Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with only a handful of ingredients. They’re tender, buttery, and coated generously in powdered sugar, giving them their classic “snowball” look. These cookies are perfect for holidays, winter gatherings, gift boxes, or anytime you want a simple dessert that feels festive and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These snowballs are incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. The sweetened condensed milk replaces traditional sugar, giving the cookies a smooth, chewy center and a rich flavor. They use basic pantry staples, bake quickly, and store well for days. Whether you make them for parties or keep them as a cozy treat at home, they always turn out soft and irresistible.

Nutritional Info

The values vary depending on the size of the cookies, but on average:

• 80 to 100 calories per snowball
• 1 to 2 grams of protein
• 4 to 6 grams of fat
• 10 to 12 grams of carbohydrates

Using smaller snowballs or reducing the coating amount can lower the calories slightly.

Time Taken

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 10 to 12 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter, softened
• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Begin by creaming the butter until smooth, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Gradually add the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough briefly so the cookies hold their shape. Roll into small balls and bake until set but still pale, as snowballs should not brown heavily. While warm, coat each cookie generously in powdered sugar. Let them cool and repeat one more coating for the perfect snowy finish.

You Must Know

Avoid overbaking, as snowballs should stay soft and tender inside. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their round shape and prevents spreading. Always coat them in powdered sugar while warm to ensure it sticks beautifully.

Storage Tips

Store snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them layered with parchment to avoid the powdered sugar smudging. They also freeze well for up to two months.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Replace vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
• Use gluten-free flour to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve snowballs on holiday platters, at tea time, or alongside hot chocolate. They pair wonderfully with coffee, warm milk, or any winter beverage. They also make easy gifts in small cookie boxes or jars.

Cultural and Historical Context

Snowball cookies have roots in European holiday baking and are known globally by many names, including Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cookies. The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives this version a modern, richer twist while keeping the classic texture intact.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, enjoy them plain for a snowy effect. For spring or summer, add lemon zest for brightness. During fall, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm seasonal flavor.

Success Stories

Home bakers love these cookies for their foolproof nature and consistent results. They are often the first treat to disappear at parties, and many people enjoy making them with children because the recipe is simple, tactile, and mess-free aside from the fun powdered sugar.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze rolled, unbaked dough balls on a tray until firm, then store in a sealed bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding just a minute or two to the baking time. Coat in powdered sugar while still warm.

• Keep the dough small and uniform for even baking.
• Double-coat in powdered sugar for the best snowy look.
• Chill the dough at least 20 minutes for neater balls.

Chef’s Special Tips

Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid clumps in the coating. For a slight crunch, roll the cookies in fine coconut before dusting them with sugar.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are the kind of cookie that brings effortless charm to any season. With their soft centers, snowy powdered sugar coating, and simple ingredient list, they’re a treat anyone can make and everyone will enjoy. Whether you bake them for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy moment at home, these snowballs always deliver a beautiful mix of sweetness and nostalgia.

Can I make these snowballs without sweetened condensed milk?
No, sweetened condensed milk is essential for the texture and sweetness. It replaces both sugar and some liquid, giving the cookies their signature softness.

Why did my snowballs spread while baking?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too soft. Chill for at least 20 minutes before rolling and baking.

Should snowball cookies be brown when finished?
No, they should stay pale. A slight golden bottom is fine, but the tops should remain light to keep the classic snowball look and texture.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes. Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds are popular additions. Fold them into the dough just before chilling.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture stays very close to the original.

How long do Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs last?
They last up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months.