If there’s one cookie that captures the magic of the holiday season, it’s the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookie. These classic treats are soft, buttery, delicately sweet, and dusted with a snowy coat of powdered sugar that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right hint of vanilla, these cookies are destined to become a year-round favorite — but they truly shine as a holiday staple.
Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies
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Made with simple pantry staples
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No eggs needed, perfect for those with allergies
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Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and moisture
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Festive and elegant enough for holiday gifting
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Perfectly tender and buttery with a delicate crumb
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Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Base Dough:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended)
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Snowy Finish:
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1–1½ cups powdered sugar, for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined and silky.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed. The dough will start to come together and thicken. Stir in the chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too wet, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and the cookies should not brown much.
Important: Do not overbake. These cookies are meant to be tender and light.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This helps the sugar adhere and form the classic “snowball” appearance.
Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a generous snowy coating.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
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Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a tender crumb.
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Sweetened condensed milk adds both richness and moisture—don’t substitute it with evaporated milk or regular milk.
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Chop your nuts finely to maintain a smooth texture throughout.
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Double coat with powdered sugar—once while warm, again after cooling—for a perfect snowy look.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips for a cocoa-infused twist.
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Lemon Snowballs: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough and a dash of lemon extract.
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Spiced Snowballs: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
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Coconut Snowballs: Add shredded coconut to the dough and roll in coconut-flavored powdered sugar.
Perfect for Every Holiday Gathering
These sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies are perfect for:
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Christmas cookie trays
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Holiday swaps and parties
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Edible gifts and cookie boxes
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Wedding showers and tea parties
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Everyday treats with coffee or tea
They bring old-fashioned charm and timeless flavor, making them a treasured tradition in homes around the world.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guide
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Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
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Freeze: Freeze baked (and cooled) cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Freeze without powdered sugar and coat after thawing for best results.
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Make-ahead dough: You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Is the Secret Ingredient
Most traditional snowball cookies use sugar and eggs, but sweetened condensed milk offers both sweetness and moisture, creating a velvety soft texture you won’t find in other recipes. It acts as a binding agent and adds a luxurious richness that elevates these cookies to bakery-level bliss.
Conclusion: A Classic Recipe Worth Passing Down
These melt-in-your-mouth sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies bring more than just sweet satisfaction — they carry the nostalgia and warmth of the holidays in every bite. Easy to make, stunning to serve, and universally adored, they deserve a place in your baking repertoire year after year.
Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa, these snowball cookies are pure, snowy joy on a plate.
