Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Ever had a cookie that melts in your mouth like snow? These sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies do just that. So soft. So yummy.

They’re sweet, buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar—like little snowballs of joy. And that condensed milk? It makes them extra rich and dreamy.

You don’t need fancy stuff. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of mixing magic. These are holiday-perfect (or anytime-perfect, honestly).

Let’s get baking! Roll up your sleeves and grab that milk. Snowball cookies are about to roll into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender and Buttery: These cookies are unbelievably soft, thanks to the mix of butter and sweetened condensed milk.
• Easy Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples, no eggs required.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their delicate texture and snow-dusted finish make them a hit during the holidays or in cookie boxes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can bake when you’re ready.
• Kid-Approved: Sweet, soft, and fun to roll in powdered sugar — a baking project little hands can help with.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Servings:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Enough for a small crowd, or double up if you’re baking for a holiday tray.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No mixer required. Just mix, chill, roll, and bake.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll want on hand before you get started:

• Mixing bowl (medium to large)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop (optional)
• Cooling rack
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer for powdered sugar

Ingredients for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

These cookies rely on a few classic ingredients that come together to make something truly special:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened – The base of the cookie, giving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and moisture.
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – The structure of the cookie.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cookies puff slightly while staying soft.
• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioner’s sugar (plus more for rolling) – Sweetens and finishes the cookies with a snowball look.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fully combined. It should look creamy and pale yellow.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl. Stir slowly at first to combine — the dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what we want. Once fully mixed, the dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and feel soft but not sticky.

3. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their round shape and makes the dough easier to handle.

4. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Roll into Balls

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a smooth ball using your hands. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake

Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. These cookies don’t spread much — they’ll stay ball-shaped and soft.

7. Cool and Sugar Dust

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll again for that signature snowball look.

Serving and Decoration

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are best served:

• With tea or hot chocolate for a cozy evening treat
• As part of a holiday cookie platter — their snowy finish makes them pop
• In small gift bags or cookie boxes — just add a bow and they’re ready for gifting
• With a second dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh, snowy effect

These cookies are delicate and soft, so store them gently — and try not to eat them all at once.

Storing Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Line layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies (unsugared) for up to 2 months. Thaw and roll in fresh powdered sugar before serving.
• Make-Ahead Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze unbaked. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly while preheating the oven.

Variations for Snowball Cookies

• Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Holiday Version: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced holiday twist.
• Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a fun variation kids will love.
• Coconut Snowballs: Roll the cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and finely shredded coconut.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use softened butter — not melted — for the right texture.
• Chill the dough for easy rolling and round shapes.
• Double-roll in powdered sugar — once warm, once cool — for the snowiest finish.
• Don’t overbake. They should stay pale on top and just lightly golden on the bottom.
• Let them rest for a few minutes before transferring — they’re fragile right out of the oven.

Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	140 kcal
Carbohydrates	15 g
Sugars	6 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Protein	1 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	30 mg

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?

You can, but they may flatten slightly. Chilling helps hold the ball shape and improves texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture in this recipe. Margarine will work, but the cookies may be softer and less rich.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?

Let the cookies cool slightly before the first roll and do a second coat once completely cool. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup.

Are these the same as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies?

They’re similar! But this version uses sweetened condensed milk instead of eggs or nuts, which gives a richer, softer center.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the simplicity of these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies. They’re the kind of treat that looks fancy but feels familiar — soft, sweet, and a little nostalgic. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a bake sale, or just a quiet weekend at home, I hope they bring joy to your kitchen like they have to mine.

Bake them, share them, and maybe keep a few hidden just for you — I won’t tell. 😊