Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are known for their light, crumbly texture and a sweet, buttery flavor enhanced by the addition of sweetened condensed milk. Easy to make and a joy to eat, these cookies are a favorite at holiday gatherings and make for a wonderful homemade gift. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Plus, the festive look of these snowball cookies adds a touch of holiday magic to any dessert table.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Ease of Preparation: The recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just a few common ingredients.
  2. Festive Appeal: These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and add a festive touch to any occasion.
  3. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The sweetened condensed milk gives these cookies a unique, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  4. Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies with different nuts or flavorings.
  5. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
  6. Crowd-Pleaser: Their delightful taste and texture make them a hit at any gathering.
  7. No Special Equipment Needed: Basic kitchen tools are all you need to whip up these cookies.
  8. Kid-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.
  5. Fold in Nuts: Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Shape Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
  8. Cool and Roll in Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Nutritional Information

For one serving (1 cookie, based on 24 cookies):

  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Potassium: 30mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 4% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

Variations

  • Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
  • Citrus: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
  • Spiced: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies. For unbaked dough, freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, freeze them after they have been rolled in powdered sugar.

How long do these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe? Pecans and walnuts are traditional choices, but you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
  • Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
  • Sugar Coating: For a thicker coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time once they have fully cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are perfect with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie trays and are ideal for cookie exchanges or as a festive homemade gift.