Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe! These little treats are such a nostalgic delight—they remind me of cozy winter afternoons spent baking with my family, filling the kitchen with the warm aroma of butter and sweet powdered sugar. The magic here is how the sweetened condensed milk makes the snowballs melt-in-your-mouth soft while keeping them perfectly moist, unlike your typical dry cookies.

This recipe really shines when you want a simple, no-fuss dessert that feels homemade but looks like you put in a ton of love (because you did!). Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, making treats for the kids, or just craving something sweet with your afternoon tea, these snowballs hit the spot every time. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip them up whenever the mood strikes without a last-minute store run.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to create that delicate, melt-away texture. Each component plays a role, so it’s worth having everything ready and measured before you start.

• Butter: Using softened butter is key here—it blends smoothly with the condensed milk and gives richness to the dough.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient that keeps the cookies moist and sweet without a ton of added sugar.
• All-purpose Flour: Provides the structure to the dough. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• Baking Powder: Adds just enough lift so the cookies don’t become too dense or crumbly.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This is for rolling the snowballs to create a perfect snowy coating—don’t skip this step!

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can make them your own by swapping flavors or adding little surprises inside. Don’t be shy—experimenting keeps baking fun!

• Nutty Snowballs: I sometimes add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. It gives a nice contrast to the soft texture and adds a subtle nutty flavor that’s irresistible.
• Chocolate Kisses: For a festive twist, I’ll press a chocolate kiss in the center before baking. It melts into a little chocolate pocket that’s pure joy.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend you trust. I’ve done this successfully with a mix that has xanthan gum—just watch the dough consistency and adjust if needed.
• Citrus Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor and balances all the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by beating together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. The butter should be soft enough to blend easily but not melting, so room temperature is perfect. This creamy base is what gives the snowballs their melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Sifting or stirring well helps avoid lumps and ensures an even rise throughout the dough. If your baking powder is a little old, this is a good time to test it for freshness—you want those snowballs to puff up nicely.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients to Form Dough

Gradually add the flour mixture into your creamed butter and condensed milk, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula to combine. The dough should come together but still feel tender, not stiff or dry. If it feels crumbly, a tablespoon or two of condensed milk can help. Resist over-mixing, or you’ll risk developing gluten and losing that soft texture.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I find working with slightly chilled dough helps—it’s less sticky and easier to shape. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking; this step really helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the snowballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking will dry them out. They should still look pale on top; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Roll in Confectioners’ Sugar

As soon as you take the snowballs out of the oven, while they’re still warm, carefully roll them in a bowl of confectioners’ sugar until fully coated. You can do two rounds of rolling if you want a thicker, snowier appearance. This step is so satisfying—the sugar melts slightly and sticks perfectly, creating that classic “snowball” look and taste.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with just a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for that authentic snowy feel. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or edible glitter on top for a little flair when serving these at parties. It’s subtle but adds a festive touch without taking away from the sweet, buttery flavor.

Side Dishes

These snowballs pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. I often serve them alongside a tart fruit compote or a scoop of fresh berries to balance the richness. They’re also a fun addition to cookie trays or dessert boards alongside spiced nuts and dried fruits.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like arranging these snowballs in little paper candy cups or stacking them pyramid-style on a pretty cake stand. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a touch of melted white or dark chocolate over the top and add a sprig of mint or rosemary for a gorgeous, edible centerpiece. They also look lovely wrapped in parchment and tied with twine when given as gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sweetened condensed milk snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, although they rarely last that long in my house! If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in a cool pantry is best.

Freezing

These snowballs freeze beautifully. I recommend rolling them in confectioners’ sugar first, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper. When I’ve frozen them, they thaw perfectly overnight in the fridge without losing their delicate texture—ready to enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Reheating

If you prefer your snowballs slightly warm, I gently reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them soft without drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy or cause the sugar coating to melt too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is one of those comforting classics I keep coming back to because it’s simple, dependable, and absolutely delicious. It feels like a warm hug on a cold day and never fails to bring smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—they’re the kind of treat that makes every baking session feel special.

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