Condensed Milk Snowballs are a delightful, five-ingredient treat that perfectly balances a light, fluffy texture with a subtle sweetness. These budget-friendly cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them the ideal addition to any holiday dessert platter or a simple afternoon tea.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will absolutely love these Condensed Milk Snowballs because they require only one bowl and no fussy techniques like rolling dough or using a rolling pin. They are the perfect solution for that family member who prefers simple, nut-free, and chocolate-free sweets without all the extra “fussy bits.” Despite their plain appearance, these cookies are surprisingly delicious, airy, and extremely cost-effective to produce in large batches for the holidays.

Ingredients

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat it until it is light and creamy, which should take about three minutes.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the creamed butter and beat the mixture for an additional two minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and beat again for another minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Add the all-purpose flour and the baking powder to the wet ingredients. Beat until the mixture is just combined and a soft dough forms.
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into mounds and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure you leave at least two inches of space between each cookie.
Bake in a preheated oven at 320 degrees F for 12 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the pan for about five minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. While they are still slightly warm, use a sifter to liberally dust them with confectioner’s sugar. Let them cool completely before moving them to storage.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

The most important rule for success with Condensed Milk Snowballs is to ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. Do not use the microwave to soften it, as melted spots will ruin the consistency of the dough. Instead, leave the butter out on the counter for 3 to 5 hours or even overnight. Additionally, be very careful not to confuse sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is thick, sticky, and sweet, whereas evaporated milk is thin and unsweetened; using the wrong one will prevent the cookies from forming correctly.

While these are designed to be simple, you can easily customize the base dough. You can add up to two teaspoons of extracts, such as peppermint or orange, to change the flavor profile. If you want a bit of texture, you can fold in up to one cup of add-ins like mini chocolate chips, festive M&Ms, toasted coconut, or chopped pecans. For a more colorful holiday look, try adding dried cranberries or chopped candied cherries to the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These snowballs look beautiful when piled high on a white ceramic platter, mimicking a pile of actual snow. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa. Because they are not overly sweet, they serve as a great palate cleanser between richer, more decadent holiday desserts like fudge or dark chocolate truffles.

Store your Condensed Milk Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours. If you prefer them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. These cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid, ideally with a layer of plastic wrap under the lid to create a better seal. When you are ready to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and give them a fresh dust of confectioner’s sugar to make them look brand new.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	149 kcal
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	83mg
Total Carbohydrates	15g
Sugar	6g
Protein	2g

FAQ

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either salted or unsalted butter. There is no significant difference in the final taste or appearance of the snowballs regardless of which one you choose.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The most common reason for spreading is butter that was too soft or partially melted. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature naturally rather than in a microwave.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, one of the best parts of this recipe is that no chilling is required. You can scoop the dough and bake it immediately after mixing.

Can I use a different type of flour?

This recipe was specifically developed and tested using all-purpose flour. Using cake flour or gluten-free blends may alter the delicate texture of the cookie.