There’s something truly enchanting about the festive season, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat that requires minimal effort? Enter my No-Bake Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs-a delightfully creamy and chewy dessert that captures the essence of holiday joy in every bite. I stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday gathering when I was in desperate need of a crowd-pleaser, and boy, was it a game changer!
These soft morsels, adorned with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar, are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in by yourself (no judgment here!). The rich flavors of sweetened condensed milk paired with the tropical nuttiness of shredded coconut offer a taste experience that will transport you to a blissful holiday paradise.
So, whether you’re tired of the same old dessert routine or looking for a charming addition to your festive spread, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are your answer! Let’s dive into the delights of this easy, no-bake treat that will impress your friends and family alike.
Why are Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs a must-try?
Irresistible Taste: The combination of creamy sweetened condensed milk and chewy coconut delivers a flavor explosion that's both nostalgic and comforting.
No-Bake Simplicity: With just a few steps, you can create these delicious treats without ever turning on the oven, making them a breeze to whip up.
Perfect for Sharing: Their soft, snowball appearance adorned with confectioners’ sugar makes them visually appealing and perfect for holiday parties or as thoughtful gifts.
Versatile Treats: Feel free to customize your snowballs by adding nuts or other mix-ins for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Every bite melts in your mouth, making them a guaranteed hit among family and friends.
Quick Prep Time: In only 20 minutes, you can have these festive goodies ready to impress! With their delightful flavor and texture, these Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are bound to become your new favorite dessert.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter - Use unsalted for better control over salt content and to achieve a creamy texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - This is the star ingredient that binds and sweetens the mixture, with no substitutes necessary.
- All-Purpose Flour - Provides structure; you can swap for gluten-free flour if desired.
- Baking Powder - This leavening agent helps create a light texture; make sure it's fresh for the best results.
For Coating
- Confectioners’ Sugar - Dust over the finished snowballs for extra sweetness; granulated sugar can be used, though the texture will differ.
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs will become a favorite for your holiday gatherings, and with just a few simple ingredients, they promise to bring joy to your festive celebrations!
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Cream the Butter: Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This step is essential for a creamy texture in your snowballs.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually mix in sweetened condensed milk, continuing to beat for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth.
Scrape and Mix: Scrape down the bowl sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are blended, then beat for 1-2 more minutes for a silky consistency.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add all-purpose flour and baking powder to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Optional: Feel free to fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, for added flavor.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop dough into mounds using a cookie scoop or spoon, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 12 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden at the edges.
Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once cooled, sift confectioners’ sugar over the top to create that snowy finish.
Optional: For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling with melted chocolate before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Room Temperature: Keep your snowballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture.
Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week; make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to keep them intact.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw your frozen snowballs in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe through shaping the cookies and placing them on a parchment-lined sheet. Simply cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake the dough directly from the fridge to maintain their light texture. If you prefer, you can also freeze the shaped cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, and when ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, these delightful snowballs will be just as delicious and ready at a moment's notice!
Expert Tips for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for your snowballs.
Mix-In Caution: If adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them gently to maintain the snowballs’ light and fluffy texture.
Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cooling Time: Don't skip the cooling step! Allow the snowballs to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar for the best presentation.
Storage Tips: Store your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in an airtight container with parchment layers between them to keep them fresh for up to a week.
What to Serve with Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs?
Looking for the perfect accompaniments to elevate your dessert offering?
- Rich Hot Chocolate: This creamy drink complements the sweetness of the snowballs and offers a cozy warming experience.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of tropical fruits enhances the tropical notes of the snowballs, cleansing the palate beautifully.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent contrast of temperatures and flavors that everyone will love.
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee balance the sweetness, making it a delightful pairing for afternoon gatherings.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add a holiday classic for a nostalgic touch that serves as a perfect contrast in texture.
- Cheese Platter: Include creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese to provide a savory counterpart that highlights the sweetness of the snowballs.
These pairings will ensure your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs shine even brighter at any gathering!
Variations & Substitutions for Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs
Feel free to tailor these delightful treats to your taste and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Omit any nuts and use a seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, for a similar creamy texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Coconut Alternatives: Swap out shredded coconut for crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for a crunchy twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk to keep the creaminess without dairy.
- Extra Texture: Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruits for added sweetness and chewiness.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to bring a warm, festive flavor dimension to your snowballs.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled snowballs for a luscious indulgence that beautifully complements the sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a fabulous gluten-free treat.
Each variation offers a unique twist while maintaining the delightful essence of Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs!
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right sweetened condensed milk?
Absolutely! When selecting sweetened condensed milk, look for brands that have a smooth texture and a consistent, creamy color without dark spots. Opt for full-fat versions for the best flavor and richness in your snowballs.
How should I store Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs?
For optimal freshness, store your Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to an airtight container layered with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What if my snowballs are too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try refrigerating it for about 30 minutes. This will help firm up the mixture, making it easier to scoop and shape into mounds. Another tip is to lightly dust your hands or the cookie scoop with flour to help with shaping.
Are these snowballs safe for kids or those with allergies?
Great question! Since the recipe contains common allergens like butter and all-purpose flour, it’s important to check for allergies in your guests. You can make gluten-free versions using gluten-free flour, and always ensure that the chocolate or any additional mix-ins are allergen-friendly if serving to kids or those with dietary restrictions.
How do I enhance the flavor of my snowballs?
To add a personal touch, consider incorporating flavorings like vanilla or almond extract into the butter mixture. You can also mix in dried fruits or different nuts before shaping the snowballs for varied textures and flavors. The more the merrier!
Indulgent Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs for Easy Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Gradually mix in sweetened condensed milk, continuing to beat for another 2 minutes until smooth.
- Scrape down the bowl sides with a spatula and beat for 1-2 more minutes for a silky consistency.
- Add all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing gently until just combined. Optional: fold in mix-ins like chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough into mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart.
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sift confectioners' sugar over the top.
Leave a Reply