Name: Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened (230g).; 1/2 cup condensed milk (120ml).; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 2 cups flour (250g).; 1 cup chopped nuts (100g).; 1/4 tsp salt.; 1 cup powdered sugar (120g).

A close-up image of a stack of three round, powdered dessert balls on a plate, surrounded by a sprinkle of powdered sugar. | lifesugar.co

Let me share one of my most treasured holiday recipes - these incredible Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies! I discovered this twist on traditional snowballs years ago, and they've become our family's most requested cookie. The sweetened condensed milk makes them exceptionally creamy and tender, while that signature powdered sugar coating gives them that magical winter wonderland look. Every time I make these, they disappear faster than actual snow on a sunny day!

Everything You'll Need

Room Temperature Butter: A full cup - I set mine out while I have my morning coffee.
Powdered Sugar: Half cup for the dough, plus extra for that snowy coating. Trust me, you'll want plenty!
The Secret Ingredient: One cup of sweetened condensed milk makes these incredibly tender.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons for that warm, homey flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Two and a half cups, measured carefully.
Chopped Nuts: I prefer pecans, but walnuts work beautifully too.
A Pinch of Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop!

Let's Make Some Magic!

First Things First: Get your oven warming to 350°F. I line my baking sheets with parchment - makes cleanup a breeze!
The Creaming Step: Beat that butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes - be patient, it's worth it!
Adding the Good Stuff: Pour in your sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. The mixture might look a bit curdled at first - don't worry, that's normal!
The Dry Team: Gently fold in your flour mixture and nuts. I use low speed here to keep the cookies tender.
Rolling Time: This is where I get my kids involved - they love rolling the dough into little snowballs!
The Bake: Keep an eye on them - when the edges are just barely golden, they're perfect.
The Snow Shower: While they're still warm, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It's like making your own edible snow!

A pyramid of textured white spherical sweets is displayed on a decorative plate, with blurred red accents in the background. | lifesugar.co

What Makes These Special

That Amazing Texture: The sweetened condensed milk creates the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Simple Steps: Even my teenager can make these without help!
So Versatile: They're perfect for holiday cookie swaps, afternoon tea, or midnight snacking (I won't tell!).

Perfect Pairings

These cookies are absolutely dreamy with a cup of hot coffee or tea. During the holidays, I love serving them alongside hot cocoa - watching the powdered sugar mix with the whipped cream is part of the fun!

Keeping Them Fresh

Counter Storage: They'll stay perfect for about a week in an airtight container - if they last that long!
Freezer Friend: I often make a double batch and freeze half for unexpected guests.
The Sugar Touch-Up: A quick roll in fresh powdered sugar makes them look good as new.

A decorative plate holds a pile of round, white, textured sweets resembling snowballs, with a blurred background of gold ornaments. | lifesugar.co

Common Questions Answered

Regular Milk Question: I've tried it - stick with sweetened condensed milk for that special texture.
Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts or try toasted coconut instead!
Sugar-Staying Power: The trick is dusting them while warm - it helps the sugar stick better.
Make-Ahead Magic: The dough actually benefits from a little chill time in the fridge.

Festive Presentation

Want to make them extra special? I love arranging them on a dark platter with fresh pine sprigs or rosemary. The contrast makes them look like they just fell from a snowy sky! For holiday parties, I'll add some sugared cranberries for a pop of color.

Tips for Success

Butter Matters: Room temperature butter is crucial - I press it with my finger to test.
Gentle Mixing: Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined for the most tender cookies.
Size Matters: I use a small cookie scoop for perfectly uniform balls.
Temperature Check: If your kitchen is warm, pop the shaped cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Make Them Your Own

Chocolate Lover's Version: Try drizzling with melted chocolate - my kids' favorite variation!
Holiday Spirit: Sometimes I add a tiny drop of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Extra Flavor: Orange zest adds a lovely brightness to the dough.
Fun Additions: Mini chocolate chips make them extra special.

A pile of white, snow-like ice cream scoops dusted with powdered sugar sits on a surface with blurred colorful lights in the background. | lifesugar.co

Decorating Ideas

While classic powdered sugar is beautiful, sometimes I get creative with colored sugar or edible glitter for special occasions. My daughter loves helping me make patterns using paper doilies as stencils - it's like edible snowflake art!

Plan Ahead

These cookies are a busy baker's best friend! I often make several batches of dough during my weekend baking sessions, freeze them in balls, and bake as needed. Nothing beats having fresh-baked cookies on demand!

Baking With Kids

This is one of my favorite recipes to make with little helpers! Rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sugar are perfect tasks for small hands. Just be prepared for some powdered sugar clouds - it's part of the fun!

Cookie Platter Perfect

These snowballs are always the star of my holiday cookie platters! They look beautiful next to chocolate cookies or gingerbread, and their creamy, nutty flavor complements any cookie assortment.

A plate of powdered white confections, some partially bitten, surrounded by a dusting of powdered sugar. | lifesugar.co

Gift-Giving Ideas

Looking for a thoughtful homemade gift? These cookies ship beautifully and always bring smiles! I pack them carefully in festive tins between layers of wax paper, include the recipe, and add a pretty bow. They're perfect for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who needs a little sweetness in their day.

Delicious Duos

While these cookies are heavenly on their own, they're extra special with the right pairing. Try them with spiced chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. During holiday parties, I serve them with coffee liqueur - the combination is absolutely divine!

Final Thoughts

These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies have become such a special part of our family traditions. Every time I make them, the kitchen fills with the most amazing buttery, vanilla aroma, and everyone seems to find their way to the kitchen! Give them a try - I bet they'll become a tradition in your home too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these cookies keep?: They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
→ Why roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?: The first roll when warm helps the sugar stick, while the second coating after cooling creates that thick, snowy appearance.
→ Can I add different flavors?: Yes, try adding cinnamon or almond extract to the dough. You can also mix colored sprinkles into the powdered sugar coating.
→ Why chill the dough?: Chilling for 30 minutes firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and helping prevent spreading while baking.
→ Can I use different nuts?: Yes, both pecans and walnuts work well in this recipe. Just make sure they're finely chopped.

Snowball Cookies