Name: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

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If you’re anything like me and crave a little sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and irresistible, this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized delights are perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodies that combine the rich creaminess of sweetened condensed milk with a delicate crumb from the flour and baking powder. The slight dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top adds just the right touch of sweetness and looks like little winter snowballs—so festive and fun!

What I love most is how simple they are to whip up, yet they impress every time. These snowballs work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever that sweet tooth kicks in. Plus, if you’ve been searching for a reliable, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that isn’t overly complicated, the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, making sure your snowballs come out soft, tasty, and with that perfect amount of sweetness. Grab quality butter and don’t skip the baking powder—it’s what makes these cookies tender and light rather than dense.

Butter: Using softened butter ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, giving you that rich, buttery flavor we all love.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and moisture, making the cookies incredibly tender and keeps them fresh longer.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, choose good quality flour for a consistent texture.
Baking powder: A must to help the cookies rise just enough for that soft, almost cakey bite.
Confectioners’ sugar: Perfect for coating, it adds a touch of sweetness and gives the “snowball” effect you’re aiming for.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or mood. The beauty of this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to add in your favorite twists and make it your own.

Nutty snowballs: Adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts gives a delightful crunch and a bit of earthiness; I loved this variation during the holidays last year!
Chocolate-dusted: Swap the confectioners’ sugar for cocoa powder or mix both for a mocha twist—a personal favorite for afternoon coffee breaks.
Gluten-free option: I’ve replaced the flour with a gluten-free blend and had fantastic results, just be sure to check the blend includes baking powder or add it separately.
Spiced snowballs: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg spices things up nicely and makes them perfect for chilly evenings.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by beating the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it ensures the cookie dough is evenly moistened and that lovely sweet flavor infuses throughout. I use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease work just fine.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and prevents lumps, which I’ve learned from experience makes the texture way smoother. Once combined, gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Form the Snowballs

Roll the dough into small, walnut-sized balls with your hands—don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round, I never fuss too much here! Place them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.

Step 4: Bake and Dust with Sugar

Bake your snowballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just turning golden. The key is not to overbake—these cookies are meant to be tender and soft, not crunchy. Once out, let them cool slightly, then roll them generously in confectioners’ sugar while they’re still warm so the sugar sticks beautifully.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

A red bowl filled with about a dozen round cookies stacked in layers, each cookie light golden brown in color and dusted with a thick layer of white powdered sugar. The bowl is lined with crumpled white parchment paper that peeks out around the cookies, adding texture and softness. A woman's hand gently holds the bowl on a wooden surface, while the background shows a white marbled texture. The overall look is cozy and inviting, with the soft powdered sugar contrasting the smooth surface of the cookies, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and stick to that classic dusting of confectioners’ sugar. But for a little something extra, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest works wonders and adds an elegant touch I love sharing with guests.

Side Dishes

These snowballs are fantastic alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. Sometimes, I serve them with fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream for a dessert party. The sweet, creamy texture pairs especially well with something tart or fruity.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these is stacked on a pretty cake stand or nestled in decorative cupcake liners for holiday parties. For birthdays or gatherings, assembling a “snowball tower” with little edible decorations like mint leaves or candied cranberries adds a festive wow factor that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay fresh for up to five days, which for me is never a problem because they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This has saved me on busy days more times than I can count!

Reheating

To refresh leftover snowballs, I warm them gently in a low oven (about 275°F) for just 5 minutes—this brings back that wonderful softness and makes them taste freshly baked. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit chewy instead of tender.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe?

You can use margarine, but butter provides better flavor and texture. Margarine might affect the richness and could make the cookie less tender. If you want that classic buttery taste, I’d stick to real butter.
Why is baking powder important in this recipe?

Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the snowballs rise slightly and become soft and cakey rather than dense. Without it, the cookies might turn out too heavy and compact.
Can I make these snowballs dairy-free?

For dairy-free versions, try using a vegan butter substitute and look for sweetened condensed coconut milk to replace the regular condensed milk. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the snowballs from sticking together after baking?

Rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar while they are still warm helps create that protective coating that keeps them separate. Also, store them in layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract adds wonderful depth to the snowballs. I often add vanilla and feel it gives a lovely warmth that complements the condensed milk perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely recommend trying this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. It’s one of those simple, comforting recipes that never fails to bring a smile—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just savoring on your own with a hot cup of tea. I hope you’ll enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—happy baking!