Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, studded with pecans or walnuts, and generously coated in powdered sugar – but with an extra touch of sweetness and tenderness thanks to the secret ingredient: sweetened condensed milk! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no chilling time, making it perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or a simple sweet treat any time of year.
What makes these snowball cookies so special? It’s the subtle richness and unique texture that the sweetened condensed milk imparts. These cookies are delicate, crumbly, and have a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality that sets them apart. Plus, they are naturally festive with their snowy coating, making them a beautiful addition to any cookie platter.
Get ready to bake up a batch of these effortlessly elegant Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and wonderfully delicious!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these irresistible Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples, with sweetened condensed milk as the star ingredient. These components combine to create a cookie that is both flavorful and delicate. Having everything measured and ready will make the baking process smooth and quick.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – Softened butter is crucial for creaming properly and creating a tender cookie.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and structure to the cookies.
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Sweetened condensed milk is the key ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and a unique tenderness to these snowball cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately for best results.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped – Pecans or walnuts add a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to the cookies. Choose your favorite nut or a combination.
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar, for coating (about 2-3 cups) – Powdered sugar is essential for the signature “snowball” look and adds a touch of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture to the outside of the cookies.
HOW TO MAKE “Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies”:
Making Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies is wonderfully simple and satisfying! The recipe is broken down into easy steps, from creaming the butter and sugar to incorporating the sweetened condensed milk, adding the dry ingredients and nuts, shaping the cookies, baking to a delicate golden, and finally, generously coating them in powdered sugar. Each stage is designed for ease and maximum flavor payoff.
The process begins with creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and tender cookie texture.
Next, the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract are added, blending in the signature ingredient that sets these snowballs apart.
Then, the dry ingredients (flour and salt) are gradually incorporated, followed by the finely chopped pecans or walnuts, creating a simple yet flavorful cookie dough.
The dough is then rolled into small balls and baked in the oven until just lightly golden brown on the bottom. Baking time is relatively short, ensuring the cookies remain tender and don’t become dry.
Finally, while still slightly warm, the baked cookies are generously rolled in powdered sugar twice – first while warm, and again once cooled, creating the signature snowy coating and ensuring a beautiful, sweet finish. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through this effortless recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper or silicone mats prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air, creating a light and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla.
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture.
Beat with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Mix until just incorporated, avoid overmixing at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Whisking ensures the salt is evenly distributed in the flour.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Mix until just incorporated after each addition, avoid overmixing.
Mix until just combined until the flour is fully incorporated, and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Stir in Nuts.
Stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie1 dough using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed. Distribute nuts evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape Cookies.
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. The dough will be soft. Rolling into uniform size ensures even baking.
Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Space cookies to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden brown on the bottom. The tops should remain pale. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbrowning. Cookies are done when lightly golden on the bottom and set.
Step 9: First Powdered Sugar Coating (While Warm).
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly for easier handling.
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them generously. Coat cookies generously while warm, the sugar will adhere better to warm cookies.
Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Second Powdered Sugar Coating (Once Cooled).
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second, generous coating. Double coating ensures a thick, snowy powdered sugar layer, characteristic of snowball cookies.
Step 11: Serve.
Serve the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies and enjoy! These cookies are perfect with coffee, tea, or milk. They are best enjoyed once fully cooled and double coated in powdered sugar.
USEFUL TIPS:
To make your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies truly perfect and delicious, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying these delightful cookies. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your recipe.
Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before creaming. Softened butter creams more easily and creates a light and airy cookie texture. Butter should be soft enough to easily indent with a finger, but not melted or greasy.
Don’t overmix the cookie dough, especially after adding the flour. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated and the dough comes together.
For the best flavor and texture, use finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Finely chopped nuts distribute more evenly throughout the cookies and provide a better texture balance. You can also toast the nuts lightly before chopping for enhanced nutty flavor.
For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or extract in place of vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste or extract provides a richer and more complex vanilla flavor. You can also add a pinch of vanilla bean powder.
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough, but the sweetened condensed milk already adds sweetness, so adjust granulated sugar moderately.
For a festive touch, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer spice note. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the nutty and buttery flavors beautifully and are especially nice during the holidays.
Make sure to generously coat the cookies in powdered sugar twice, once while warm and again when cooled. The first coating melts slightly and creates a base for the second, thicker snowy coating. Double coating is essential for the classic snowball cookie look and taste.
Store the baked and powdered sugar-coated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Storing them at room temperature helps maintain their crumbly texture. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry them out slightly.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
The preparation time for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to cream the butter and sugar, measure out all ingredients, chop the nuts, and make the dough. Efficient prep work makes the baking process smoother and quicker.
