Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

Looking for a simple yet scrumptious cookie recipe to brighten up your winter days? Look no further than these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies! With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar, these cookies are the perfect treat for any cozy gathering or festive occasion. Using just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up these delightful snowball cookies that are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter: Begin by creaming the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy.
2. Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the creamed butter, mixing until the two ingredients are well combined.
3. Prepare the Dough: Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until you form a soft, cohesive dough.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Form the Cookies: Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are slightly golden around the edges.
7. Dust with Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before dusting them with confectioner’s sugar for a sweet finish.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Warm or Room Temperature: These snowball cookies can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Their soft and tender texture makes them a delightful treat either way.
• Pairings: Serve these cookies with a hot beverage such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to enhance the cozy, comforting experience.
• Presentation: For an elegant touch, arrange the cookies on a festive plate and dust them with a bit of extra confectioner’s sugar before serving. You can also add some holiday-themed decorations for a festive presentation.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will remain soft and fresh.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just be sure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: To extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies stay delicious and fresh for as long as possible. Enjoy these treats whenever you like!

Variations:

1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies

• Add Cocoa Powder: Incorporate 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the flour mixture to give your cookies a rich chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.

2. Nutty Snowball Cookies

• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
• Nutty Coating: Roll the dough balls in finely chopped nuts before baking for a delightful nutty texture.

3. Citrus Snowball Cookies

• Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dough for a zesty twist.
• Citrus Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice over the cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

4. Spiced Snowball Cookies

• Add Spices: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Spiced Sugar Coating: Combine sugar with a pinch of your favorite spice and use it to dust the cookies after baking.

5. Coconut Snowball Cookies

• Add Coconut: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair.
• Coconut Coating: Roll the dough balls in shredded coconut before baking for a deliciously chewy exterior.

6. Almond Snowball Cookies

• Almond Extract: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Almonds: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped almonds into the dough or top each cookie with a whole almond before baking.

7. Caramel Snowball Cookies

• Add Caramel Bits: Stir in 1/2 cup of caramel bits to the dough for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.

8. Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

• Add Red Food Coloring: Mix in a few drops of red food coloring to the dough to create a red velvet version.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.

9. Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies

• Add Peanut Butter: Mix in 1/2 cup of peanut butter with the butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips for extra peanut butter goodness.

10. Pumpkin Snowball Cookies

• Add Pumpkin: Replace 1/4 cup of the sweetened condensed milk with canned pumpkin and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Pumpkin Glaze: Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and pumpkin spice over the cookies for added flavor.

These variations will help you customize your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies to suit your taste or the occasion, providing endless delicious possibilities!

FAQs:

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

2. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk? If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk with added sugar, or make your own by cooking down regular milk with sugar.

3. How do I store leftover cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking? Ensure that the dough is chilled before baking. If you notice that your cookies are spreading too much, you might want to refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

7. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to customize your cookies.

8. What can I use instead of confectioner’s sugar for dusting? You can use granulated sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and a little cornstarch if you prefer. Just note that the texture and sweetness might be slightly different.

9. How do I make the cookies more flavorful? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or other extracts (such as almond or citrus) to the dough for added flavor. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance for a party? Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare and bake them up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and dust with confectioner’s sugar just before serving.

These FAQs address common questions and provide tips to help you bake perfect Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies every time!