Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs

There’s something magical about the simplicity of homemade cookies. Among the myriad of cookie recipes, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs stand out as a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a delicious result every time. In this article, we’ll explore everything there is to know about these sweet confections, from ingredients and instructions to serving suggestions and tips.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect snowball cookie:

• 1 cup softened butter: The base of your cookie dough, providing richness and flavor.
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and moisture, making the cookies soft and tender.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• 3 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a light, airy texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For dusting, creating the signature “snowball” look.

Instructions

Creating these cookies is as simple as following a few straightforward steps. Here’s how you can make your own batch of sweetened condensed milk snowballs:

1. Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. This should take about 3 minutes.
2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix for 2 minutes. For added flavor, consider incorporating up to 2 teaspoons of your favorite extract, such as vanilla or almond.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing, then blend for another minute.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, stirring until well combined. If desired, stir in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra twist.
5. Scoop and Shape: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each mound is approximately 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12 minutes.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. Dust with Sugar: Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar, giving them their characteristic snowball appearance.

Nutrition Facts

For those mindful of their dietary intake, it’s helpful to know the nutritional content of these delightful cookies. Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 149
• Keep in mind that the addition of chocolate chips or dried fruit will alter the calorie count.

How to Serve

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions and settings. Here are some comprehensive ways to serve and enjoy these delightful treats:

With Tea or Coffee

One of the classic pairings for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs is with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their rich sweetness complements the bitterness of coffee or the delicate flavors of tea, creating a balanced taste experience. Here are a few suggestions to enhance this pairing:

• Afternoon Tea: Serve these snowballs alongside an assortment of teas, such as Earl Grey, green tea, or herbal blends. Their light texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect accompaniment to scones, finger sandwiches, and other traditional tea treats. Consider placing them on a tiered serving tray for an elegant presentation.
• Morning Coffee Break: Whether you prefer a robust espresso or a smooth latte, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs offer a delightful contrast. For an extra touch, serve them with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Holiday Beverages: During festive seasons, pair these snowballs with holiday-themed drinks like peppermint mochas or spiced chai lattes. Their snowball appearance can evoke the winter spirit, making them a perfect seasonal treat.

At Parties or Gatherings

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are a fantastic addition to any dessert table, thanks to their festive appearance and delightful flavor. Here are some ideas for serving them at various gatherings:

• Birthday Parties: Create a dessert buffet and include these snowballs as one of the star attractions. You can customize them by rolling some in crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles to match the party theme. Consider offering a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, coconut, or vanilla, to cater to different preferences.
• Holiday Celebrations: Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or any other holiday, these snowballs can add a festive touch. Arrange them on a decorative platter or cake stand, perhaps alongside other holiday favorites like cookies or pastries. For an added festive flair, you might place small decorative flags or labels identifying each flavor.
• Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings: Pack these treats in a portable container for picnics or outdoor parties. Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for travel, and they can be enjoyed as a sweet snack after a savory meal. Pair them with fresh fruits or a refreshing beverage like lemonade for a complete outdoor feast.

As a Gift

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs also make for thoughtful homemade gifts, perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ideas for packaging and presenting them:

• Gift Baskets: Combine the snowballs with other homemade treats, such as cookies, fudge, or granola bars, in a beautifully arranged gift basket. This thoughtful assortment will be appreciated by friends and family alike.
• Decorative Tins or Boxes: Choose decorative tins or boxes that reflect the occasion, whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or thank-you gift. Line the containers with colorful tissue paper, and arrange the snowballs neatly inside. A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar on top not only enhances their appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness.
• Personalized Touch: Include a handwritten note or a recipe card detailing how to enjoy the snowballs. This personal touch adds warmth to your gift and allows the recipient to recreate the joy of these treats at home.
• Seasonal Gifts: Consider giving these snowballs during festive seasons, packaging them with seasonal decorations. For example, during the winter holidays, you could wrap them in red and green packaging and include a small ornament or holiday card for an added festive spirit.

By utilizing these various serving suggestions, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs can bring joy and sweetness to any occasion, making them a beloved treat among family and friends. Whether enjoyed with beverages, at a festive gathering, or as a thoughtful gift, these delightful confections are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Additional Tips

To ensure your snowballs turn out perfectly, consider the following tips which will enhance not only the texture and flavor of your cookies but also your overall baking experience:

Room Temperature Ingredients

One crucial factor in achieving a perfect snowball cookie is ensuring that your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin mixing your ingredients. Softened butter improves the creaming process, allowing it to incorporate more air into the dough. This results in a lighter, fluffier texture in your cookies. To soften butter efficiently, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your kitchen’s temperature. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, you can cut the butter into smaller cubes, which will soften more quickly. Avoid using melted butter, as it can lead to a greasy dough that spreads too much during baking.

