Sweet Milk Snowballs

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Buttery cookies with a creamy milk flavor, rolled in sugar for a frosty look. Just 5 ingredients for a cozy, fast treat.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:11:45 GMT
A shallow bowl holding snowball-shaped treats coated in powdered sugar, with a festive touch around the scene. Pin it
A shallow bowl holding snowball-shaped treats coated in powdered sugar, with a festive touch around the scene. | cookwithcarla.com

I stumbled upon these wonderful no-bake Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs during a midnight kitchen adventure. Somehow, basic pantry items come together to create the most divine winter treats. Once I shared them with my family, they quickly became a favorite, and now my children ask for them constantly when holiday time comes around.

These Snowballs Will Change Your Dessert Game

I can't stop raving about these treats. As someone juggling a food blog while parenting, I'm always on the hunt for fast holiday goodies that don't need an oven. These snowballs are my go-to during the busy holiday rush. When you mix the velvety sweetened condensed milk with coconut, you get this amazing texture that melts right in your mouth. My blog followers keep making them again and again.

Grab These Items From Your Pantry

  • Butter: Get it super soft by leaving it out several hours before starting.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star ingredient that brings creaminess and richness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works great for this recipe.
  • Baking Powder: Just a small amount creates the ideal consistency.
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Stock up for that beautiful snowy coating.

Time To Create These Tasty Snowballs

Whip Your Butter
Mix that softened butter until fluffy and creamy, about 3 minutes should do it.
Pour In The Sweetness
Add your sweetened condensed milk while mixing continuously. I sometimes throw in a bit of vanilla for extra flavor.
Don't Miss Any Spots
Take a moment to clean the sides of your bowl so everything mixes well.
Add The Dry Stuff
Slowly incorporate flour and baking powder. For fun, maybe toss in some chocolate chips.
Form Your Balls
A cookie scoop works wonders to make sure they're all the same size.
Get Them Hot
Stick them in at 320°F for around 12 minutes.
Cool Down Phase
Let them sit on the pan for five minutes - don't skip this step.
Snow Shower
Cover them with plenty of sugar - this part is so fun.
Cool Off
Make sure they're totally cool before you put them away, though good luck keeping hands off them.

How To Store Your Snowy Treats

I've found that storing these in a sealed container works best. They'll stay yummy in your fridge for a week, though at my house they vanish much faster. If you want to plan ahead, toss them in the freezer and they'll last three months. Just put parchment paper between the layers - I found out why that matters the hard way.

Try These Tasty Twists

After making tons of batches, I've come up with some tasty changes. My niece who can't eat nuts loves them with graham cracker bits instead of coconut. A tiny bit of almond extract makes them extra special, and my husband can't get enough of the cocoa-covered version. During the holidays, I'll often sneak in a pinch of cinnamon.

A plate of round, powdered sugar-coated dessert balls sits against a softly lit background with festive decorations. Pin it
A plate of round, powdered sugar-coated dessert balls sits against a softly lit background with festive decorations. | cookwithcarla.com

Enjoy Them Without Dairy

My buddy Sarah got me to try making these without dairy products. Plant-based condensed milk and coconut oil work amazingly well. They taste just as good as the original version, so now everyone at our holiday get-togethers can enjoy them.

Festive Holiday Touches

For Christmas, I get really creative. I roll them in smashed candy canes or bright sprinkles to make them look extra festive. My kids go nuts for the ones covered in rainbow sprinkles, and making them is just as much fun as eating them.

Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites

These little treats have been my lifesaver at so many holiday gatherings. Since you don't need to bake them, I can make a batch even when my oven is full of other holiday foods. They always vanish first from the dessert table, and I never bring any home.

Sweet Family Moments

Whenever I make these snowballs, I think about how they've become part of what our family does each year. My daughter loves helping roll them in sugar and my son smiles so big when he spots them on the counter. They're not just food, they're little moments of happiness.

Stress-Free Sweet Treats

What I love most about these snowballs is how easy they are. On crazy December nights when I'm trying to wrap gifts and get ready for the holidays, I can still throw these together quickly. They're what I make when I need something sweet without any hassle.

