Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings both nostalgia and an easy-to-make twist, this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is just what you need. The buttery richness combined with the smooth sweetness of condensed milk creates these soft, melt-in-your-mouth snowballs that feel like a comforting hug during any time of year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just a cozy afternoon at home, these treats never fail to impress.
One of the things I love about this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is how simple it is—just a handful of ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your pantry. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These little bites pack a punch of flavor and a tender crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for when that sweet craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of texture and taste. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick the freshest ingredients and understand why each one matters.
- Butter: Using softened butter is key—it blends easily with the sweetened condensed milk and creates that tender crumb texture you want.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture, making these snowballs distinctly rich and soft.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough offering structure—make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking powder: Gives these sweet treats a tiny lift, so they don’t end up dense or heavy.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For rolling the finished snowballs, adding a delicate, pretty dusting that melts on your tongue.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the occasion. This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs—it makes it all the more fun!
- Nutty twist: Adding finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the dough gives a lovely crunch and flavor contrast—I’ve tried this for holiday gatherings and everyone loved it.
- Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these treats accessible for all your friends without losing that delicious texture.
- Chocolate snowballs: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour for a chocolaty spin—perfect for those chocolate lovers in your life.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter and sweetened condensed milk
Start by beating your softened butter until it’s smooth and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue mixing until the two are beautifully combined. This step is crucial because it sets the base for that tender, rich dough. Make sure the butter is truly softened; otherwise, you’ll have lumps that won’t mix in nicely.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients and mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid flour puff clouds but ensuring all is well incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable—if it feels too sticky, a tiny sprinkle more flour does the trick. Just don’t overdo it, or your snowballs could turn out dry.
Step 3: Shape and coat the snowballs
Pinch off small chunks of dough and roll them into nice little balls—about one inch in diameter works well for bite-sized treats. Once shaped, roll each snowball generously in confectioners’ sugar while they’re still warm from baking; this gives them that signature snowy look and adds a touch of sweetness. Pro tip: You can almost taste the difference that coating makes, so don’t be shy with the sugar!
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Place the snowballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden but the tops stay pale. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes – you want that delicate texture, not a hardened crust. Once out, let them cool slightly before rolling in more confectioners’ sugar if you want extra snowy goodness.
How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra confectioners’ sugar on top right before serving for that fresh “snow-dusted” look. Sometimes, I’ll add a dusting of cinnamon or a pinch of cocoa powder for a subtle flavor boost that surprises everyone. If I’m feeling fancy, a tiny edible flower or a hint of grated lemon zest on top adds a festive touch without overpowering the sweet simplicity.
Side Dishes
These sweetened condensed milk snowballs are perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee—my personal favorite combo for a cozy afternoon. I’ve also served them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness with freshness, and that contrast is just heavenly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging these snowballs in a pyramid shape on a pretty platter, dusted lightly with confectioners’ sugar to mimic a snowy mountain. Another fun idea is to sandwich them with a thin layer of raspberry jam to add color and tartness—kids especially go wild for that surprise inside! Wrapped in colorful cellophane as little gift bags, they also make charming edible presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep that delicate powdery coating intact, I place parchment paper between layers. They stay soft and fresh, and you can grab them anytime for a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze the snowballs individually on a baking tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage. When ready to eat, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They keep their texture surprisingly well, making them a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
Reheating
Since these snowballs are delicate, I prefer to enjoy them at room temperature rather than reheated. But if you want a warm bite, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds softens them up nicely without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll lose that perfect snowball softness.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?
Regular milk won’t give you the same sweetness or moisture level. Sweetened condensed milk is crucial because it’s thick, sweet, and creamy, helping the snowballs hold their shape while delivering that unique flavor. If you want a less sweet option, you might have to adjust other ingredients, but it won’t be quite the same.
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Why are my snowballs crumbly?
Crumbly dough usually means there’s too much flour or not enough moisture. Make sure your butter is fully softened and that you add the flour gradually, stopping once the dough comes together. Slightly underbaking also helps keep them tender. If needed, add a tiny splash more sweetened condensed milk to improve binding.
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Can I make these snowballs vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil and using sweetened condensed coconut milk or any other vegan condensed milk alternative. The texture may vary slightly, but with a few tweaks, you’ll still get delicious, melt-in-your mouth snowballs.
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How do I get the snowballs perfectly round?
Use your hands gently—roll the dough between your palms in a circular motion without applying too much pressure. Chilling the dough for 20 minutes before shaping can help make it less sticky and easier to form nice smooth balls.
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Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets. Baking times stay the same, but make sure to space your snowballs properly on the tray to avoid merging.
Final Thoughts
This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe holds a special place in my baking routine—it’s perfect for when you want something sweet, comforting, and fuss-free all at once. I hope you give it a try and discover just how easy it is to create a treat that tastes like a little bit of winter magic in every bite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to cookie for celebrations, quick snacks, or anytime you want to share a sweet hug with someone.
Print
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are a delightful, buttery cookie treat with a tender texture and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the snowballs: Using your hands, roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dough balls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool and coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie generously in confectioners’ sugar, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before starting.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can also be lightly chilled before baking to help maintain their shape.
Keywords: Sweetened condensed milk cookies, snowball cookies, butter cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday cookies
