Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are delightful melt-in-your-mouth treats that transform simple ingredients into something magical. These buttery, tender cookies have a rich sweetness from condensed milk and are finished with a snow-like dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a special sweet treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These cookies require just 5 ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
• The sweetened condensed milk creates an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike traditional shortbread
• They’re quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time and no chilling required
• Their snow-white appearance makes them perfect for holiday cookie platters and winter celebrations
• They store beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead treats and gift-giving

Ingredients

• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for the best creaming results. The butter provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient adds sweetness and creates an incredibly tender texture. Don’t substitute with evaporated milk as they’re completely different products.
• All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best, providing structure without making the cookies too dense. For a more tender cookie, you can substitute part of the flour with cake flour.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent provides just enough lift to keep the cookies light without causing them to spread too much.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Also called powdered sugar, this creates the signature “snowball” appearance. For extra flavor, you can mix in a touch of vanilla powder or cinnamon.

Variations

Citrus Snowballs (H3)

Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, refreshing twist. The citrus oils in the zest pair beautifully with the sweet condensed milk and create an aromatic cookie that’s perfect for spring or summer.

Almond Snowballs (H3)

Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough and roll the finished cookies in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and finely ground almonds. This variation adds a nutty complexity that elevates these simple cookies to gourmet status.

Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs (H3)

After the cookies have completely cooled and been dusted with sugar, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving. The contrast between the sweet, milky cookie and rich chocolate creates an irresistible combination.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base

Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the butter, creating a lighter texture in the finished cookies. Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature—not melted or too cold—for the best results.

Step 2: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to mix. The mixture may look slightly curdled at first, but keep mixing until it becomes smooth and well-incorporated. This creates the rich base that gives these cookies their distinctive texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually add them to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined and a soft dough forms. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tougher cookies, so stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains visible.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into small, walnut-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, which is exactly what you want for the snowball effect.

Step 5: Add the Snowy Coating

Allow the cookies to cool slightly—about 5 minutes—before rolling them in confectioner’s sugar. The slight warmth helps the first layer of sugar to stick. Once completely cooled, roll them a second time for that perfect snowy appearance.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted—it should indent when pressed but still hold its shape
• For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough between your palms until smooth before baking
• Don’t overbake these cookies; they should remain pale on top to achieve the true “snowball” look
• Apply the first coating of sugar while cookies are still slightly warm, then add a second coating once completely cooled for maximum “snow” effect
• Use a cookie scoop if available to ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly
• If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls

How to Serve

Serve these delicate snowball cookies on a pretty platter dusted with additional confectioner’s sugar for a dramatic presentation. They pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them perfect for afternoon tea or after-dinner dessert. For holiday gatherings, arrange them in paper cupcake liners on a tiered stand alongside other cookies for an impressive display. Their snowy appearance makes them especially appropriate for winter celebrations, but their delicate sweetness makes them welcome year-round.

Make Ahead

These snowball cookies are excellent make-ahead treats that actually improve with a day of rest as the flavors meld. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Allow refrigerated dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (before dusting with sugar) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with fresh confectioner’s sugar before serving.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? (H3)

Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit any additional salt in the recipe. The cookies will have a slightly different flavor profile with a sweet-salty balance that many people enjoy.

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking? (H3)

Spreading usually occurs when the butter is too warm or the dough is overworked. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, chill the shaped cookie balls for 15 minutes before baking.

Can I add extract flavorings to these cookies? (H3)

Absolutely! Vanilla, almond, or coconut extracts work beautifully in this recipe. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste preferences. Extracts should be added during the butter creaming stage.

How do I know when these cookies are done baking? (H3)

These cookies should remain quite pale on top with just a slight golden color on the bottom. They may look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies offer the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and pretty snow-like appearance, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re making them for holiday gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, these delightful little cookies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try and discover why these snowball cookies have remained a beloved classic for generations.

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