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The moment you bite into one of these melt-in-your-mouth Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs, you'll understand why they're a cherished winter treat. These delicate, buttery cookies transform simple pantry ingredients into something magical - each one a perfect little snowball that delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Last weekend, I made these with my young niece. Watching her eyes light up as she rolled the warm cookies in powdered sugar reminded me why simple recipes often create the most special memories.
Essential Ingredients
- Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature butter for the best texture. The quality of butter really matters here since it's a key flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creates the uniquely tender, melt-away texture. Don't substitute with regular milk.
- All-purpose flour: Measure by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off for accuracy.
- Confectioner's sugar: Use fresh, lump-free sugar for the coating. I always sift it first for the most professional look.
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After years of holiday baking, I've learned that these humble cookies often disappear before fancier, more elaborate treats. Their simple perfection is irresistible.
Detailed Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Leave butter out for 2 hours to properly soften. Bring sweetened condensed milk to room temperature. Sift flour and baking powder together. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Position oven rack in center position.
- Create the Perfect Dough:
- Beat butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stream in condensed milk slowly while mixing. Add vanilla extract if using. Incorporate dry ingredients gradually. Mix just until combined - overworking makes tough cookies.
- Form and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop uniform portions using a small cookie scoop. Roll gently between palms for perfect spheres. Place on prepared sheets, leaving space for slight spreading. Chill shaped cookies for 15 minutes to prevent excessive spreading. Bake until barely golden at edges - don't overbake.
- Perfect the Sugar Coating:
- Let cookies cool on pan for exactly 5 minutes. Roll in confectioner's sugar while still warm. Place on wire rack to cool completely. Give a second coating once fully cooled. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.
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The first time I made these cookies was for my mother's holiday cookie exchange. She'd always bring Russian tea cakes, and these reminded me of her recipe but with an even more tender crumb.
Working with the Dough
The key to perfect snowballs is handling the dough gently. I've found that chilled dough is easier to shape, and slightly damp hands prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Make-Ahead Options
The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for a month. I often make a double batch and freeze half the shaped cookies to bake later.
Flavor Variations
While the classic version is wonderful, try adding different extracts or citrus zest. My favorite variation includes orange zest and a tiny bit of cardamom - it's unexpected and delicious.
These cookies have become part of our family's winter traditions. My daughter now makes them for her teachers every Christmas, carefully packaging each one in tissue paper.
Final Thoughts: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs prove that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable treats. Whether you're making them for a cookie exchange, holiday gathering, or just because, their tender texture and sweet simplicity make them irresistible. The key is taking your time with each step - from properly softened butter to the final dusting of sugar. These little snowballs may look humble, but they deliver pure joy in every bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, these cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- → Why does the butter need to be adequately softened?
- Softened butter creates a better texture and ensures even mixing with other ingredients.
- → Can I add different flavors to these cookies?
- Yes, you can add up to 2 teaspoons of extract or 1 cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips.
- → Why do the cookies need to cool before adding sugar?
- Cooling prevents the powdered sugar from melting and ensures it sticks properly to the cookies.
- → Can I freeze these snowball cookies?
- Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.