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
The baking time for these cookies is between 12 to 15 minutes. This short baking time ensures the cookies are baked through but remain tender and pale, without becoming overly browned or dry. Quick baking time makes this a relatively fast cookie recipe.
Total Time: 32-35 minutes (excluding cooling and coating time)
The total time from start to finish for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, excluding cooling and powdered sugar coating time, is approximately 32 to 35 minutes. This includes both the prep time and the bake time, making it a reasonably quick cookie recipe option.
Yield: About 36 cookies
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, depending on the size you roll them. It is ideal for a standard cookie yield, perfect for sharing or gifting. The yield can be easily adjusted by making smaller or larger cookie balls, or by doubling or halving the recipe.
Category: Dessert, Cookie
This recipe is categorized as a dessert, specifically a cookie recipe. Snowball cookies are classic cookies enjoyed as sweet treats, especially popular during holidays and for cookie exchanges. Cookies are a versatile and beloved dessert category.
Method: Baking
The primary cooking method used in this recipe is baking. Baking in the oven at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) allows the cookies to bake evenly, develop a slightly golden brown bottom, and achieve the desired tender and crumbly texture. Baking is essential for achieving the signature texture and flavor of snowball cookies.
Cuisine: American
The cuisine of these cookies is best described as American. Snowball cookies (also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs) are a classic American cookie, enjoyed across various cultures and regions, particularly popular during holiday baking seasons. They are a staple in American cookie assortments.
Diet: Vegetarian
The diet classification for this recipe is vegetarian. It does not contain any meat, poultry, or fish products, making it suitable for individuals following a vegetarian diet. It can be modified to be dairy-free or vegan by using vegan butter substitutes and ensuring no dairy is present in other ingredients if needed.
NOTES:
Serving Suggestions: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are perfect served as a delightful dessert alongside coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or milk. They are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters and cookie exchanges, showcasing their festive snowy appearance. Serve them as a sweet treat at parties, gatherings, or potlucks. They are also lovely packaged as homemade gifts. Arrange them on a pretty platter or in a decorative cookie jar for an attractive presentation.
Make it Ahead: The cookie dough for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies can be made ahead of time. Prepare the cookie dough up to step 6 in the instructions, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let the dough soften slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be made ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Powdered sugar coating is best done shortly before serving or within a day of baking to maintain the snowy appearance.
Storage Instructions: Store baked and powdered sugar-coated Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Store at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Storing them at room temperature helps maintain their crumbly texture. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry them out slightly and potentially make the powdered sugar coating slightly damp over time.
Nut Variations: Customize your Snowball Cookies with different nut options!
* Walnuts: Walnuts are a classic choice, providing a slightly earthier and less sweet flavor compared to pecans.
* Almonds: Use finely chopped or slivered almonds for a delicate and slightly sweeter nut flavor. Toasted almonds are especially flavorful.
* Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts add a buttery and rich flavor to the cookies. Chop finely for best texture.
* Hazelnuts (Filberts): Toasted and skinned hazelnuts offer a distinct and rich nutty flavor.
* Pistachios: Shelled and chopped pistachios add a vibrant green color and a unique flavor to the cookies.
* Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts entirely, or substitute with shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips for alternative texture and flavor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies if that’s what you have on hand. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon (instead of ½ teaspoon) to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Salted butter will still work well in this recipe, just adjust the added salt for balanced flavor.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can absolutely make these snowball cookies without nuts. Simply omit the pecans or walnuts from the recipe ingredients. The cookies will still be delicious, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth even without nuts. If you omit nuts, consider adding a little extra vanilla extract or another flavoring like almond extract (just a ¼ teaspoon) to enhance the flavor slightly. You can also substitute the nuts with other add-ins like mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or toffee bits for different flavor and texture variations.
Why are my snowball cookies spreading too much?
If your snowball cookies are spreading too much during baking, it could be due to a few reasons:
* Butter was too soft or melted: Ensure butter is softened to room temperature, not melted or greasy. If butter is too warm, the cookies may spread excessively. If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking.
* Oven temperature too low: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oven is too cool, the cookies may spread before setting. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven temperature accuracy.
* Overmixing the dough: Overmixing, especially after adding flour, can develop gluten and contribute to spreading. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
* Baking sheets not cool: Make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing cookie dough balls on them. Baking sheets that are still warm from previous batches can cause the cookies to spread more. Use multiple baking sheets and rotate them as they cool, or allow baking sheets to cool completely between batches.
How do I get the perfect powdered sugar coating on snowball cookies?
To achieve the perfect snowy powdered sugar coating on snowball cookies:
* Coat cookies twice: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar generously while they are still slightly warm (after baking and a brief cooling on the baking sheet). This first coating will melt slightly and create a sticky base. Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second, thick coating. Double coating is key to the signature snowball look.
* Use enough powdered sugar: Use a generous amount of powdered sugar for coating. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or plate and ensure there is enough to fully coat each cookie.
