A Deliciously Simple Treat
There’s something magical about the first bite of a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dusted with powdered sugar. Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are exactly that kind of magic. These cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a wintertime treat to share with loved ones or a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. It’s straightforward, quick to prepare, and yields cookies that feel like a hug in dessert form. These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies:
- Require minimal ingredients: You only need butter, sweetened condensed milk, flour, baking powder, and confectioner’s sugar.
- Are quick to bake: From start to finish, you can have warm cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
- Offer versatile customization: You can easily adapt this recipe to include flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon zest.
- Pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is forgiving and fun to make—perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday trays, or just a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Notes on Ingredients:
- Butter: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives the cookies their rich, creamy texture and sweetness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF version.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: The light dusting of sugar adds that signature snowball look and extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cream the butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter until smooth.
- Add the condensed milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop small amounts of dough (about 1 tablespoon), roll into balls, and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden.
- Cool and dust: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before dusting them generously with confectioner’s sugar.
- Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Sifter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
- Even Spacing: Leave at least an inch between cookies to allow for slight spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain pale with just a hint of golden color at the edges. Overbaking can make them dry.
Variations and Swaps
- Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Nuts: Mix in finely chopped pecans or almonds for added texture and a nutty twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent finish.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
How to Store and Serve
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If frozen, let the cookies thaw at room temperature before serving. You can refresh them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A chilled glass of milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead and freeze them.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted. Chilling the dough before baking can also help reduce spreading.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just ensure you mix the ingredients evenly.
Final Thoughts
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting homemade sweets, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Share the Joy
If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments below how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes like this one. Happy baking!