Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is a simple and delicious treat that comes together with minimal effort. The sweetened condensed milk creates a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, while the coconut coating gives them their classic snowy appearance. If you enjoy coconut desserts, you might also like Chewy coconut macaroons topped with chocolate kisses these Coconut Macaroon Blossoms are as cute as they are delicious. These snowballs are perfect for holiday cookie trays or any time a sweet craving strikes.

Ingredients

These sweetened condensed milk snowballs come together with simple pantry staples, creating soft, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate vanilla aroma.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe: 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling), 1 ½ cups finely crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, and ½ cup powdered sugar. Measure accurately for the best texture.

Ensure your sweetened condensed milk is at room temperature for easier mixing. If using unsweetened coconut, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to balance sweetness.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed vanilla wafers and shredded coconut until evenly distributed. This creates the base for your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs.

For a finer texture, pulse the wafers in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand. Avoid over-processing—you want some texture to hold the mixture together.

Step 3 — Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until a thick, cohesive dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

If the dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of crushed wafers. If too dry, add another tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk. The right consistency is key for shaping.

Step 4 — Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into uniform snowballs.

Don’t skip this step—warm dough will be sticky and difficult to handle. For best results, chill for up to 1 hour if time allows.

Step 5 — Shape the Snowballs

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Work quickly to prevent the dough from warming up too much.

For evenly sized Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs, use a small cookie scoop. Lightly dampen your hands if the dough starts to stick during rolling.

Step 6 — Coat with Coconut

Spread additional shredded coconut on a plate. Roll each shaped ball in the coconut until fully coated, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Use sweetened shredded coconut for extra sweetness and a snowy appearance. Toasted coconut can also be used for a nuttier flavor and golden color.

Step 7 — Set and Dust

Place the finished Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them set at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

For a final decorative touch, lightly dust the snowballs with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This enhances their snowy look and adds a hint of sweetness.

Step 8 — Store or Serve

Transfer the snowballs to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, freeze the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	8g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	45mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Low-fat sweetened condensed milk — Reduces fat content while maintaining the classic creamy sweetness.
• Almond flour or oat flour — Gluten-free options that add a nutty flavor and tender texture.
• Coconut condensed milk — A dairy-free alternative that imparts a subtle tropical coconut note.
• Vanilla or unflavored protein powder — Boosts protein content and adds a mild, complementary flavor.
• Unsalted butter or coconut oil — Lowers sodium and offers a dairy-free option with a light coconut aroma.
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener — Lower-carb sweeteners that reduce sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
• Crushed nuts or seeds — Adds crunch, healthy fats, and protein while keeping the recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these sweetened condensed milk snowballs with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance their rich sweetness.
• Serve them during holiday cookie exchanges or as a festive treat at winter gatherings.
• Arrange them on a decorative platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic snowy appearance.
• Offer them alongside other cookies like shortbread or gingerbread for a varied dessert spread.
• Pack them in small treat bags as edible party favors for guests.
• Present them on a tiered dessert stand to elevate their visual appeal at special occasions.

These sweetened condensed milk snowballs are wonderfully versatile—enjoy them as a simple homemade snack or as part of an elegant dessert display.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Let butter soften at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to ensure it creams smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough after adding flour. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears to avoid developing gluten, which makes snowballs tough instead of tender.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before baking. Fix: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour so cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much in the oven.
• Mistake: Rolling dough balls in powdered sugar only once. Fix: Coat snowballs twice—once before baking and again while warm—for a thick, snowy, professional finish.
• Mistake: Baking on a warm or ungreased cookie sheet. Fix: Always use cool, parchment-lined baking sheets to prevent premature spreading and sticking.
• Mistake: Overbaking the snowballs until golden. Fix: Bake just until set but pale; they continue to firm up as they cool, preserving a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Mistake: Substituting evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. Fix: Use only sweetened condensed milk, as its thick, sugary consistency is essential for the right chew and sweetness.
• Mistake: Packing too much dough per snowball. Fix: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough evenly, aiming for 1-inch balls so they bake uniformly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen snowballs in the refrigerator overnight. For serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.

Always ensure your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are stored below 40°F in the refrigerator or 0°F in the freezer for food safety.

Conclusion

These sweetened condensed milk snowballs are a simple, delightful treat. I hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. For more easy desserts, check out our Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe and Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can make a substitute by simmering 1 cup of milk with 1 1/4 cups of sugar until it reduces and thickens slightly. However, for the best results and authentic flavor, we recommend using sweetened condensed milk in this Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe.

How do I prevent the snowballs from becoming too sticky?

Ensure your hands are lightly dusted with powdered sugar or cornstarch when shaping the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs. Also, make sure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before rolling to help manage the stickiness and create perfect round shapes.