Imagine a snowy winter day, where the air is crisp, and the warmth of your home is accentuated by the aroma of freshly baked cookies. These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat to complement such a cozy scene. Their delicate texture, combined with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, makes them a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. These cookies are not just for winter, though—they’re perfect for any time you want to indulge in a little bit of sweetness wrapped in a soft, snowy package.
The simplicity of these cookies is part of their charm. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something truly special. The star of the show is sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich, velvety sweetness that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. This ingredient also helps to bind the dough together, creating a tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with the powdered sugar coating. The result is a cookie that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour is fully incorporated. If you’re using pecans, fold them into the dough now.
Shape the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and soft.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until they are completely covered.
Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar adding to their snowball-like appearance.
Bonus Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the dough, or substitute the pecans with finely chopped walnuts. If you prefer a more festive presentation, roll the cookies in colored powdered sugar or sprinkle them with edible glitter for a holiday touch. To make them even more special, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or Nutella for a delightful surprise.
Conclusion:
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition. Their tender, buttery texture and sweet, nutty flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your baking routine. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and their charming appearance makes them a beautiful gift for friends and family. So go ahead, indulge in these little bites of sweetness, and let them add a bit of magic to your day.