Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and their rich, buttery flavor makes them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. With a simple combination of butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and finely chopped nuts, they come together quickly and bake into soft, sweet little snowballs that are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, special events, or just a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness will have everyone coming back for more.

What makes these cookies stand out is the use of sweetened condensed milk, which adds an extra level of richness and depth of flavor. The combination of the milk and butter ensures that the cookies are soft and tender with a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are a great choice when you’re in the mood for something homemade, simple, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the epitome of simplicity and flavor. They are easy to prepare and require only basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The sweetened condensed milk adds a subtle richness, making these cookies both soft and decadent without being overly sweet. The addition of chopped nuts offers a delightful crunch, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a festive, snowball-like appearance that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• Butter, softened
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work best)
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Variations

If you’d like to try some variations of these Snowball Cookies, consider the following ideas:

• Nuts: Swap out the nuts for other varieties, such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor.
• Flavoring: Add a dash of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Coconut: Mix in some shredded coconut to the dough for added texture and sweetness.
• Chocolate: Dip the cookies in melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by leaving it ungreased.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and stir until well incorporated. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 5: Fold in the Nuts

Gently fold the finely chopped nuts into the dough. This will add a nice texture and flavor to the cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop, and place them on the ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should still look pale.

Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softening the butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts (around 5 seconds at a time).
• Coating in powdered sugar: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, as this helps the sugar stick better.
• Cookie size: Make sure the cookies are uniformly sized to ensure even baking.
• Nuts: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts or substitute them with other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.

How to Serve

These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are best served once they have cooled and the powdered sugar has fully set. They make a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table, tea party, or family gathering. Serve them with a warm beverage such as hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and soft if kept properly sealed.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these cookies, as they are best served at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can microwave them for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute, butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and better texture.

2. Can I use sweetened condensed milk with a different flavor?

Yes, you could experiment with different flavored sweetened condensed milk (like coconut), but this may alter the flavor of the cookies.

3. Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts entirely if you prefer nut-free cookies, or substitute them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be set but not browned. A gentle press with your finger should show that they’re firm but soft.

5. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use any finely chopped nut of your choice, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.

6. How should I store these cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.

7. How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can sprinkle some colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking or add festive sprinkles to the powdered sugar coating.

8. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Simply freeze them before rolling them in powdered sugar, and add the sugar coating after thawing.

9. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with an equal amount of evaporated milk and extra sugar, though the texture may vary slightly.

10. How long do I need to bake the cookies?

Bake these cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until set but not browned.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will enjoy. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich flavor, and soft sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a quick and easy dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

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