Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Melt Hearts
If you’re searching for a cookie that wraps you in buttery warmth and a sweet embrace, look no further than Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. These delightful treats blend soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite an irresistible experience. With the luscious richness of sweetened condensed milk and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are truly little bundles of joy that melt hearts and bring smiles to every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly delicious: Simple ingredients come together quickly to create a cookie that feels like a special treat.
- Buttery softness: Each cookie has a tender crumb that practically dissolves in your mouth.
- Sweet and subtle: The sweetness comes from the sweetened condensed milk, offering a smooth, mellow flavor without overpowering.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an everyday snack, these snowball cookies shine every time.
- Customizable and versatile: Easy to tweak with nuts, spices, or coatings to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies lies in using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a key role: from the soft richness of sweetened condensed milk, the buttery texture brought by quality butter, to the gentle sweetness of powdered sugar.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the cookies moist and decadently sweet.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb; room temperature is best.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and ensures a soft, yet stable cookie.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, it creates the classic snowball effect and adds a delicate sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Optional chopped nuts: Adds crunch and contrast if you love a bit of texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Variations for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Feel free to make these cookies your own! Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust them based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Nutty twist: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor depth.
- Spiced snowballs: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a cozy, warm vibe.
- Chocolate-dusted: Swap powdered sugar for cocoa powder dusting for a rich chocolatey finish.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend without affecting texture or taste.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a vegan-friendly condensed milk.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and fluffy, creating a luscious base for your cookies.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, taking care not to overmix, to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the cookies stay pale.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool slightly, then generously roll or dust them in powdered sugar to achieve that classic snowball appearance and extra sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
- Use room temperature butter: This ensures better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not over-bake: Keep a close eye to prevent drying them out—cookies should remain pale.
- Chill dough carefully: Proper chilling helps prevent spreading and makes shaping easier.
- Dust generously: Don’t skimp on powdered sugar—this adds that iconic snowball look and delicate crunch.
- Try parchment paper: It helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup simpler.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top just before serving for a fresh snowfall effect, or add a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or a warming cup of cocoa, creating a cozy and satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on decorative platters dusted with powdered sugar or stack them into charming snowmen shapes for themed parties and holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to refresh their delicate softness and buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Evaporated milk is not a suitable substitute because it lacks the sugar content and thickness that sweetened condensed milk provides, which are key for the cookie’s texture and sweetness.
Are Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips can introduce a delightful burst of chocolate flavor without overpowering the cookie’s buttery sweetness.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies usually stay soft and fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding over-softened butter helps keep the cookie shape intact during baking.
Final Thoughts
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies offer a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Their soft texture, buttery flavor, and sweet finish make them a must-try recipe to add to your baking lineup. Once you experience how these delicate snowball cookies melt hearts, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
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PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness from sweetened condensed milk. Coated in powdered sugar, they offer a delicate, snowball-like appearance perfect for any occasion, from holidays to everyday treats. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and can be customized with nuts, spices, or alternative coatings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (approx. 150g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (about 1/2 cup or as needed)
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- Spices like 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
- Cocoa powder for dusting (as an alternative to powdered sugar)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fluffy, creating a rich and luscious base for your cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend) until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. This helps keep the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the cookies remain pale.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool slightly. While still warm, roll or dust them generously in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowball appearance and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale to keep their tender texture.
- Chill dough properly to prevent spreading and make shaping easier.
- Dust cookies generously with powdered sugar for that iconic snowball look and delicate crunch.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for even baking and easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sweetened condensed milk, snowball cookies, buttery cookies, powdered sugar cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, easy cookie recipe, gluten-free cookies