Even Scoops

For consistent size and shape, it’s essential to use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out your dough. This technique ensures that each snowball is evenly sized, which promotes uniform baking. When the cookies are all the same size, they will bake at the same rate, reducing the risk of some cookies being overcooked while others remain undercooked. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, another handy tip is to use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of dough, aiming for a specific weight (e.g., 1 ounce per cookie). This method is particularly useful when baking larger batches.

Chill the Dough

If you find that your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, it’s highly advisable to chill it for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough makes it easier to scoop and shape, while also helping the cookies maintain their form during baking. This is especially important for snowball cookies, which should retain their round shape and not spread too much. If you’re preparing a large batch, consider chilling the dough in stages, scooping out portions, and then returning the rest to the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This not only helps with handling but also enhances the flavors as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

Experiment with Flavors

Snowball cookies are incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to cater to your taste preferences. While traditional recipes often call for vanilla extract, consider trying almond extract for a nutty twist or even citrus extracts, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing zing. Additionally, you can incorporate various mix-ins such as finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for an unexpected burst of flavor. For a tropical touch, coconut flakes can be added either into the dough or rolled onto the cookies after baking. The key is to maintain balance; start with a small amount of any new flavoring or add-in, and adjust according to your preference.

Additional Baking Techniques

1. Oven Calibration: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. Baking at the wrong temperature can cause cookies to bake unevenly. An oven thermometer can help you verify that your oven’s internal temperature matches the setting.
2. Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This also makes cleanup much easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
3. Cooling Time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This extra cooling time helps them firm up, making them less likely to break apart when moved.
4. Dusting with Powdered Sugar: For the classic snowball look, roll your cookies in powdered sugar immediately after they come out of the oven. You can give them a second roll once they have cooled completely, which enhances their snowy appearance and adds extra sweetness.

By incorporating these tips into your baking routine, you can elevate your snowball cookie-making process, ensuring that each batch comes out perfectly delicious and visually appealing. Happy baking!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary slightly.

Q: How should I store these cookies?

A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Q: Can I use unsalted butter?

A: Absolutely, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Q: My cookies spread too much, what went wrong?

A: This could be due to over-softened butter or not chilling the dough. Try chilling the dough before baking or reducing the baking powder slightly.

Conclusion

Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic journey wrapped in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite. With their unique combination of rich sweetness and crumbly texture, they’ve earned their place in the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity, which makes them an excellent choice for novice bakers while still being satisfying for seasoned pros to prepare.

One of the key ingredients, sweetened condensed milk, plays a pivotal role in achieving the cookies’ signature flavor and texture. Its creamy richness adds depth to the snowballs, ensuring every bite is packed with a smooth sweetness that balances beautifully with the delicate, buttery base. This ingredient also acts as a natural binding agent, bringing all the elements together seamlessly without the need for additional liquids. The result is a dough that’s easy to handle and shape, making the preparation process enjoyable and stress-free.

These snowballs are versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes and occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or decide to add your own twist, such as finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dash of citrus zest, the possibilities are endless. For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, these cookies provide a wonderful canvas for creativity. You could even dip them in melted chocolate or roll them in colorful sprinkles to make them festive for holidays, birthdays, or other celebrations.

Beyond their flavor, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs evoke feelings of comfort and warmth. Their snow-like appearance, often achieved by coating them in powdered sugar, makes them particularly popular during the winter season. They’re a staple on holiday cookie platters and a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones. The act of sharing these cookies can bring people together, fostering a sense of community and connection that makes baking them all the more rewarding.

When it comes to storage, these cookies are remarkably convenient. They keep well in an airtight container, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time. This makes them a go-to choice for busy bakers who want to plan for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week. Freezing them is another option, allowing you to savor the deliciousness even weeks after they’ve been baked.

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to revisit a timeless classic or someone new to baking who’s eager to try their hand at something special, Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are a fantastic choice. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing. As you roll the dough, coat each ball in sugar, and watch them bake to perfection, you’ll experience the simple joy that comes from creating something with love. The end result isn’t just a batch of cookies; it’s a heartfelt expression of care and creativity. Enjoy the journey, savor the results, and happy baking!

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