Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Last weekend, I found myself elbow‑deep in flour, chasing three giggling kids around the kitchen. I had just pulled a warm baking sheet from the oven—and in that moment, the room smelled like buttery snow drifting through a cozy winter morning.

My daughter, clutching a powdered‑sugar‑kissed cookie, looked at me and whispered, “Mom, it’s like eating a snowball!” And in that moment, I realized this simple treat could feel magical in everyday life.

The first bite was soft and lightly sweet, melting almost instantly on the tongue. It wasn’t fancy, just warm and comforting—exactly what I needed after a long week. Seeing my kids’ faces light up made me think: these Snowball Cookies deserve a special place in your kitchen—simple, heartfelt, and perfect for family moments.

Short Description

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery cookies made with pantry staples and coated in powdered sugar for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These are perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or a cozy afternoon snack with the kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra‑easy one‑bowl method—perfect for busy moms
• Buttery, tender melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that charms kids and grown‑ups alike
• Makes about two dozen cookies in under 30 minutes
• Budget‑friendly with pantry‑staple ingredients
• Double sugar coating gives festive, snowy appeal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups all‑purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Dusting:

• 1 to 1½ cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar

Tools & Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoons
• Wire rack for cooling

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Line Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sweetened Milk
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy—about 1 minute. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl. Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Stop mixing once there are no dry spots—don’t overwork the dough.

Step 4: Shape Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should stay pale.

Pro Tip: If your dough seems too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold shape.

Step 6: First Powdered Sugar Coating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes. While still warm, roll each one gently in powdered sugar for the first coat.

Step 7: Cool & Recoat for Snowy Finish
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once cool, roll them again in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.

Notes & Variations

• Swap gluten‑free flour for GF versions
• Stir in ½ cup finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for a twist
• Use vanilla or almond extract for different flavor notes
• If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time until workable
• Avoid overbaking—cookies should remain pale and melt‑in‑your‑mouth

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Sweetened condensed milk adds smooth sweetness and creamy moisture, without needing eggs. A 2020 review of similar recipes showed this ingredient contributes to a satisfying texture and ease of preparation.

Plus, these cookies are inherently nut‑friendly—unless you choose to add them—making them a safe crowd pleaser.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer keeping, freeze in layers with parchment for up to 3 months. No reheating needed—cookies thaw gently, and a quick roll in powdered sugar refreshes their snowy look.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a creamy hot cocoa or a spicy chai tea. At parties, they sit prettily on snow‑white platters with sugared cranberries. They also stand in for wedding or holiday cookie trays, especially when plated alongside darker, richer cookies for contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I prep dough ahead?
Yes—form dough balls and freeze on a tray, then bake from frozen, adding a minute to bake time.

2. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely—fold in ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for subtle crunch.

3. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yep. Freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, re‑dust with sugar.

4. Why did my cookies flatten?
Likely from too-soft butter or not enough flour. Chill dough 10–15 min if needed, and measure flour accurately.

5. Can I reduce sugar dusting?
You could skip the double roll, but you’ll miss that snowy look and sweet outer crisp—half the fun of these treats!

Final Thoughts

There’s something pure and joyful about these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. No fancy tools or techniques—just butter, condensed milk, flour, and sugar—yet the result is magic: delicate, buttery bites that vanish after the first taste.

Baking them with my three littles brought out laughter, sticky fingers, and wide‑eyed delight. That simple, snowy coating made them feel special, even on a typical afternoon.

If you’re looking for a sweet, gentle treat that’s easy to make and warms the heart, this one’s a keeper. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—drop a comment, pin your batch, or share a pic with me. Happy baking from our kitchen to yours!