Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Honestly, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is one of those delightful treats that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a little piece of winter magic anytime you want. I remember the first time I tried making these, and the simplicity just amazed me—the richness from the sweetened condensed milk combined with the buttery softness of the dough is pure perfection. They’re perfect for when you want a cozy snack or a tea-time treat that isn’t too complicated but still impresses everyone at the table.
What truly sets this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe apart is how tender, melt-in-your-mouth soft these little balls turn out. They work beautifully for holidays, casual get-togethers, or even just a quiet afternoon when you need a comforting bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize, so you can make you and your guests happy with minimal fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, but each plays an important role in achieving that perfect snowball texture and flavor. Here’s a quick heads-up: using softened butter makes mixing easier and results in a tender crumb, so don’t skip that step!
- Butter: Softened butter is best to ensure the dough binds well without being greasy.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is the star that adds just the right amount of sweetness and moistness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough; sift it for a lighter texture if you can.
- Baking Powder: Adds a subtle lift so your snowballs aren’t dense.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting—this final touch gives a snowy, pretty finish and a little extra sweetness.
Variations
I love playing around with this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe depending on the season or mood—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to add a splash of vanilla or toss in some chopped nuts, it’s a versatile base.
- Nutty Twist: Adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch—I tried this once for a Christmas party, and everyone loved the surprise texture!
- Chocolate Infusion: Swirling in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or dipping half the balls in melted chocolate is a game changer for chocolate lovers.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and you’re in business for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Spiced Snowballs: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom brings warmth and depth—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 until it’s light and fluffy—that usually takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Then, slowly add the sweetened condensed milk while mixing. This slow addition helps everything combine smoothly, keeping the mixture creamy and not too runny. Don’t rush here; patience guarantees a tender cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed so you get a gentle rise in each cookie. I always sift these together because it makes mixing easier and the dough less lumpy.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and condensed milk bowl, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will become soft but not sticky—if it feels too wet, add a pinch more flour, but be careful not to overdo it; the dough should stay tender. Once the dough comes together, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Shape the Snowballs and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter works well. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet with a bit of space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re lightly golden but still pale; you want them soft, not browned. Keep an eye on them because ovens vary!
Step 5: Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar
The magic final step: while the snowballs are still warm, generously dust them with confectioners’ sugar. This gives that snowy, festive look and a delicate sweetness in every bite. For extra snowy charm, I like to roll them in the sugar again once they’ve cooled—they look just like little snowballs from a winter wonderland.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishing simple with a dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of finely grated lemon zest on top to add a fresh, unexpected brightness. It’s subtle but really lifts the flavor, especially if you’re serving them with tea or coffee.
Side Dishes
These snowballs are sweet and soft on their own, but they’re fantastic paired with a cup of hot tea—earl grey or chai work beautifully. If you want to get fancy, serving them with vanilla Greek yogurt or a small bowl of berry compote gives a nice contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like arranging these snowballs on a pretty platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a festive touch. You can also serve them in little cupcake liners or stack them in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon as gifts. Little details make a big impression!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I’ve found that storing them between layers of parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps the sugar coating intact. They stay soft and just as tasty!
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or keep a stash, freezing works wonderfully. Lay the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh your snowballs, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes—this softens them up and revives that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Just avoid the microwave if you want to keep their delicate texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out the butter for a plant-based butter substitute that sticks well. Just be sure it’s softened and suitable for baking. The rest of the recipe can stay the same, but using a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk will keep it fully vegan.
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Why do my snowballs turn out crumbly?
Crumbly snowballs often mean the dough is too dry or hasn’t been mixed enough. Make sure you cream the butter and condensed milk thoroughly before adding the dry ingredients, and avoid adding too much flour. Also, chilling the dough helps it hold together better when shaping.
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Can I use granulated sugar instead of confectioners’ sugar for dusting?
It’s best to stick with confectioners’ sugar because it’s finely powdered and creates that soft “snowy” coating. Granulated sugar won’t give the same texture or appearance and can be a bit gritty against the tender cookie.
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How long do Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they usually stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, and you can keep them frozen for up to 1 month.
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Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?
Definitely! Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the wet ingredients is a wonderful way to boost flavor. I sometimes mix in a little lemon zest too for a citrusy hint that brightens the whole recipe.
Final Thoughts
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe has genuinely become a comfort favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours, too. The beauty lies in its simplicity paired with that wonderfully soft, buttery texture that feels like a hug in cookie form. Give it a go—whether to impress holiday guests or just to treat yourself on any old afternoon, these snowballs never disappoint.
PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are soft, buttery cookies with a sweet and delicate flavor, perfect for tea time or festive occasions. These easy-to-make snowballs use sweetened condensed milk for natural sweetness and a tender texture, dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
For Dusting
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Mix dough: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain tenderness.
- Shape snowballs: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies: Bake the snowballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Cool and dust: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll or dust the snowballs generously with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy effect.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and not brown on top.
- For variation, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: sweetened condensed milk cookies, snowball cookies, buttery cookies, easy dessert, holiday cookies
