When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing more satisfying than indulging in melt-in-your-mouth cookies that bring both warmth and joy to your home. Among the many treats that define this special time of year, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies stand out as a timeless classic. These delicate, buttery cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or simply enjoying a cozy moment with a cup of hot cocoa. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and simple ingredients creates a cookie that is irresistibly soft and deliciously sweet.
These snowball cookies, often known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are known for their powdery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the addition of sweetened condensed milk takes them to a whole new level of richness. If you’ve never tried them, it’s time to discover why these treats are loved by many for their flaky texture, subtle sweetness, and meltaway consistency.
Why You'll Love Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
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Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are known for their soft, crumbly texture that just melts away with each bite, thanks to the creamy richness of sweetened condensed milk.
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Simple ingredients: The best part? You likely already have all the ingredients you need to make these cookies, including butter, flour, powdered sugar, and of course, sweetened condensed milk.
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Perfect for gifting: These cookies are ideal for holiday gift-giving or creating a cookie platter to share with friends and family during the festive season.
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Easy to make: With minimal prep and no special equipment needed, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious snowball cookies in no time.
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Classic holiday treat: These cookies are a holiday tradition for many, and once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time.
Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
The ingredients for these snowball cookies are simple, but the flavor and texture they create are extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup chopped nuts (optional, traditional recipes often use walnuts or pecans)
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
These snowball cookies come together with just a few easy steps. The process is quick and simple, making it an ideal treat to whip up when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy something homemade and delicious.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a smooth, airy base for your cookies. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (or almond extract) and continue to mix until everything is fully combined.
Next, gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage. The nuts add an extra crunch and flavor, but they’re optional if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to over-bake, as these cookies are meant to be soft and delicate.
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Step 4: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to create that signature snowball effect. For an extra layer of sweetness, you can roll the cookies a second time in powdered sugar once they’ve cooled completely. The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies their classic appearance and sweet finish.
Step 5: Let Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies have been coated in powdered sugar, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. These cookies are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled to room temperature, as the sugar coating will set and the texture will reach its full melt-in-your-mouth potential.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
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Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting to ensure it creams easily with the powdered sugar.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can result in denser cookies.
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Chill the dough (optional): If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg: For a subtle spiced flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
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Nuts: Traditional snowball cookies often include chopped walnuts or pecans. If you like a little crunch, feel free to add them into your dough, or you can sprinkle them on top of the cookie balls before baking.
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Store properly: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for up to two weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead of time.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
These snowball cookies are a holiday tradition for many families, and it’s easy to see why. The rich sweetness from the sweetened condensed milk, combined with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes each bite a pure indulgence. The light and delicate nature of these cookies, paired with their powdered sugar coating, evokes feelings of warmth and joy, making them the perfect treat for holiday celebrations.
These cookies are versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain, with nuts, or with a touch of spice, you’ll find that Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a true classic that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your holiday cookie rotation.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Make Holiday Treat
If you're looking for an easy, delicious holiday cookie that will impress your guests and bring smiles to everyone’s face, look no further than Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. These soft, buttery, and sweet cookies will melt in your mouth and leave everyone asking for the recipe. With their simple ingredients, quick prep time, and crowd-pleasing flavor, they are truly a holiday classic you’ll want to make year after year.
