Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time. The sweetened condensed milk not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the moist texture of the cookies. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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butter, softened
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sweetened condensed milk
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all-purpose flour
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baking powder
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confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, I cream the softened butter until smooth.
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I gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter, mixing until well combined.
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I sift in the flour and baking powder, then mix to form a soft dough.
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Using a cookie scoop, I portion out small amounts of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until they are slightly golden.
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After removing them from the oven, I let the cookies cool slightly before dusting them with confectioner’s sugar.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 22 cookies.
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Bake time: 10–12 minutes
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Total time: about 22 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
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For a festive touch, I mix in finely chopped nuts or dried fruits.
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A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice note to the cookies.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To serve, I let them thaw at room temperature and, if desired, dust them with additional powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I prefer using butter for its rich flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, there’s no need to chill the dough. The cookies hold their shape well during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensuring the butter is softened but not melted helps maintain the shape. Also, measuring the flour accurately prevents excessive spreading.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. I double the ingredients proportionally to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a simple yet delightful addition to any dessert table. Their light sweetness and tender texture make them a favorite in my household. Whether I’m baking for the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies never disappoint.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic holiday cookies made extra tender with sweetened condensed milk—perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or snacking with cocoa.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until well incorporated.
Sift in flour and baking powder, then stir to form a soft dough.
Scoop and roll dough into small balls. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden on the bottom.
Cool slightly, then dust generously with confectioner’s sugar.
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries make great add-ins.
For a festive flair, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American