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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

4.9 from 65 reviews

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are delightful melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with butter, sweetened condensed milk, and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. These soft, buttery treats are perfect for holiday baking or any time you want a simple yet elegant cookie that combines rich flavors with a tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder

Topping

  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air and ensures a smooth base for the dough.
  2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk and beat for 2 minutes until fully combined. If using a flavoring extract (like vanilla), add it now, not exceeding 2 teaspoons, to enhance the taste.
  3. Scrape and Mix: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly, then beat the mixture for another 1-2 minutes to achieve a smooth and consistent dough.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the butter mixture. Beat until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough. If desired, fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or candies at this stage.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. They should be set but still soft to the touch.
  7. Cool on the Pan: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before handling.
  8. Transfer and Dust: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Use a sifter to generously dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar to create the signature snowball appearance.
  9. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before serving, ensuring the texture is perfect and the sugar dusting is intact.

Notes

  • For added flavor, use vanilla or almond extract, but do not exceed 2 teaspoons to maintain dough consistency.
  • Mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit can be added up to 1 cup for variation.
  • Make sure butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easier cleanup.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Keywords: sweetened condensed milk snowballs, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies, easy cookie recipes