Oh, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for something that’s as delightful to eat as it is fun to make, let me introduce you to my favorite holiday treat: Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. These little gems are like bites of happiness, with a soft, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth. Honestly, whenever I make these, I can’t help but think of the cozy winter nights I spent baking with my grandma, dusting everything with powdered sugar and giggling as we turned our kitchen into a winter wonderland.
What makes them special is the sweetened condensed milk. It gives a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness of the dough. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up, which means more time to relax with a warm drink while munching on these beauties. Trust me, every bite feels like a little hug from the inside!
What’s in Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs?
- Unsalted butter: I like to use a high-quality butter because it really enhances the flavor. Let it soften so it mixes well at room temperature.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the star of the show! It provides that lovely sweetness and creamy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough; this will give the snowballs structure. Make sure to sift it for a lighter texture!
- Powdered sugar: Not only for the dough, but also for dusting! It adds a lovely sweetness and festive flair to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this fragrant extract gives the cookies a comforting flavor that complements the milk.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness of the condensed milk.
- Chopped nuts (optional): If you’re a fan of a nice crunch, walnuts or pecans work beautifully. Just chop them up finely and fold them in!
Are Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Good for You?
Now, let’s be honest here—these little snowballs are more about indulgence than health! But they do offer some fun perks. The unsalted butter provides good fats and enhances the flavor, while sweetened condensed milk can give you a quick energy boost thanks to its sugar content. However, they aren’t exactly what you’d call a health food, so moderation is key! If you’re watching your sugar intake, maybe save these for a festive occasion or share them with family and friends. They’re the perfect treat to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream your softened butter until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. You want it to be pale and airy.
- Next, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until everything is well combined and you can’t see any lumps.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you want a nutty element, go ahead and fold in those chopped nuts.
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball.
- Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the bottoms to be lightly golden while the tops stay pale. Don’t worry, they look great with that snowy dusting of powdered sugar afterwards!
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before you transfer them to a wire rack. You want them to cool completely, but good luck resisting one when they’re warm!
- Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. The more, the merrier!
Sweet Tips for Your Snowballs
- For a bit of fun, try adding cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) to the dough for a chocolate twist!
- Store any leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. But trust me, they’ll disappear quickly!
- Serve these on a charming festive plate with little pinecones and greenery for a lovely winter display.
There you have it—Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs! They’re a delightful addition to your holiday festivities, and I promise they’ll bring smiles all around. Give them a try and let your taste buds indulge. If you make these treats, I’d love to hear from you! What variations did you try? Did you enjoy the warmth of those sweet snowball hugs just as much as I do? Happy baking!
