There’s nothing quite like biting into a sweet, buttery snowball cookie that crumbles delicately in your mouth, leaving behind a soft sweetness and nutty aroma. These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, but they're just as perfect for everyday tea, festive gifts, or a cozy night in. Unlike traditional snowballs that rely heavily on butter, this version adds sweetened condensed milk, giving the cookies an incredibly tender texture and rich flavor that takes them to the next level.
What Makes These Snowball Cookies Special?
Classic snowball cookies—also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Butterballs—are made from a simple dough of flour, butter, sugar, and nuts. In this variation, sweetened condensed milk replaces some of the butter and sugar, delivering a chewier, creamier interior while still maintaining the delicate, powdered sugar-dusted exterior. They're easy to make, store beautifully, and never fail to impress.
Ingredients: Everything You Need for a Perfect Batch
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on size.
For the Cookie Dough:
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup (60ml) sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
For Rolling:
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1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Snowball Perfection
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
2. Cream Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and beat again until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Stir in the chopped nuts by hand.
4. Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Do not overbake—these cookies should stay tender and buttery.
6. Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again for that classic snowy finish.
Tips for Success
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Chop nuts finely to prevent cracking or crumbling during baking.
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For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding to the dough.
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Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the ideal cookie texture.
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Always use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk—they are not interchangeable.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake fresh as needed.
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Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing for a fresh appearance.
Flavor Variations to Try
These cookies are endlessly adaptable:
Chocolate Chip Snowballs
Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise inside.
Coconut Snowballs
Replace nuts with shredded sweetened coconut for a tropical flair.
Spiced Snowballs
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a cozy, autumnal twist.
Lemon Snowballs
Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
These cookies are elegant, understated, and absolutely delicious on their own. But for a little extra magic:
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Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or a chilled glass of milk
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Pair with peppermint bark or truffles on a festive dessert tray
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Wrap in cellophane with ribbon for holiday gifts or wedding favors
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Include in a cookie exchange or bake sale for guaranteed crowd-pleasers
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
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Calories: 110
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 11g
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Sugar: 5g
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Protein: 1g
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Sodium: 45mg
These cookies are rich but small—perfect for a guilt-free indulgence when you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and nostalgic.
Final Thoughts
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are more than just a holiday favorite—they're a melt-in-your-mouth memory wrapped in powdered sugar. With minimal ingredients, quick prep, and endless versatility, they’re a go-to recipe for anyone who loves buttery, nutty, lightly sweet cookies with a touch of elegance. Once you try them, you’ll be making them for every season, celebration, or cozy weekend at home.
