Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds; optional)
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and well combined. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls. If you’re adding chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The cookies won’t spread too much, so you don’t need to worry about them merging together.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the snowball cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. The tops of the cookies should remain pale. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake, as these cookies are meant to be soft and delicate.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack. While they’re still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar to give them their signature snowball-like appearance. For an extra festive touch, you can repeat this step after they’ve fully cooled.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cookies are completely cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat at your holiday gatherings, or package them up as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies

1. Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender, avoid overbaking them. They should remain light in color, and you’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms just begin to turn golden.
2. Customize the Nuts: While classic snowball cookies often include walnuts or pecans, you can use any nut you prefer. Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts would all be delicious options. Just be sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the dough.
3. Add a Touch of Cocoa: If you want to add a twist to the flavor, you can mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough. This will give the cookies a rich, chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetened condensed milk beautifully.
4. Make Them Smaller: For bite-sized treats, you can roll the dough into slightly smaller balls. This will give you more cookies per batch, perfect for sharing.
5. Gifting Tip: If you’re packaging these cookies as a gift, consider adding a ribbon or festive tag. A small box lined with parchment paper or a mason jar filled with cookies makes for a charming and thoughtful presentation.

Why Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk Are Perfect for the Holidays

There’s something undeniably festive about snowball cookies. With their delicate appearance and sweet, buttery flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray. The sweetened condensed milk enhances their texture, making them even softer and more indulgent than traditional snowball cookies. Plus, they’re easy to make, even in large batches, which is perfect for holiday baking marathons.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, looking to gift a batch of homemade cookies, or just enjoying a cozy moment at home, Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor are irresistible, making them perfect for any holiday or special occasion. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. With their simple beauty and delectable taste, these cookies will become a beloved tradition in your home.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, buttery perfection of these classic snowball cookies—because no holiday season is complete without them!