The holidays are synonymous with baking, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats, with their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and snowy powdered sugar coating, are a must-have for your Christmas cookie platter. Perfectly sweetened with condensed milk, they’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and utterly irresistible. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (butter is key for that rich, tender crumb)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (adds sweetness and helps bind the dough)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for a subtle, balanced sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (creates the perfect structure for these cookies)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness)
- 1½ cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty, crunchy texture)
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for that signature snowy appearance)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated. This creaming step is crucial to achieve the soft, delicate texture of the cookies.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well, ensuring its flavor infuses the batter evenly.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir just until combined; overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The nuts provide the perfect crunch and balance to the sweetness.
2. Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.
3. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should remain pale, preserving their delicate snowball-like appearance. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookies dry.
4. Coat the Cookies
The magic of these cookies lies in their powdered sugar coating, which gives them their iconic “snowball” look:
- Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully to the cookies.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thick, snowy coating. This double-coating step enhances their festive charm and sweetness.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
- Toast the Nuts:
For extra depth of flavor, toast the nuts before chopping. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the dough. - Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Their flavor actually improves over time, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings. - Custom Variations:
- Use a mix of nuts or even swap them for mini chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
- Simple and Elegant: The soft texture, rich flavor, and snowy finish make these cookies both easy to make and visually appealing.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping roll the dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar.
- Festive Versatility: These cookies fit seamlessly into any holiday dessert spread and pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies: A Timeless Treat
As you bake these cookies, your home will be filled with the delightful aroma of butter, vanilla, and toasted nuts—bringing an instant sense of holiday cheer. Whether you’re making them for your family, gifting them to friends, or adding them to your holiday cookie exchange, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.