Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful and simple treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are incredibly buttery and soft, with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk and a delicate crunch from the chopped nuts. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, making them a festive favorite during the holidays or year-round.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and a dough forms.
Stir in the finely chopped nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free Version: If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply omit the chopped nuts from the dough. The cookies will still be wonderfully soft and sweet.
Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: For an extra indulgent treat, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Flavored Snowballs: Add a dash of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough to give these cookies a unique flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: These cookies do not need to be reheated, but you can warm them up briefly in the microwave (about 5-10 seconds) if you prefer them a little softer.

10 FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt added in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite variety, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Can I use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
How do I avoid overbaking these cookies?
To ensure the cookies are soft and not overdone, be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as they are set but not browned.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?
You can use granulated sugar as an alternative, although powdered sugar gives the cookies a more delicate, snowball-like coating.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they are set to the touch but still pale in color. They should not be browned.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, chocolate chips would be a great addition! You can fold them into the dough along with the chopped nuts.
Can I make these cookies without vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract or leave it out for a simpler flavor.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a classic, easy-to-make treat that delivers soft, buttery goodness in every bite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance, they are perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or as a delicious everyday cookie. Whip up a batch today, and enjoy the sweetness of these irresistible cookies with family and friends!