Sweet and Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
There’s something absolutely magical about baking during the holidays. For us, no Christmas cookie platter feels complete without our homemade sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies. They’re soft, buttery, and they quite literally melt in your mouth with that perfect snowy sugar coating. Every year, our family gathers in the kitchen, laughing and chatting, as we roll these sweet little snowballs.
If you’re new to these treats, you’re about to discover why they’re one of the best winter cookie recipes around. Let’s dive into why these sweetened condensed milk snowballs should be the star of your holiday baking lineup.
Description of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Our sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, festive little morsels dusted in powdered sugar to resemble tiny snowballs. Made with just a few pantry staples, these cookies are deceptively simple yet incredibly impressive. Trust me, once you try one, you’ll want an entire batch for yourself!
Importance for the Holiday Season
We all love that feeling of cozy holiday baking, right? These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snow Ball Cookies bring festive cheer to every gathering. Whether you’re setting up a holiday dessert table or filling tins for cookie exchanges, these snowballs will steal the spotlight!
By the way, if you’re looking to expand your holiday cookie collection, you must check out our Cottage Cheese Cookies — they are a sleeper hit!
Popularity and Background of the 3-Ingredient Base Recipe
The base recipe for these sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies became an instant hit last year on our blog. Originally just 3 ingredients, it quickly earned its place as a reader favorite because it was ridiculously easy and absolutely delicious.
Our readers loved how versatile it was, so naturally, we decided to dress it up this year into these festive snowballs inspired by classic Mexican wedding cookies and Russian tea cakes—with our buttery twist!
Inspiration for Creating a Festive Twist
Honestly? We just love a good holiday glow-up. Taking the simplicity of the original and layering it with powdered sugar, crunchy nuts, and that unmistakable festive feeling made these sweetened condensed snowball cookies a no-brainer addition to our Christmas cookie tray!
Ingredients Overview
List of Key Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own batch of sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies:
Unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
All-purpose flour
Sweetened condensed milk
Powdered sugar
Chopped nuts (optional)
Notes on Ingredient Selection
Unsalted Butter
Always use chilled, cubed unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, skip the extra pinch of salt in the recipe.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
The star of the show! It adds moisture and sweetness, eliminating the need for extra sugar or eggs.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar gives our Sweetened Condensed Snowball Cookies their snowy, festive appearance and a sweet outer crunch.
Nuts (Optional Add-in)
Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work beautifully. Toast them first for an extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Let’s get ready to roll!
Making the Dough
Mixing Butter, Flour, and Salt
In a large bowl, rub together the chilled butter, flour, and salt with your fingertips until it looks like wet sand.
Adding Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour in the luscious sweetened condensed milk and gently mix everything with your hands until a soft dough forms. We’re aiming for a tender touch here, not overworked dough!
Shaping the Cookies
Rolling into Smooth Balls
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. This step is so satisfying, we often have the kids help!
Arranging on the Baking Sheet
Place the cookie balls on the tray with a little space between each one.
Baking the Cookies
Monitoring for Lightly Golden Bottoms
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely—the tops should stay pale while the bottoms turn lightly golden.
Coating the Cookies
First Rolling in Powdered Sugar While Warm
Once baked, let them cool slightly and then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Cooling on a Wire Rack
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Second Rolling for a Thicker Sugar Coating
After cooling, roll them again for that classic thick, snowy layer!
Speaking of snowy treats, if you love cookies that sparkle, don’t miss our Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!
Storage Instructions
Storing at Room Temperature
Store these beauties in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Refrigerating the Cookies
You can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temp before serving.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
Freeze baked sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Gifting
Fill decorative tins or cellophane bags with your cookies, and you’ve got a heartfelt homemade gift!
For more crowd-pleasing gift ideas, check out our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!
Best Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
Use Chilled, Cubed Butter
This keeps the dough texture perfect—trust me, melted butter is a disaster here.
Avoid Overmixing Dough
Mix just until combined to maintain a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Roll Cookies in Sugar Twice
The double roll guarantees that dreamy snowy look and extra sweetness.
Flavoring Options
Add vanilla extract or almond extract depending on your flavor preference.
Add-ins Like Nuts or Mini Chocolate Chips
Customize your snowballs with chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips!
Festive Spice Additions
Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a cozy holiday vibe.
Size Consistency Using Scoops
Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies.
Baking Tips to Prevent Overbaking
Only the bottoms should be lightly golden. The tops must stay pale.
Freezing Tips for Advance Preparation
Bake ahead and freeze these sweetened condensed milk snowballs to save holiday stress!
Packaging Ideas for Gifts
Decorate with festive bows, tins, or themed wrapping.
Creative Variations and Add-ins
Spiced Snowball Cookies
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough for a warm festive flavor.
Chocolate Snowballs
Mix cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips into the dough.
Nut-Free Option
Use oats or mini chocolate chips instead of nuts, and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Add shredded coconut inside the dough and roll in extra coconut for a tropical twist.
Coffee-Infused Snowballs
Mix in a little instant coffee for a mocha flavor!
Lemon or Orange Snowballs
Add citrus zest and a light glaze for a tangy pop.
Pistachio Snowball Cookies
Swap nuts for pistachios and add a dash of rosewater.
Berry Snowball Cookies
Chop dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots into the dough for fruity notes.
If you love customizing cookies, you’ll also go love too for our Bakery-Style Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Serving Suggestions
How to Present Snowball Cookies
Pile them into festive bowls or tiered trays, and dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for a fresh snow effect.
Ideas for Cookie Platters and Gift Boxes
Pair them with German Chocolate Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookies for an irresistible Christmas platter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of butter should I use?
Always use chilled, cubed unsalted butter for the perfect texture.
Can I freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully for up to two months.
How do I make these cookies nut-free?
Swap out the nuts for mini chocolate chips or oats!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
About five days at room temperature—or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I add different flavors or mix-ins?
Of course! Citrus zest, spices, or coffee granules work wonderfully.
Related Recipes to Try
Sweet and Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 113g Unsalted Butter, cubed and chilled
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar plus more for coating
- Optional 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts, Pecans, or Almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, rub together chilled butter, flour, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Pour in sweetened condensed milk. Mix gently with hands until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll into smooth balls.
- Place dough balls on the baking tray, spacing slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should stay pale).
- Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Place cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll in powdered sugar again after cooling for a thick, snowy finish.
Notes
- Use chilled butter to achieve the best tender texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Double-coat cookies in powdered sugar for a snowy appearance.
- Add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Optional add-ins include chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and re-roll in sugar before serving.
- Customize with festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest!
I can’t even begin to describe how much joy these sweet and condensed milk snowball cookies bring to our holidays. They’re easy, customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you keep them classic or add a creative twist, they’re bound to be a new family favorite.
Happy Baking! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more sweet inspiration!
