Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about snowball cookies. These delightful treats melt in your mouth, leaving behind a rich, buttery flavor that is simply irresistible. And when you add the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk to the mix, you get a cookie that is out of this world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these delectable sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies and discover why they are a must-try for any cookie lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these addictive cookies in no time. Plus, they have a unique texture that is both crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth, making them perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Another reason to love these cookies is their versatility. You can customize them to suit your taste by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips. They are also a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. And let’s not forget the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form!
Ingredients
To make these sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit
Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while chocolate chips bring a touch of indulgence to these cookies. If you prefer a fruity twist, try adding dried cranberries or raisins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, fold in your favorite mix-ins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Enjoy these sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Pro tip: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cookies with powdered sugar one more time just before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter will cream well with the sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract. It adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar. This will ensure that the sugar sticks to the cookies evenly and doesn’t melt.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Variations and Substitutions
While sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies are delicious as they are, you can always switch things up by trying different variations:
For a chocolatey twist, replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. This will give your cookies a rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetened condensed milk.
If you prefer a nutty flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. This will add a delightful almond taste and a slightly denser texture to your cookies.
To make these cookies dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut condensed milk.
Serving Suggestions
Sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but you can take them to the next level by pairing them with complementary side dishes and beverages:
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the beverage will enhance the buttery flavor of the cookies, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.
If you’re serving these cookies at a party or gathering, consider making a cookie platter with a variety of flavors. Include classic chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and these sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies for a diverse and crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies. The recipe already includes salt, so using unsalted butter allows you to adjust the salt level to your taste.
Q: Can I freeze the dough and bake the cookies later?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with shaping and baking the cookies as usual.
Q: My cookies turned out flat. What did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies spread too much and turned out flat, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough being overmixed. Make sure your butter is softened but still slightly firm, and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent excess spreading.
Final Thoughts
Sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk make them a true crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the blissful experience of baking and savoring these irresistible cookies. Happy baking!
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
Delightful snowball cookies made with sweetened condensed milk, offering a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are easy to make and customizable with various mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Cream together softened butter and sweetened condensed milk in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
-
Add vanilla extract and mix well.
-
Whisk together all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
-
Fold in optional mix-ins, if desired.
-
Shape the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
-
Enjoy these sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies with milk or hot cocoa.
