Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies – they’re light, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and irresistibly buttery. Every time I make these cookies, they disappear in a matter of hours. My family absolutely loves them, and they’ve quickly become a favorite around the holidays. The rich flavor from the sweetened condensed milk combined with the crunch of finely chopped nuts and the snowy powdered sugar coating makes them a true treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious cookie recipe to impress your friends and family, look no further. These Snowball Cookies will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds very happy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

For the Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in until the dough is smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies dense.
5. Stir in the chopped nuts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Cookies:

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough should be soft, so work gently when shaping the cookies.

Bake:

7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. The tops should remain pale, so be careful not to overbake.

Coat the Cookies:

8. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them.
9. Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thick, snowy coating.

Serve:

10. Serve these delightful snowball cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 24 cookies)
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• With Beverages: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Their buttery texture pairs beautifully with warm drinks.
• As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or decorative box and give them as a sweet homemade gift for the holidays or special occasions.
• For Dessert: Serve them as a perfect after-dinner treat, paired with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• On a Dessert Platter: Include these cookies on a holiday dessert platter, alongside other cookies or cakes for variety.
• With Fresh Fruit: These cookies also make a great accompaniment to fresh fruit for a balanced snack or light dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Toast the Nuts: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the nuts lightly before chopping them. This will bring out their natural oils and deepen the flavor in your cookies.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to shape into balls, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to work with.
3. Use Fresh Powdered Sugar: Make sure the powdered sugar is fresh for a smooth, lump-free coating.
4. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. The bottoms should be golden, but the tops should remain pale for the perfect soft texture.
5. Variations in Nuts: Feel free to swap the nuts for your favorite variety. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds work best, but cashews or hazelnuts could also be a great choice.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey version of these classic snowball cookies.
2. Coconut Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough to create a coconut-flavored twist.
3. Mint Snowball Cookies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a fresh, minty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery texture.
4. Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour in the recipe.
5. Sugar-Free Snowball Cookies: Replace the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute for a sugar-free version of these cookies, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Festive Treat: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them on a festive platter along with other baked goods like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or shortbread.
• As a Party Favor: Package the cookies in small bags or boxes tied with ribbon and hand them out as party favors for birthdays or holiday parties.
• After School Snack: Perfect for kids, these cookies make a delicious snack when paired with a glass of milk after school.
• For Coffee Breaks: Keep these cookies in your kitchen for those moments when you need a sweet break with your favorite hot beverage.
• In a Cookie Jar: Make a big batch and keep them stored in a cookie jar for easy access whenever a sweet craving strikes!

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their soft texture.
• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. These cookies will freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days after they have cooled.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• While margarine can be used, it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Butter will give them a richer, more tender result.

1. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with regular milk?

• Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness that regular milk doesn’t provide. It’s best to stick with sweetened condensed milk for this recipe.

1. Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder in the dough?

• Yes, you can add unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version of snowball cookies, but be sure to balance the sweetness with a little extra powdered sugar.

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

• Yes, you can use any nut you prefer. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are traditional, but hazelnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts can also work well.

1. How do I store the cookies for longer shelf life?

• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge or freeze them.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it into balls.

1. Can I make these cookies without nuts?

• Yes! Simply omit the nuts from the recipe for a nut-free version.

1. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

• Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey variation of snowball cookies.

1. Why are my snowball cookies too soft?

• If the cookies are too soft, it might be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Try refrigerating it before rolling the dough into balls next time.

1. Can I make mini snowball cookies?
   • Yes, you can reduce the size of the dough balls to create mini cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly (they may bake a bit faster).

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are an easy and delightful treat that will melt in your mouth with every bite. With their rich buttery flavor, crunchy nuts, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re a hit at every gathering. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday dessert, a snack for your family, or a treat to share with friends, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavor make them a timeless classic that everyone will love!

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