Sweet Snowball Magic: Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar always spark joy at gatherings, and this sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies recipe delivers pure winter magic.

These delicate treats melt in your mouth with a delightful richness.

Creamy condensed milk adds unexpected depth to the classic snowball cookie texture.

Each bite brings a delicate crunch that gives way to a tender, sweet center.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making these cookies a perfect last-minute dessert.

Dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar, these snowballs will charm everyone at your holiday table.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread like fresh snowfall.

What Makes Snowball Cookies So Addictive

  • Simple Sweet Treat
  • Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, these snowball cookies guarantee success even for those with limited kitchen experience.
  • Versatile enough for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies appeal to all ages with their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating.
  • Using just a few basic kitchen tools like a mixer and baking sheet, this recipe ensures minimal mess and maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time savoring your creation.

What You’ll Need for Snowball Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Flour and Leavening Agent:
  • Flour: A classic ingredient that provides the base structure for these tender snowball cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
Dairy and Fat:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the sweet cookie base.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a beautiful white coating and extra touch of sweetness to the cooled cookies.

How to Roll Snowball Cookies Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Set the oven to 325°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Your kitchen is now ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Combine flour and baking powder in a medium bowl.

Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution and create a light, airy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Whip the Butter

Use a mixer to beat butter until it becomes fluffy and light.

This process takes about 2 minutes and creates the perfect creamy foundation for your cookies.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Mix sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped butter.

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.

Ingredients:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whipped butter

Step 5: Merge Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix gently until just combined.

Stop mixing as soon as no flour streaks remain to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12-14 minutes until bottoms turn light brown while tops remain pale.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar using a mesh strainer for a beautiful finish.

Tips to Make the Best Snowball Texture

  • Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient proportions to ensure consistent cookie texture and taste.
  • Allow butter to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, which helps create a smoother, more uniform dough.
  • Mix dry and wet ingredients minimally to prevent tough cookies, stopping just when ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Leave adequate room between cookie dough balls on the baking sheet to prevent spreading and ensure even baking.
  • Wait until cookies are completely cool before powdered sugar coating to prevent melting and achieve a beautiful, even white finish.

Storing and Reheating Snowball Cookies Right

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Place cookies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3 days for best taste and texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
  • Pair Creamy Sweet Treats: Complement these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies with rich, smooth beverages and desserts that enhance their delicate texture.
  • Create Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cappuccino or smooth latte, where the warm coffee's robust flavor beautifully balances the cookie's sweet, milky profile.
  • Match Dessert Wine Elegance: Select a chilled glass of moscato or late harvest riesling, whose gentle sweetness and light fruity notes will dance perfectly with the powdered sugar coating.
  • Explore Nutty Contrast: Add a small plate of toasted almonds or pistachios beside the cookies, providing a crunchy counterpoint to the soft, delicate cookie texture.

Creative Ways to Switch Up Snowball Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk made from coconut or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for added crunch and rich, nutty flavor, creating a more textured cookie experience.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and reduce powdered sugar dusting for diabetic-friendly or low-carb dietary needs.

FAQs

  • Why use sweetened condensed milk in these cookies?

Sweetened condensed milk adds incredible moisture and rich sweetness, creating a softer, more tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth compared to traditional snowball cookies.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

  • What if I don't have a stand mixer?

You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon. The key is to ensure the butter is very soft and well-creamed before adding other ingredients.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for light golden-brown edges and bottoms while the tops remain pale. They might seem slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool, creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Snowball cookies embrace winter’s sweet charm with condensed milk’s creamy richness. Powdered sugar-dusted morsels melt deliciously on palates, delivering pure comfort and nostalgic holiday warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk

Leavening and Flavoring:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure vanilla extract

Finishing:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar, for dusting cookies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Organize all ingredients for efficient preparation.
  2. Combine flour and baking powder in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution and aerate the mixture.
  3. Using a mixer, whip room-temperature butter until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  4. Blend sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the whipped butter, mixing until the mixture becomes uniformly creamy and well-integrated.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing. Stop mixing once flour is completely incorporated and no streaks remain.
  6. Portion dough using a cookie scoop, placing dollops about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, monitoring until cookie bottoms turn light golden while tops remain pale.
  7. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Once cooled, generously dust with powdered sugar using a mesh strainer for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is genuinely room temperature for seamless mixing and optimal cookie texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want more controlled spreading and a firmer cookie consistency.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the delicate snowball cookie structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 52 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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