These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the ultimate buttery, nutty holiday treat. Their delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness come from a unique combination of sweetened condensed milk and chopped nuts, making them soft and flavorful. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble tiny snowballs, making them a festive addition to any cookie platter!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
- Stir in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Shape and Bake:
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. The cookies should be firm to the touch but remain pale in color.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
3. Roll in Powdered Sugar:
- First Powdered Sugar Coat: While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in the powdered sugar to give them their first coating.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Second Powdered Sugar Coat: Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to achieve that classic snowball look.
Serving and Storage:
- Serving: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply thaw before baking and follow the rolling instructions for fresh cookies anytime!
Helpful Notes:
- Coating Twice: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and once after they’ve cooled—helps create the perfect snowy finish.
- Nut Substitutes: You can use any nut you like, such as almonds or hazelnuts, or omit the nuts if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Gentle Touch: Pastry Chef Claire Saffitz recommends handling these cookies gently during the first powdered sugar roll to avoid crumbling, as they are delicate while warm.
- Balanced Sweetness: Chef Dorie Greenspan suggests balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar by slightly under-sweetening the dough, which is perfectly achieved with sweetened condensed milk.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use sweetened condensed milk substitutes?
No, sweetened condensed milk is essential for the rich texture and sweetness in this recipe. Evaporated milk or other substitutes will not provide the same result.
2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the added salt if using salted butter to avoid over-salting the cookies.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
These cookies typically hold their shape well. However, if your dough is too soft, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before rolling the balls will help maintain their round shape.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies store well, so feel free to make them 2-3 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving if needed.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
For a fun variation, you can fold in mini chocolate chips along with the nuts for a chocolatey twist.
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, nutty, and sweet, with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Enjoy them as part of your holiday baking lineup or as a cozy treat anytime!