If you’re looking for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the perfect choice. These soft, buttery cookies are incredibly easy to make, using just a handful of ingredients. The sweetened condensed milk adds a unique creaminess that sets them apart from traditional snowball cookies. Whether for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply a sweet snack, these cookies will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture will be creamy and slightly thick.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and chopped nuts. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, dust the tops with additional powdered sugar. This step is essential for that signature snowball cookie look!
Step 8: Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are perfect for sharing or storing in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Unique Flavor: The sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the traditional taste of snowball cookies.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, different nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these delicious snowball cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or gift boxes!
Conclusion
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor make them irresistible. Try making a batch today, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Serving Tips
- Holiday Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. Dust them with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh, “snowy” look.
- Pairings: These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a unique twist, serve them with a glass of eggnog or warm spiced cider.
- Add a Pop of Color: For a fun holiday touch, garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries for a festive, wintry look.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Place a sheet of wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze very well! Place them in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
- Re-Dusting: If storing for an extended period, you may need to dust the cookies with powdered sugar again before serving to refresh their look.
With these serving and storage tips, your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies will be delicious and beautiful for every occasion!
1. Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
- No, it’s not recommended to substitute regular milk, as it lacks the thickness and sweetness of sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture and flavor of the cookies. For the best results, stick with sweetened condensed milk.
2. Can I make these cookies without nuts?
- Yes, you can make them without nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free option. Simply leave the nuts out of the recipe. If you want to add a bit of texture, you could try finely chopped dried fruit like cranberries or raisins instead.
3. How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting?
- To help keep the powdered sugar coating intact, dust the cookies while they’re still warm from the oven and again after they’ve cooled. Storing them in a cool, dry place will also help prevent the sugar from absorbing moisture and disappearing.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough in advance! Simply prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. With a hint of vanilla and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for the holidays or any special occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time:: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped nuts.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough for easier rolling.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
-
Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar.
- Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thicker, “snowy” coating.
-
Serve:
- Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Add flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Make it festive: Add a hint of red or green sprinkles to the powdered sugar for a holiday touch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.