Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that melts in your mouth and adds a festive touch to any occasion, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are just what you need. With a buttery base and a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a delightful everyday snack. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients Overview
To make these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and moisture, ensuring the cookies have a delightful chewiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie, which gives it a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: A finishing touch that adds a lovely sweetness and a “snowy” appearance.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Let’s dive into how to make these delicious cookies step by step:
- Prepare the Butter: Begin by adding 1 cup of softened butter to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until it becomes light and creamy. This should take about three minutes. Properly creamed butter is key to a soft, airy texture.
- Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk and continue beating the mixture for an additional two minutes. If you want to add an extract, such as vanilla or almond, now is the time to do so. Be careful not to exceed 2 teaspoons of extract, as too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the cookies.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of baking powder to the bowl. Beat these into the butter and milk mixture until everything is fully combined. If you’d like to add any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chocolate candies, gently fold them in at this stage, ensuring not to exceed 1 cup of add-ins.
- Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into small mounds and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave at least two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be just set but not browned. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Using a sifter, generously dust the cookies with confectioner’s sugar to create their signature snowy appearance. Allow them to cool completely before storing or serving.
Tips for Perfect Snowballs
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is properly softened before starting. Cold butter will not cream correctly, resulting in dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Proper Baking Time: Baking for too long can make the cookies dry. Keep a close eye on them and remove them when they are set but still pale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Too Much Extract: A little goes a long way. Adding more than 2 teaspoons of any extract can overwhelm the delicate flavors of these cookies.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Leave enough space between the cookie mounds to prevent them from merging during baking.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack to avoid breakage.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your snowballs! Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Cranberry Almond Snowballs: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a festive twist.
- Coconut Snowballs: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve these cookies on a beautiful holiday platter, dusted with extra confectioner’s sugar for a snowy effect.
- For a thoughtful gift, package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa to complement their sweetness.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Sifter
Storing Leftovers
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture may differ slightly. Butter adds a richer flavor and a more tender crumb.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be set but not browned. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to bake the cookies in batches to ensure even baking.
Pairing Suggestions
These sweet snowballs pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the cookies’ delicate sweetness, making them an ideal treat for chilly days.
conclusion
Try this easy Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe and share the joy with your loved ones! Don’t forget to share your results and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.
PrintSweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe
Try this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs recipe for a soft, buttery cookie that’s perfect for every occasion.
- Total Time: 27minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and moisture, ensuring the cookies have a delightful chewiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie, which gives it a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: A finishing touch that adds a lovely sweetness and a “snowy” appearance.
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: Begin by adding 1 cup of softened butter to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until it becomes light and creamy. This should take about three minutes. Properly creamed butter is key to a soft, airy texture.
- Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk and continue beating the mixture for an additional two minutes. If you want to add an extract, such as vanilla or almond, now is the time to do so. Be careful not to exceed 2 teaspoons of extract, as too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the cookies.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of baking powder to the bowl. Beat these into the butter and milk mixture until everything is fully combined. If you’d like to add any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chocolate candies, gently fold them in at this stage, ensuring not to exceed 1 cup of add-ins.
- Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into small mounds and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave at least two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be just set but not browned. Overbaking can result in dry cookies.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Using a sifter, generously dust the cookies with confectioner’s sugar to create their signature snowy appearance. Allow them to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve these cookies on a beautiful holiday platter, dusted with extra confectioner’s sugar for a snowy effect.
- For a thoughtful gift, package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa to complement their sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Christmas