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

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe! These little delights are melt-in-your-mouth tender, subtly sweet, and have that perfect crumbly texture that makes you want to eat just one more. What I love most is how effortlessly sweetened condensed milk transforms this humble cookie dough into something undeniably rich and cozy—perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking bites during the holidays.

This recipe shines especially during chilly afternoons when a warm cup of tea and a plate of these snowballs make all worries fade away. Plus, the ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, so you can whip these up last minute when guests drop by. Trust me, once you try this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for festive gatherings or any time you crave a soft, buttery treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe has a role to play, working harmoniously to create that signature soft texture and subtle sweetness. Here’s a quick rundown along with a few shopping tips to help make your baking smoother.

Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for the best blending. Softening it at room temperature ensures your dough mixes evenly.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret weapon here—adds moisture and natural sweetness, making these cookies irresistibly tender.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie structure. Make sure it’s fresh for best results and not packed too tightly when measuring.
Baking powder: This helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them light, so don’t substitute with baking soda unless you adjust for acidity.
Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting, giving these snowballs their characteristic snowy finish and a hint of extra sweetness.

Variations

I like to experiment a bit with this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. It’s so flexible, allowing you to get creative while still delivering that classic comfort taste.

Chocolate-dipped snowballs: A personal favorite! After baking, I dip half of each snowball in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist that’s always a hit.
Nutty addition: Sometimes I mix finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the dough for extra crunch and flavor—adds a nice dimension without overpowering the cookie’s softness.
Gluten-free option: Subbing in a gluten-free flour blend works surprisingly well if you watch the moisture levels—you might need a touch more condensed milk.
Spiced snowballs: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg lends cozy warmth, perfect for fall and winter vibes.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by beating your softened butter until it’s smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, slowly add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until everything is combined into a creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it sets the base for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the dough to hold together without becoming tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Your Snowballs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes—the edges should be set but the cookies will still look slightly soft on top.

Step 4: Coat with Confectioners’ Sugar

While the cookies are still warm but cool enough to handle, gently roll them in confectioners’ sugar to give them their signature snowy finish. This double-coating technique (once fresh from the oven and again after cooling) creates an irresistible powdery exterior.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

A bright red bowl lined with white parchment holds a pile of round, light beige cookies, each dusted heavily with fine white powdered sugar. The cookies are arranged in three visible layers, with some cookies resting on top of others, creating a small mound. A woman's hand is holding the bowl gently on the left side. The bowl is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar to enhance the “snowball” look. If I’m feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or chopped toasted pistachios adds just enough color and a subtle zing that lifts the flavor.

Side Dishes

These snowballs pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai or peppermint tea, which perfectly complements their buttery sweetness. For an afternoon treat, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these snowballs in a pyramid shape on a decorative plate, dusting extra confectioners’ sugar on top for a magical snowfall effect. You can also place them in pretty parchment cups for individual servings—makes for such a charming presentation and easy clean-up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! To keep the powdered sugar from clumping, I add a little extra fresh dusting just before serving.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for later, freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time. This trick saves me on busy days and still delivers that fresh-baked taste I love.

Reheating

Reheating these snowballs is simple: pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh that soft texture. Avoid microwaving, which can dry them out. I find this little step brings back that just-baked softness like magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk in this recipe?

Evaporated milk doesn’t have the sweetness and thickness of sweetened condensed milk, so substituting it directly will likely result in less tender, less sweet cookies. If you want to swap, you’d need to add extra sugar and reduce other liquids to compensate, but it’s easier to stick to sweetened condensed milk here for best results.
Why are my Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs turning out dry?

Dryness can happen if you overbake them or use flour that’s packed too tightly, leading to excess flour in the dough. Be sure to bake just until the edges are set and measure your flour by spooning into the cup instead of scooping directly. Also, the sweetened condensed milk adds moisture, so make sure to use the full amount called for.
Can I make these snowballs vegan?

Making a vegan version is a bit tricky since sweetened condensed milk and butter are key here, but you can try plant-based butter and homemade or store-bought vegan condensed milk alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may vary, so some experimentation might be necessary to get it just right.
How do I prevent the confectioners’ sugar coating from melting?

Rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar while they’re warm but not hot helps the sugar stick well. Once fully cooled, give them a second light dusting. Store the cookies in a cool, dry place so the sugar doesn’t dissolve or clump due to humidity.
What’s the best flour to use for these snowballs?

All-purpose flour is ideal because it gives the right balance of structure and tenderness. You can experiment with cake flour for an even softer texture, but it may make the dough a bit more delicate to handle.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe countless times, and it never fails to bring smiles around my kitchen table. It’s one of those simple yet comforting treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, I truly think you’ll enjoy how these snowballs melt on your tongue and fill your home with a sweet, cozy aroma. Give them a try—your friends and family will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite to bake again and again!