
Every winter, I get busy in the kitchen making these dreamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. The recipe came from my grandma's old notebook, and every bite is like a flashback to childhood baking sessions in her warm house. Buttery and sweet with that classic sugar finish, they're insanely good.
Irresistible Twist On Classics
What makes these snowballs so great? They're easy, forgiving, and need just five simple ingredients. Any time I make them, I know they're going to disappear fast. My kids help roll them in sugar, but honestly, they wear half the sugar on their faces by the end.
Grab These Ingredients
- Confectioner's Sugar: About ½ cup, this is what gives them their powdery charm.
- Baking Powder: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon it helps them puff up nicely.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use 1 ½ cups and measure with care.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in ½ cup of this luscious stuff.
- Butter: ½ cup, set out to soften.
Stuff You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet: Trusty and always reliable, it's seen lots of cookies.
- Cookie Scoop: Makes the dough balls perfectly the same size.
- Electric Mixer: I use one, but grandma used to mix with her hands.
- Mixing Bowl: My go-to bowl that gets used every holiday season.
Jump In
- Golden Move
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk in next, and the mixture goes all rich and smooth.
- Butter Fluffing
- Start by softening your butter and beating it until it’s super light and airy. Room temp butter is key here worked for my mom every time.

Crafting Your Dough
- Toss In Some Fun
- This is when I toss in nuts or chocolate chips if I’m feeling extra.
- Main Dough Step
- Add flour and baking powder slowly. Watching it all come together into a soft dough always makes me smile.
Rolling Out Goodness
- Spaced Out
- I set them up on the baking sheet with room so they bake up nice and round.
- Scooping Time
- Using my scoop, I roll perfect cookie dough balls every time.
Baking Time
- Keep An Eye Out
- Bake them for 12 minutes until they're just turning golden around the edges.
- Heat It Up
- Preheat your oven to 320°F while you daydream about the buttery smell that's coming.
Snowy Finish
- Sugar Shower
- Rolling them in powdered sugar is the best part they look like they just came in from the cold.
- Cooling Down
- Letting them cool for five minutes is tough, but you need to for the right bite.
Cozy Comfort
My favorite way to enjoy these? Cuddled up on a snowy day with hot cocoa. They're a family must-have now, and no winter holiday is complete until these are in the cookie tin.
Storing For Later
- Ready For Later
- I stash a batch in the freezer so I can sneak one any time.
- Keep 'Em Fresh
- They'll keep for about a week in a cookie container if they don’t get eaten first.
Switch It Up
- Nutty Style: Chopped pecans always take me back to grandma's Texas kitchen.
- Cocoa Kick: Toss in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate spin.
- Fresh Zing: I grate in some lemon zest for those sunny vibes.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Coat Evenly: The snowier the look, the prettier the cookie.
- Soft Butter: Give it time to soften for the best dough.
- Smell Test: Let your nose tell you when they’re done.
Baking Pro Moves
- Cool Dough: If the dough turns too soft, a quick chill helps hold its shape.
- Ingredient Quality: Better butter and flour really shine through in the flavor.
- Double Dip: Roll them in sugar twice for extra frosty magic.
Tasty Pairings
At our house, nothing beats these with apple cider or a strong coffee. They’re the first sweet treat to vanish at our holiday parties.

FAQs Answered
- Going Dairy-Free: Vegan alternatives work well and keep everyone happy.
- No Cracks Allowed: Handle the dough gently for picture-perfect results.
- Extra Spice: A little cinnamon makes these feel even more like winter.
Easy Fixes
- No Sticking: Sprinkle your hands or the dough with flour. It solves sticky problems fast.
- Keep It Round: Cool dough always rolls up the best.
A Little Sparkle
My favorite trick is using a cookie scoop so they're all the same. Sometimes I add edible glitter just to make them shine under the lights.
Bringing Smiles
I've sent these cookies to friends and family in gift boxes for years. Wrap them up with ribbon and pretty paper and you have the sweetest homemade surprise.
Passed Down With Love
Baking these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs always reminds me of grandma's love for sharing. Now my kitchen fills up with the same joy each time I pass this treat along.
Wrap-Up
If you're in the mood for something sweet and tender, these easy snowball cookies are just the thing. Condensed milk gives them a rich flavor and light texture that everyone will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I change the flavor of these cookies?
Absolutely! Add up to 2 teaspoons of a flavor extract such as mint or almond. You could also include up to 1 cup of extras like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
- → Why did my cookies come out too flat?
This can happen if your butter is too warm. Use softened but not melted butter, and keep the cookies spaced out by at least 2 inches on the tray.
- → How do I keep them fresh for longer?
Let them cool down before putting them in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. You may need to add a fresh powdered sugar layer before serving.
- → Can I freeze them for later?
Yes! Freeze them before the sugar coating step. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw fully and coat them with sugar before serving.
- → Why bake them at 320°F instead of 350°F?
Lowering the temperature prevents over-browning on the outside and ensures they cook evenly. This keeps the inside soft and tender.