Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies (Soft, Buttery & Snowy-Pretty)

The first time I made Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, it was one of those quiet winter days when the sun disappears early and the kitchen feels like the coziest place on earth. I had a can of sweetened condensed milk in the pantry, a little butter on the counter, and that familiar craving for something soft, delicate, and comforting. With a few tweaks suggested by James, our AI-powered virtual chef, the dough turned silky, the cookies baked up tender, and the powdered sugar finish looked like fresh snowfall.

These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies feel classic and modern at the same time—easy enough for a weekday, pretty enough for a holiday platter. If you love creamy, effortless treats like this No Bake Cheesecake Dessert (Creamy, Effortless & Crowd-Approved), you’ll adore the smooth richness condensed milk brings to every bite.

The cozy charm everyone craves

There’s a reason Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies vanish first on dessert trays: they’re buttery, cloud-soft, and gently sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Sweetened condensed milk doesn’t just add sweetness—it adds a creamy, almost caramel-kissed depth that makes the cookie taste richer than a standard shortbread.

They’re also a perfect “anytime” cookie: elegant for holidays, simple for weeknights, and beloved by kids and adults alike. If you’re building a dessert spread that has guaranteed appeal, pair them with a second reliable hit like this Crowd Pleasing Dessert (Guaranteed to Impress Every Guest). And when the weather turns chilly, these cookies fit beautifully beside your favorite Cozy Winter Dessert (Warm, Comforting & Perfect for Cold Nights) for that comforting, candlelit vibe.

Ingredients & the base dough that never fails

Ingredients (Detailed)

Cookie base

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

Optional mix-ins

• ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Topping

• 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for rolling, twice)

👉 For food safety using dairy and baked goods, refer to FSIS guidelines: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

If you’re someone who loves silky, creamy textures, the condensed milk base will remind you of the smooth indulgence found in a Creamy Dessert Recipe (Smooth, Indulgent & Always a Hit)—except here, it’s wrapped into a tender cookie.

Technique tip (inspired by Serious Eats)

For truly delicate Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, mix gently and stop early. Cream the butter just until smooth (not fluffy), then blend in the condensed milk slowly so the dough stays tight and tender. Overmixing can add too much air and make cookies drier. For more technique-driven baking guidance, see https://www.seriouseats.com/. If you’re also into dreamy, low-effort sweets, you’ll probably love this No Bake Creamy Dessert (Easy, Dreamy & Perfectly Indulgent) on days you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Baking, rolling, and that “snowy” finish

Baking Instructions (steps 1–10)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, cream softened butter until smooth.
4. Slowly mix in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
5. Add flour and salt; mix just until combined.
6. Fold in nuts or mini chips (optional).
7. Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
9. Bake 12–14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
10. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack.

Finishing & presentation (Food Network–style pretty)

While still slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool fully, then roll again for that thick, snowy coating. Arrange your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies on a white platter with a few sugared cranberries for sparkle—holiday styling inspiration lives here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/. For a bright, creamy pairing on the table, add something fresh like this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Cream Cake (Fresh, Creamy & Elegant).

Variations that feel Pinterest-perfect

One reason Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies stay trendy is how easily they transform:

• Chocolate-dusted snowballs: swap the second powdered-sugar roll for a mix of powdered sugar + cocoa.
• “Pink Slice” vibe: add 1–2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a pale pink crumb.
• Citrus glow: add orange zest and a drop of almond extract.
• Nutty holiday: toasted pecans + a pinch of cinnamon.
• Lighter option: make smaller cookies and use a thinner powdered sugar coat.

If you’re leaning into chocolate coziness, serve them alongside this Chocolate Comfort Food (Rich, Cozy & Deeply Satisfying). For a more old-fashioned holiday table, they also complement spiced classics like this Moist Traditional Fruitcake (Rich, Spiced & Perfectly Timeless).

Storage & make-ahead tips

Store Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want that fresh “snow” look, keep extra powdered sugar on hand and re-roll lightly before serving. You can also freeze the baked cookies (uncoated) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp, then roll in powdered sugar twice.

For baking confidence and make-ahead guidance, I love classic baking resources like https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/. And if you’re prepping desserts for a bigger group, it can help to pair these cookies with a simple large-format bake like this Easy Sheet Cake Recipe (Simple, Moist & Perfect for Any Occasion).

FAQs

Can I use sweetened condensed milk as the only sweetener?
Yes—that’s the point! It sweetens and softens the dough at the same time.

Can I use frozen nuts or add-ins?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry if needed, especially for anything icy or moist.

How do I keep them from spreading?
Mix gently and chill the dough 15–20 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Can I replace butter?
For best flavor and structure, stick with butter. A plant-based butter can work, but results vary.

Can I make them the day before?
Absolutely—Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies often taste even better the next day. For a festive pairing, add a light dessert like Cranberry Mousse Cups (Light, Festive & Perfectly Balanced).

Conclusion

Soft, sweet, and beautifully snowy, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that makes any day feel a little more special. They’re perfect for a baby shower dessert table, a summer brunch cookie tray (yes—people love them year-round), a holiday picnic, or a cozy birthday spread. And thanks to James, our AI-powered virtual chef, this version stays modern, simple, and reliably tender every time.

If you’re building a full menu, pair these cookies with the creamy ease of No Bake Cheesecake Dessert or the comfort of a Cozy Winter Dessert.

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