Everyone Gets Involved

My kitchen turns into a happy disaster zone when we make these together. The kids have a blast rolling the balls and getting powdered sugar everywhere. Even my husband, who says he doesn't bake, joins in. It's become our favorite thing to do together on winter weekends.

Homemade Gifts With Heart

I started giving these snowballs to neighbors and friends after they kept asking how to make them. When packed in cute holiday containers with a ribbon, they make lovely homemade presents. My friend Lisa now serves them at her Christmas tea party every year.

A bowl of dusted, round confections sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by greenery. Pin it
A bowl of dusted, round confections sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by greenery. | cookwithcarla.com

Ready When Guests Drop By

These snowballs have come to my rescue countless times when people visit without warning. I can quickly put them together while chatting with friends, and they're ready to eat in no time. Plus, they make my kitchen smell wonderful while I'm making them.

Treats For Any Season

Though most people think of these as winter treats, I actually make them all year. They work great at summer parties too - just use bright sprinkles instead of holiday ones. They're so flexible you'll want them no matter the season.

Fancy Them Up

When I want to impress, I add some shiny edible gold dust or special decorations. It's surprising how a simple snowball can look so classy. They've shown up at wedding showers and fancy holiday parties too.

Tasty Combinations

These snowballs taste amazing with my morning coffee. The sweetness goes so well with a strong cup. When friends come by for afternoon tea, they always hope I've made some - they're that addictive.

Small Treats, Big Smiles

I love how something so basic can bring such joy. Every time I make these snowballs, I remember that great recipes don't need to be complex. Their sweet coconut flavor always gets people smiling.

Our Holiday Must-Have

These snowballs have become a huge part of how we celebrate holidays. My kids know the festive season is here when they smell them cooking. Even my mother-in-law, who's picky about sweets, asks for my recipe - she enjoys them that much.

A bowl of powdered sugar-coated round cookies sits on a table, with festive decorations blurred in the background. Pin it
A bowl of powdered sugar-coated round cookies sits on a table, with festive decorations blurred in the background. | cookwithcarla.com

Delightful Little Treasures

I'm thrilled to pass this recipe along to you. After countless batches of these snowballs, they still make me happy. Each time I make them creates new memories and moments of joy. Try them in your kitchen and I bet they'll become a staple in your home too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these cookies be frozen?

Absolutely, store them in your freezer for up to 3 months. Leave out the sugar dusting until after thawing for the best texture.

→ What makes my cookies spread?

Don’t let the butter get too soft or dough too warm. A cool dough and the lower oven heat keep the cookies in shape.

→ How do I add different flavors?

Mix in about 2 teaspoons of extracts, like almond or vanilla. Mini chocolate chips or small nut pieces also create fun twists.

→ What’s the best way to store them?

Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Sprinkle extra sugar on top if serving later.

→ Why do my cookies crumble?

If they’re too dry, you likely baked them a bit long. Pull them from the oven once set but still pale—they finish setting as they cool.

Conclusion

These soft, melt-away cookies balance rich, sweet milk with a dusting of sugar for a stunning finish. Simple to whip up and a sure crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Milk Sugar Snowballs

Quick-to-make, tender cookies with sweet milk and a powdered sugar topping. Great for special days or cozy nights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup of butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
03 2 cups of plain flour.
04 3 teaspoons of baking powder.
05 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for sprinkling.

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk the butter until it looks airy and fluffy, around 3 minutes.

Step 02

Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and beat for another couple of minutes till it all comes together smoothly.

Step 03

Stir the flour and baking powder into the mix and beat gently until just combined.

Step 04

Create even portions of dough with a scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart on a lined tray.

Step 05

Bake in a 320°F oven for 12 minutes or until they barely firm up.

Step 06

Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. Generously sprinkle powdered sugar over while they cool completely.

Notes

  1. You can add up to 2 teaspoons of flavor extracts.
  2. Feel free to toss in up to 1 cup of extras like chocolate chips.
  3. Make sure they're completely cooled before you store them.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large mixing bowl.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Tray for baking.
  • Scoop for portioning dough.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, condensed milk).
  • Made with wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 3 g