* Roll gently but thoroughly: Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, ensuring all sides are fully covered.
* Re-coat if needed before serving: If the powdered sugar coating becomes less visible over time, you can re-coat the cookies with powdered sugar again just before serving to refresh their snowy appearance.
Can I add chocolate to these snowball cookies?
Yes, you can add chocolate to these snowball cookies for a chocolatey twist! Good chocolate additions include:
* Mini chocolate chips: Stir in ½ to ¾ cup mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough along with the nuts. Mini chocolate chips add small bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the cookies.
* Cocoa powder: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients (flour mixture). Reduce the flour by an equal amount to maintain the correct dry ingredient ratio. Cocoa powder will make the cookies chocolate flavored throughout.
* Chocolate drizzle: After the cookies are baked, cooled, and double-coated in powdered sugar, drizzle melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white chocolate) over the cookies for a decorative chocolate touch.
Experiment with different chocolate types and amounts to create your preferred chocolate snowball cookie variation.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies and maintain their quality, follow these guidelines:
Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled to room temperature after baking and double-coating in powdered sugar before storing. Storing warm cookies can trap moisture in the container, making the powdered sugar coating melt or become sticky and affecting the cookie texture.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies in a single layer or in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. A well-sealed container is crucial to prevent the cookies from drying out, absorbing odors, and maintaining their powdered sugar coating. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Room Temperature Storage (Recommended): For best texture and powdered sugar coating preservation, store the airtight container of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies at room temperature. Room temperature storage is ideal for maintaining their crumbly texture and snowy appearance.
Storage Duration (Room Temperature): Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies can be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. For best quality and powdered sugar coating appearance, consume within the first 2-3 days. Cookies are generally best enjoyed sooner rather than later for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigeration (Not Recommended): Refrigeration is not recommended for storing these snowball cookies. Refrigeration can dry out the cookies slightly and may cause the powdered sugar coating to become damp or dissolve over time due to condensation. Room temperature storage is preferable for maintaining their texture and appearance.
Freezing (Not Recommended for Best Texture): Freezing is generally not recommended for powdered sugar-coated snowball cookies as the texture can change upon thawing and the powdered sugar coating may become less appealing. If you choose to freeze baked cookies, freeze them before coating in powdered sugar. Allow baked cookies to cool completely, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature and then roll in powdered sugar before serving. Be aware that the texture may not be exactly the same as freshly baked and coated cookies. Freshly baked and room-temperature stored cookies will always have the best texture and powdered sugar coating.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these delightful Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies, you will surely love these other classic and festive cookie recipes:
Classic Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes/Mexican Wedding Cookies): The traditional version of snowball cookies, typically made with butter, flour, sugar, and nuts, and double-coated in powdered sugar. Offers a classic comparison point and a simpler base recipe.
Pecan Sandies (Buttery Shortbread Cookies): Buttery and crumbly shortbread cookies studded with pecans, offering a similar buttery and nutty flavor profile but in a different shape and texture.
Butter Cookies (Spritz Cookies/Shortbread): Classic buttery cookies that can be shaped, piped, or cut out, often decorated and enjoyed during holidays. Provides another buttery and versatile cookie base recipe.
Peanut Butter Blossoms (Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kiss): Soft peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, a beloved and easy peanut butter cookie variation. A contrasting peanut butter flavor profile but equally simple and festive.
Gingerbread Cookies (Soft or Crisp): Spiced gingerbread cookies that can be soft and chewy or crisp, often decorated with royal icing. Offers a spiced and holiday-themed cookie alternative with a different flavor profile and texture.
CONCLUSION
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a recipe that truly celebrates the magic of simple ingredients and effortless baking. From the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the subtle sweetness and nutty flavor, all enveloped in a generous snowy coating of powdered sugar, every element of these cookies is designed to deliver maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss. They are the perfect embodiment of a classic holiday cookie that is both easy to make and irresistibly enjoyable to eat.
This recipe beautifully balances simplicity of preparation with deeply rewarding flavor and texture, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The readily available ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions mean that anyone can confidently create these delightful Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies at home. Whether you are a seasoned baker looking for a reliable and crowd-pleasing cookie recipe or a beginner baker wanting to create a festive treat without complicated techniques, you can achieve snowball cookie perfection with this recipe.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the buttery, nutty, and utterly delightful goodness of these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies masterpiece. Enjoy the easy and satisfying baking process and the immense pleasure of sharing these truly delicious and festive cookies with your family and friends. This is one recipe that is destined to become a cherished staple in your cookie repertoire, a beloved classic that you’ll return to again and again for its simple perfection, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and undeniable ability to bring smiles to faces around your table. You’ll be declaring Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies your new favorite easy and festive cookie!
