If you’re dreaming of a soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookie that requires zero eggs, zero fuss, and bakes up perfectly every single time, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the holiday gem you’ve been waiting for.
With buttery dough enriched by sweetened condensed milk, these snowballs are incredibly soft, lightly chewy in the center, and coated in a thick blanket of powdered sugar that makes them look like fresh winter snow.
These cookies are easy, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and absolutely perfect for Christmas dessert trays, cookie exchanges, edible gifts, or cozy nights with hot cocoa. One bite and you’ll understand why these become a holiday tradition for anyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
- No eggs → perfect texture & allergy-friendly
- Buttery, tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers
- Rolled in powdered sugar for a perfect snowy finish
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- No spreading — cookies bake perfectly round
- Easy, quick Christmas cookie recipe
- Freezer-friendly and great for gifting
- Light sweetness with rich, creamy flavor
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Sweetened condensed milk transforms the dough into a smooth, velvety mixture that bakes into the softest version of snowball cookies you’ve ever had. These cookies stay tender for days, hold their shape beautifully, and are foolproof — even for beginner bakers. They’re festive, cozy, and the kind of cookie that melts on your tongue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp salt
For Rolling
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps sugar stick longer)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ tsp almond extract for extra flavor
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies (Detailed)
1. Cream Butter & Sweetened Condensed Milk
Beat softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth, creamy, and pale.
2. Add Vanilla
Mix in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Mix until dough forms a soft ball.
(Dough will be thick — this is perfect.)
4. Chill the Dough
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for easier rolling.
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls.
6. Bake
Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Cookies should stay pale with lightly golden bottoms.
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let cookies cool for 4–5 minutes.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
Cool completely and roll again for the snowy look.
8. Serve
Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or add to Christmas cookie trays.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie)
- Calories: 125
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 1g
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
- Use softened butter, not melted.
- Roll twice in powdered sugar for the perfect snow effect.
- Don’t overbake — they should stay pale and soft.
- Chill dough slightly for easy shaping.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Avoid liquid flavoring (other than extracts) — it changes dough.
Variations & Substitutions
- Coconut Snowballs: Add shredded coconut.
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Mini chips inside the dough.
- Nutty Snowballs: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds.
- Peppermint Snowballs: Add peppermint extract + crushed candy canes.
- Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest + lemon extract.
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What to Serve with These Cookies
- Hot cocoa
- Peppermint mocha
- Eggnog
- Christmas tea
- Holiday dessert platters
- Edible gift boxes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Makes cookies dry. Remove when bottoms just lightly brown.
- Using too much powdered sugar in dough: They may crack.
- Skipping the chill: Dough becomes sticky to roll.
- Rolling too early: Let cookies cool a few minutes so coating sticks.
Storing Tips
- Store at room temperature for 5–6 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze dough balls for 2 months — bake straight from freezer.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months (roll in sugar after thawing).
Conclusion
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, snowy, and incredibly easy to make — the perfect holiday cookie for gifting, parties, and cozy winter nights. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautiful powdered sugar finish, they bring festive magic to every bite. A simple recipe with bakery-quality results, sure to become a cherished Christmas classic.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I add nuts?
Yes — pecans, walnuts, or almonds are traditional and delicious.
Why are my cookies dry?
They were overbaked. Remove when still pale.
Do they spread?
No — they hold shape perfectly.
Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of eggs?
Yes — it replaces eggs beautifully in this dough.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — these freeze and gift wonderfully.