What does sweetened condensed milk do in snowball cookies?

Sweetened condensed milk adds extra moisture and sweetness while also improving the texture of the cookie. It makes the dough richer and the cookies more tender without needing eggs. This helps achieve that signature melt-in-your-mouth experience that sets these cookies apart from traditional snowball cookies.

Can I freeze snowball cookies made with sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and roll again in powdered sugar to refresh their snowy coating.

What nuts work best in snowball cookies?

Finely chopped pecans , walnuts , and almonds are classic options and work beautifully. Pecans provide a buttery flavor, walnuts offer a more robust taste, and almonds give a delicate crunch. Choose based on your flavor preference or what you have on hand.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies – Best Recipe Ever

Name: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490363H6M54S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for coating)

Description

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats made with a rich combination of butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped nuts, then coated twice in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish. Perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or cozy winter snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for coating)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating.
Serve and enjoy with tea, coffee, or holiday beverages.

Notes

Don’t overbake—cookies should remain pale on top for the best texture.
Use finely chopped nuts for a smoother texture and better binding.
Double rolling in powdered sugar ensures the snowy coating sticks and looks festive.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg