Melting Moments: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Introduction:
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth with every bite. Lightly golden and dusted generously with confectioner’s sugar, they bring a cozy, festive feel to any table. Perfect for winter holidays, afternoon tea, or simply a comforting snack, these cookies have a timeless charm that’s been loved across generations. Their soft crumb and subtle sweetness make them a classic family favorite.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your butter is fully softened—not melted—before creaming. This helps create a light, tender dough that results in perfectly soft and crumbly cookies every time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair these snowball cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Serve them alongside a fruit platter or citrus salad to balance their sweetness.
- They make beautiful edible gifts—package in a pretty tin or box for holidays and special occasions.
Variations:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing zing.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finish.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: To cream butter and condensed milk until smooth.
- Sifter: To ensure the flour, baking powder, and confectioner’s sugar are lump-free.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without sogginess.
Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature butter for the best dough texture.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added — mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Roll dough balls evenly sized to ensure consistent baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time; cookies should be just slightly golden, not browned.
- Dust with confectioner’s sugar only after cookies have cooled slightly to avoid melting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a shortcut to melt-in-your-mouth bliss. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you get soft, buttery cookies that feel indulgent yet comforting. Their subtle sweetness and snowy sugar coating make them ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to impress without fuss. Plus, they store well, so you can bake ahead and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Recipe Card:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, mixing well until fully combined.
- Sift together flour and baking powder, then gradually add to wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are just slightly golden on the bottoms.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled but still slightly warm, dust generously with confectioner’s sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Table (per cookie, estimated):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
FAQ:
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
A: Yes! Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before dusting with sugar.
Q: Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk is key for texture and sweetness, but evaporated milk plus sugar isn’t a direct substitute. For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk.
Q: How do I reheat the cookies?
A: Warm gently in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly.
Q: Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
A: Absolutely! Adjust baking time accordingly—larger cookies may need a few extra minutes, smaller ones less time.
