Sweet Condensed Milk Snowballs

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

These soft snowballs are full of rich condensed milk flavor and take just 5 simple ingredients. They’re easy to make, melt in your mouth, and are perfect for celebrations. Sprinkle with sugar for a snowy finish.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:37:46 GMT
Round cookies covered in powdered sugar on a plate, surrounded by soft holiday decorations. Save
Round cookies covered in powdered sugar on a plate, surrounded by soft holiday decorations. | recipesclare.com

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.
Powdery cookies piled neatly with some pinecones and glowy lights in the background. Save
Powdery cookies piled neatly with some pinecones and glowy lights in the background. | recipesclare.com

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.

Snowball cookies stacked up pyramid-style with pinecones and gentle lights creating a cozy mood. Save
Snowball cookies stacked up pyramid-style with pinecones and gentle lights creating a cozy mood. | recipesclare.com

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.

Condensed Milk Snowball

Soft, buttery cookies blended with condensed milk and powdered sugar on top. These snowballs are light, sweet, and easy to whip up anytime.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Total Time
22 min

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 22 Serves (22 cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups of regular flour.
02 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for dusting.
03 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
04 One cup of softened butter.
05 3 teaspoons of baking powder.

Steps

Step 01

With a mixer, whip the softened butter until it’s fluffy. This takes about three minutes.

Step 02

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mix it for a couple of minutes. Scrape down the sides, then beat for another minute.

Step 03

Slowly stir together the baking powder and flour until they’re fully blended.

Step 04

Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop, roll into balls, and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep them around 2 inches apart.

Step 05

Let them bake for 12 minutes at 320°F.

Step 06

Leave them on the baking tray for 5 minutes to cool. Move them to a wire rack until they cool fully, then coat them in powdered sugar.

Helpful Notes

  1. Feel free to add up to 2 teaspoons of extract for flavor.
  2. Toss in chocolate chips or mix-ins, but don’t go over 1 cup.
  3. Make sure they’re entirely cool before packing them up.

Required Tools

  • Mixer (electric).
  • Sheet for baking.
  • Lined parchment paper.
  • Scoop for cookies.
  • Rack for cooling.

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains dairy like butter and condensed milk.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 145
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbs: 15 g
  • Protein: 2 g