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These crowd-pleasing no-bake snowballs mix the smoothness of sweetened condensed milk with creamy butter for treats that just melt away as you eat them. They're fantastic for holiday gifts or whenever you want a fast sweet snack - these tasty little balls come together quickly but make a big impression.
During our family's Christmas Eve last year, my kids filled the kitchen with laughter while coating these snowballs in powdered sugar. Watching them delight in making "edible snowballs" turned this simple recipe into a must-have family tradition.
Core Components - Main Ingredients
- Butter: Needs to be just right for softness - you should see a slight indent when pressed
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The foundation that gives these treats their sweet richness
- All-Purpose Flour: Spoon into measuring cup and level off for best results
- Baking Powder: Helps create the right consistency without any oven time
- Confectioners' Sugar: Creates that snowy white outer layer
Crafting Your Snowy Treats
- Step 1 - Set Up Your Station:
- Make room on your counter and set out all room-temp ingredients. Put parchment on your baking sheets. Keep extra confectioners' sugar handy for coating.
- Step 2 - Mix The Foundation:
- Whip the soft butter until it's airy and light - take your time here. Slowly pour in sweetened condensed milk while beating. Don't forget to scrape the bowl often for even mixing.
- Step 3 - Build The Mixture:
- Whisk flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Add these dry items slowly to your wet mix. Stir just until blended - don't mix too much.
- Step 4 - Roll And Coat:
- Use the same scoop size for all balls to cook evenly. Cool shaped balls in the fridge before adding sugar. Roll them gently in confectioners' sugar for complete coverage.
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I've saved so many rushed holiday parties with these snowballs. They're so easy to make but still look fancy enough to wow everyone who tries them.
Tasty Twists and Serving Ideas
I've found they make wonderful presents, especially when tucked into decorative boxes with colorful tissue. They stay firm, so they don't get squished during delivery.
In warmer months, I like to add some lemon zest and coat them in citrus sugar for a cool treat that's always a hit at outdoor gatherings.
When I need something for school fundraisers, these are my go-to - they're different enough to catch attention but familiar enough that people want to buy them.
This simple base has grown into so many versions in my kitchen, from ones rolled in coconut for a tropical feel to others dipped halfway in melted chocolate.
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After making these snowballs countless times, they've become more than just food - they're like little memory makers. Whether they're served at a fancy Christmas dinner or tucked into a lunch as a surprise treat, they always bring out happy faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does condensed milk add to cookies?
- It makes the cookies soft, tender, and rich, while bringing a balanced sweetness.
- → Can I mix in other flavors?
- Totally! Add up to 2 teaspoons of an extract or stir in 1 cup of extras like nuts or chocolate chips.
- → Why bake these cookies at a lower temperature?
- The slightly lower heat of 320°F keeps the cookies from browning too fast and ensures they bake evenly.
- → How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
- Place them in a sealed container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- → Why should cookies cool on the baking sheet?
- Leaving them on the baking sheet for five minutes lets them firm up and makes them easier to handle.