Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are a holiday classic, beloved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy powdered sugar coating. These delicate, bite-sized treats are often associated with festive occasions like Christmas, weddings, and cozy winter baking sessions. Their appeal lies in their simplicity: a tender, buttery base rolled in powdered sugar until they resemble little snowballs.

This version of snowball cookies uses sweetened condensed milk to add rich sweetness and creaminess, making them extra indulgent. The condensed milk not only enhances flavor but also creates a smooth, tender dough that bakes into perfectly soft cookies.

Whether served on a holiday platter, gifted in tins, or enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies embody the spirit of celebration. Their nostalgic charm and irresistible texture make them a timeless favorite for gatherings, ensuring they remain a staple of holiday baking traditions.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the use of sweetened condensed milk instead of eggs. This substitution adds richness and creaminess, resulting in a dough that bakes into cookies with a uniquely soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The recipe also relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: butter, flour, powdered sugar, and condensed milk. This makes it easy to prepare without requiring specialty items, perfect for spontaneous holiday baking.

Tip: Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar—once while warm and again after cooling—creates the perfect snowy finish. The first coat melts slightly into the cookie, while the second adds a fluffy, powdery layer that enhances both flavor and appearance.

Elegant yet simple, these cookies are versatile enough for Christmas celebrations, wedding dessert tables, or cozy winter afternoons. Their combination of ease, beauty, and indulgence makes them a recipe worth keeping in your holiday repertoire.

Cultural & Culinary Background

Snowball cookies trace their roots to European traditions, appearing in various forms across cultures. In Russia, they are known as Russian Tea Cakes, while in Mexico, they are celebrated as Mexican Wedding Cookies. Despite regional differences, the hallmark remains the same: buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar.

In the United States, snowball cookies became popular in the mid-20th century, often appearing at weddings, holidays, and festive gatherings. Over time, bakers began experimenting with variations, including the addition of sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess and sweetness. This adaptation gave the cookies a smoother texture and richer flavor, making them even more indulgent.

Their enduring popularity lies in their nostalgic charm. Snowball cookies evoke memories of family gatherings, holiday baking traditions, and the joy of sharing simple, homemade treats. Their snowy appearance makes them especially fitting for winter celebrations, symbolizing warmth and comfort during the cold season.

Today, snowball cookies remain a beloved staple across cultures, cherished for their simplicity, versatility, and timeless appeal.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

Butter: Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that defines the cookie’s tender texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and enhances the dough’s smoothness.
Powdered Sugar: Creates the snowy coating, offering a delicate sweetness and festive appearance.
Nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add nutty crunch and depth of flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a cookie that is indulgent yet balanced. The butter and condensed milk provide richness, the powdered sugar adds a light sweetness, and the nuts introduce texture and complexity.

Pro Tip: Toasted pecans or walnuts elevate the flavor, adding a warm, nutty depth that complements the creamy sweetness.

This flavor profile ensures that snowball cookies are both comforting and celebratory, making them perfect for holiday spreads or special occasions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Mix Base In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually add 2½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until dough forms. Optional: fold in 1 cup finely chopped toasted nuts.

Step 3: Chill Dough Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and ensures neat, round cookies.

Step 4: Shape Cookies Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until cookies are set but not browned.

Step 6: First Sugar Roll While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. This first coat melts slightly into the cookie.

Step 7: Second Sugar Roll Once cooled, roll cookies again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Step 8: Serve Arrange on a platter or store in tins. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or cocoa.

Tip: Chilling the dough ensures cookies hold their shape and prevents excess spreading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until just set, not browned.
Skipping Second Sugar Roll: Results in less snowy appearance. Always roll twice for the perfect finish.
Using Cold Butter: Prevents dough from binding properly. Use softened butter for smooth mixing.
Not Sifting Powdered Sugar: Creates clumps in coating. Always sift for a smooth, snowy layer.
Skipping Chill Time: Causes cookies to spread too much. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: Always sift powdered sugar and roll cookies twice for the signature snowy look.