Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite and an all-year-round crowd-pleaser. These little snowballs of joy are buttery, soft, nutty, and coated in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. The secret to their unmatched texture and flavor? Sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich, creamy sweetness that elevates this classic cookie to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
These cookies are:
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Soft and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
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Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
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Perfect for the holidays or special occasions
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Ideal for gifting or tea-time treats
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Nutty, sweet, and coated in snowy sugar
Whether you know them as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Butterballs, this recipe stands out thanks to the creaminess and moisture from the sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies with Sweetened Condensed Milk
You’ll need only a handful of ingredients to bring these cookies to life:
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1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
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1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat again until fully incorporated. The mixture should be pale and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops are still pale.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm.
Once completely cooled, give them a second coating for that perfect snowy look.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
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Use finely chopped nuts for smoother texture.
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Don’t overbake – they should be pale on top with just a hint of golden brown underneath.
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Double coat with sugar for the perfect finish.
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Store in an airtight container with a layer of powdered sugar at the bottom to keep them fresh and festive.
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Freeze raw dough or baked cookies easily for future baking or serving.
Flavor Variations
Try these delicious twists:
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Chocolate Chip Snowballs – Add mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty surprise.
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Coconut Snowballs – Mix in shredded coconut for extra chew.
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Cinnamon Spice – Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
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Lemon or Orange Zest – Brighten the flavor with citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for:
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Holiday cookie trays
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Wedding or baby showers
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Festive gift boxes
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Coffee or tea pairings
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After-dinner treats
Their elegant appearance and delicate flavor make them ideal for any occasion that calls for something sweet, buttery, and beautiful.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They may last longer, but the powdered sugar coating is best fresh.
Freezing:
Freeze the cookies uncoated in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes! Simply omit the nuts. You may want to add a few more tablespoons of flour if the dough feels too wet.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch with slightly different results.
What kind of nuts are best?
Pecans and walnuts are most traditional, but almonds or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully.
How do I know when they’re done?
The bottoms should be lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and crack-free.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
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Calories: 120–140
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Fat: 8–10g
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Carbohydrates: 12–14g
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Sugar: 4–6g
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Protein: 1–2g
(Values may vary depending on size and ingredients used)
Conclusion: A Classic Cookie with a Creamy Upgrade
If you’re looking for a buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet cookie with a nostalgic feel and a creamy twist, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the answer. They’re elegant, delicious, and sure to become a treasured recipe in your home.
Whether for the holidays or a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies melt in your mouth and leave a lasting impression.
