I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to use up an extra can of sweetened condensed milk. These snowballs are not your average cookies; they have a unique melt-in-your-mouth quality that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, they’re straightforward enough for anyone to tackle—even the kids! My youngest loves to help with the mixing and, of course, dusting the cookies with powdered sugar at the end. It’s a messy job, but someone’s gotta do it!
What I really enjoy about this recipe is how adaptable it can be. It’s a great base for adding flavors or ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts, making each batch a little different and exciting. Sometimes, I pop a splash of vanilla or almond extract into the mix for an extra kick, and let me tell ya, it never disappoints.
Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these snowballs are a surefire hit. They’re not only easy to prepare, but they also look pretty adorable on a plate, dusted in that lovely, powdered snow. Don’t be surprised if they disappear right off the serving tray!
The best part? You’ll spend more time laughing with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen, thanks to the quick prep and bake times. So let’s get started and make some lovely sweet memories with the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs!
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
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Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions
Begin by placing your softened butter in a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat the butter until it turns light and creamy, which should take about three minutes.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk into the butter while mixing. Continue this process for another two minutes. Feel free to add in up to two teaspoons of flavoring extract, like vanilla or almond, at this point for enhanced taste.
Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed evenly. Mix for another minute to ensure a smooth consistency.
Now it’s time to incorporate the flour and baking powder into your creamy mixture. Stir these in until just combined. If you’d like to add extras like chocolate chips or nuts, go ahead but keep it to about a cup.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into mounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s about two inches of space between each ball.
Bake in a preheated oven at 320°F for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking!
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Finally, while the snowballs are still warm, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar and let them cool completely. These cookies are best stored once cool, although they might be gone before you get the chance!
Storing Suggestion
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but if you want to savor them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying your sweet treats.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla or almond extract, but keep it to under two teaspoons. For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for forming the dough balls. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, remember not to exceed a cup to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
These snowballs are delightful as they are, but you can elevate their presentation by serving them on a decorative platter. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement their sweetness. For a festive touch, sift extra powdered sugar over them just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of butter, you can substitute it with margarine, though the flavor may slightly change. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And for a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk instead of regular.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, consider adding a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the mix for a warm flavor. During summer, mix in lemon zest for a refreshing twist. In spring, try adding dried lavender for a floral touch, and for winter, a bit of cinnamon can add a comforting aroma.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the butter and condensed milk, and gluten from the all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based butter and coconut condensed milk. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to slightly increase the baking time if the dough is chilled to ensure they cook through.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are ready when they have a slightly golden bottom and are set on top. Keep an eye on the bake time to prevent them from browning too much as they should remain pale on the surface.
Is there a way to make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar topping if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Alternatively, decrease the amount of condensed milk, but this might affect the texture slightly.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Add up to a cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking. They’ll add a delicious chocolatey element to the cookies that many people love.
What’s the best way to store extra cookies?
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan snowballs, use plant-based butter and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based condensed milk. Ensure any extra ingredients like chocolate chips are also vegan-certified.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Start by placing the softened butter in a mixing bowl, then beat it until it's light and creamy, about three minutes.
- Next, add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter, mixing for another two minutes. If you want to add flavor (like vanilla or almond extract), do so at this stage but keep it under 2 teaspoons!
- Scrape down the bowl's sides and give it another minute of mixing to ensure everything is well combined.
- Now it's time to add the flour and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients into the butter and milk blend until they come together. If you're adding in extras like chocolate chips or nuts, do that now but stick to a cup or less!
- Use a cookie scoop to create mounds of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each mound.
- Bake these treats in a preheated oven at 320 degrees F for 12 minutes.
- Once baked, let them cool on the pan for around five minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
- Finally, dust the warm cookies with plenty of powdered sugar for that delightful finish. Let them cool completely before you store them away—if they last that long!
