When it comes to holiday baking, few things bring as much warmth and delight as these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs cookies! Each bite of these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats is filled with the sweet creaminess of condensed milk and a subtle crunch from finely ground walnuts. Rolled in a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies look like tiny snowballs and will be a beautiful addition to any cookie platter. Let’s dive in and make these little bites of joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup / 230 g / 8 oz butter, softened (salted or unsalted)
- 1/2 cup / 150 g / 5.3 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups / 240 g / 8.5 oz all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 1/2 cup / 110 g / 3.8 oz finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup / 50 g / 1.3 oz powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C / Gas mark 2), positioning a rack in the center. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk. Beat until the mixture becomes creamy and uniform. This can be done using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer if you prefer.
Step 3: Add Flour and Walnuts
Slowly mix in the flour and ground walnuts. Continue mixing until the dough just comes together, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball with your hands. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour. Arrange the cookies on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Snowballs
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar to a small bowl. While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the sugar until evenly coated, creating the classic “snowball” effect.
Step 8: Store the Cookies
Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container, using parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. At room temperature, they will last for about one week; if stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to two weeks.
Helpful Tips
- Chilling the Dough: If you find the dough to be too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This can make it easier to shape the cookies.
- Consistent Size: Using a cookie scoop will help you achieve uniform cookie sizes, which makes for even baking.
- Extra Dusting: For an extra snowy look, give the cookies a second roll in powdered sugar after they’ve cooled completely.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try using pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a fun chocolatey surprise!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets. The texture will still be soft and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s soft enough to roll into balls.
Q: Do I need to use sweetened condensed milk?
A: Yes, the sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies their characteristic sweetness and chewy texture, so it’s essential to the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
For the best results, store your snowball cookies in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They will keep for about one week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before you store them; otherwise, condensation could soften them.
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs with family and friends. They’ll be a holiday favorite in no time!
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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe: A Must for Holiday Baking!
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with sweetened condensed milk and ground walnuts, then dusted in powdered sugar. These delicate cookies are perfect for holiday baking and a festive addition to any cookie platter!
Ingredients
- 1 cup / 230 g / 8 oz butter, softened
- 1/2 cup / 150 g / 5.3 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups / 240 g / 8.5 oz all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup / 110 g / 3.8 oz finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup / 50 g / 1.3 oz powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and position the baking rack in the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour and walnuts, mixing until the dough just comes together. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each piece into a ball with your hands.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges, rotating the sheets halfway through.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Notes
- If the dough is sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling.
- For extra sweetness, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time after they’re fully cooled.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or your favorite nuts for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 129
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 19mg