Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth treat that bring elegance and charm to any dessert table. Their delicate, snowy appearance comes from a generous dusting of powdered sugar, while the inside features a buttery, tender crumb with subtle hints of vanilla and cream. Whether served during the holidays or as an any-time cookie fix, these snowball cookies promise delight with every bite.
Why You’ll Love These
- Ultra Soft Texture: Thanks to sweetened condensed milk and butter, these cookies have a pillow-soft, tender bite that almost dissolves in your mouth.
- One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and easy steps mean less mess, less fuss, and perfect results every time.
- Beautiful for Sharing: The pristine powdered sugar coating and smooth, round shape make these cookies an eye-catching addition to holiday trays, bake sales, or tea parties.
- Customizable: Feel free to add finely chopped nuts, swap extracts, or even roll in coconut for a unique twist.
- Stays Fresh: They keep their soft texture for days, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with sweetened condensed milk and finished in snowy powdered sugar. Festive, easy, and irresistible!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in flour and salt just until a soft dough forms. If using, fold in finely chopped nuts. -
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each cookie. -
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are just turning golden (tops should remain pale). -
Coat with Sugar:
Cool cookies for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, re-roll in more powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 29mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in flour and salt just until a soft dough forms. If using, fold in finely chopped nuts. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each cookie. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are just turning golden (tops should remain pale). - Coat with Sugar:
Cool cookies for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, re-roll in more powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- To freeze, place cooled, uncoated cookies in a single layer in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with hot tea, cocoa, or coffee for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- Pair with citrus sorbet or fruit compote for a fresh contrast at dessert.
- Include in assorted cookie platters with other holiday favorites like gingerbread, thumbprints, or almond crescents.
Pro Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Use high quality European-style butter for maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream butter and sugar well to guarantee a tender, light crumb.
- Chill dough if it’s very soft or sticky; this makes shaping easier and prevents spreading.
- Don’t overbake—pull from the oven when bottoms are just golden.
- Roll twice in powdered sugar for the snowiest finish.
- Add almond or coconut extract for a delicious flavor twist.
Conclusion
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a simple yet stunning classic deserving a spot in every baker’s repertoire. With their powdery-white coats and meltaway centers, they’re perfect to share with loved ones or enjoy solo with your favorite mug of tea or coffee. Bringing together minimal ingredients and maximum delight, these snowballs are always a win—especially for gifting and festive trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these nut-free? Yes, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- Why did my cookies flatten? The dough may be too warm; chill before baking if needed.
- Can I flavor the dough? Vanilla is classic, but try lemon zest, almond, or coconut extract.
- How do I get the snowy look? Roll once when warm, and again after cooling.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, shape balls and freeze; bake from frozen, adding 2 mins to baking time.









