the sweetness with bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe shine by stacking them in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper for gifting. You can also thread them onto cocktail sticks to create adorable cookie “lollipops,” perfect for parties or as a whimsical treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to one week, making them a lasting treat for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the baked snowballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive frozen or stored snowballs, warm them gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about five minutes. This softens them back to their delicious, tender state without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I add flavors to the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe?
Absolutely! A teaspoon or two of vanilla, almond, or even a hint of citrus zest can add a wonderful twist to the flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can change the dough’s consistency.
How do I prevent my snowballs from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and avoid over-mixing the dough. Also, chilling the dough for 15 to 30 minutes before baking can help maintain the shape.
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the unique texture and sweetness of these snowballs, so substitutions aren’t recommended. Using something else will likely alter the moisture and sweetness balance significantly.
Why do my snowballs turn out dry sometimes?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Since these cookies are meant to be tender, slightly underbaking helps keep them soft. Also, using unsalted butter and measuring ingredients accurately can prevent dryness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary. You might need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum and watch the texture closely to maintain the perfect snowball consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe at home is a joy from start to finish—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a wonderfully rewarding result. These cookies have a nostalgic charm that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo with a cozy drink. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you crave a little sweetness wrapped in buttery goodness.
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are soft, buttery cookies dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the rich flavor of sweetened condensed milk with a tender crumb, making them perfect for festive occasions or a delightful everyday snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creates the base texture for the cookies.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, beating for 2 minutes until fully combined. If using an extract for flavoring, add it now, ensuring it does not exceed 2 teaspoons.
- Scrape and Mix: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing and beat the mixture for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the butter mixture. Beat just until incorporated to avoid overmixing, maintaining a tender dough. Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit can be folded in here.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the Pan: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Transfer and Dust: Move the cookies carefully to a wire cooling rack. Generously dust with confectioners’ sugar using a sifter for that classic snowball appearance.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool entirely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- You can add up to 1 cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or crushed candies to customize your cookies.
- Use softened butter for best creaming results.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
