Milk Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that quietly steals the show. They don’t shout for attention, yet one bite pulls you right back to childhood kitchens, warm ovens, and powdered sugar fingerprints on the counter. These cookies are soft, buttery, and gently sweet, almost like they melt before you finish chewing. While they look fancy piled up on a plate, they’re surprisingly simple to make, which is probably why so many families keep coming back to them year after year. Let’s slow down and get to know why these little white cookies deserve a permanent place in your baking routine.
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Milk Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for holidays, snacks, or gifting. Melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar + extra for rolling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk. Fold in flour and salt.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cool on wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Table of Contents
What makes milk snowball cookies different from other cookies
Unlike chewy chocolate chip cookies or crisp sugar cookies, Milk Snowball Cookies focus on softness and balance. The milk adds moisture without heaviness, while powdered sugar keeps the texture light. As a result, these cookies feel delicate but satisfying. They’re also less sweet than frosted desserts, so they pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Because Milk Snowball Cookies stay tender for days, they’re ideal for gifting, sharing, or sneaking one more from the cookie tin. If you love easy dessert recipes with nostalgic flavor, these cookies check every box.
Milk Snowball Cookies Ingredients You Already Have at Home
Pantry staples for classic milk snowball cookies
Milk Snowball Cookies are delightfully simple because they rely on ingredients most American kitchens already have. The beauty is that you don’t need any fancy additions—just good butter, milk, and sugar, with a sprinkle of vanilla. These cookies are forgiving, so even if you adjust quantities slightly or swap brands, you’ll still get soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that look like tiny snowballs on your plate. Most importantly, they don’t require any chilling, which means you can go from mixing to baking in under 30 minutes.
Here’s a convenient table for your ingredients and measurements:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened to room temperature for easy mixing |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Plus extra for rolling after baking |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sift for smoother dough |
| Milk | 2-3 tablespoons | Adjust slightly for dough consistency |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds a subtle flavor boost |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances sweetness |
| Optional: finely chopped nuts | 1/2 cup | Walnuts or pecans for texture |
Smart substitutions for milk snowball cookie success
Sometimes you need a quick swap without compromising taste. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies. Almond milk or oat milk works fine in place of dairy milk. Nuts are optional, so if someone has allergies, simply skip them—the cookies will still shine. Powdered sugar is non-negotiable for the snowball effect, but granulated sugar can’t replace it without changing texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Milk Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preparing the dough the easy way
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grab a large mixing bowl and your softened butter. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Keep mixing until it’s light and fluffy—this is the secret to those melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Next, add the vanilla extract and a splash of milk. Slowly fold in the sifted all-purpose flour and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a consistency that holds together when rolled into balls. This dough is forgiving, so take your time to mix evenly.
Step 2: Shaping and baking milk snowball cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The edges might look barely set, but that’s okay—these cookies stay soft even after cooling. Avoid overbaking because the delicate texture is the hallmark of milk snowball cookies.
Step 3: Coating cookies in snowy sweetness
Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for that signature snowball look. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can do a second roll in powdered sugar if you want them extra snowy. The result? Soft, buttery cookies with a delicate, sweet coating that disappears the moment you bite into them.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
How to store milk snowball cookies
Milk Snowball Cookies are soft and delicate, so proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. After the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Stored this way, they stay tender for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving so they regain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Freezing dough and baked cookies
Milk Snowball Cookies also freeze beautifully, which is perfect for busy bakers or holiday prep. You can freeze the dough before baking: shape the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen after rolling them in powdered sugar. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a cozy treat anytime.
Make-ahead tips
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to develop even more. On busy mornings or holiday baking days, having pre-made dough or frozen cookies ready ensures you can serve fresh, soft milk snowball cookies with minimal effort.
Serving Ideas for Milk Snowball Cookies
Best times to serve
Milk Snowball Cookies are wonderfully versatile, making them perfect for any time of day. Serve them as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, or add them to an afternoon snack plate alongside fruit or nuts. They shine during holiday gatherings or special occasions, where their snowy, delicate appearance adds a festive touch. These cookies are also ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting—they hold their shape beautifully and impress without requiring fancy decorations. Because they’re soft and tender, they’re easy for kids and adults alike to enjoy, making them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Pairings with drinks and desserts
Milk Snowball Cookies pair exceptionally well with warm beverages. A cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even chai tea complements the buttery sweetness. For a lighter option, enjoy them with cold milk or plant-based milk alternatives. They also work beautifully alongside other desserts: serve them on a dessert platter with brownies, fruit tarts, or gingerbread for variety. For a playful twist, crumble them over ice cream or yogurt to add a soft, sweet crunch. Their subtle flavor allows them to fit into almost any dessert spread without overpowering other treats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Snowball Cookies
Can I make milk snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes! Nuts are optional. Skipping them won’t affect the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the cookies will still taste delicious.
How long do milk snowball cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. Refrigerating can extend freshness to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze milk snowball cookies or dough?
Absolutely. Freeze shaped dough balls before baking or fully baked cookies. Dough can last up to 3 months in the freezer, and baked cookies freeze well when wrapped individually.
Why are my cookies not soft?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Milk Snowball Cookies should look slightly underbaked when pulled from the oven—they firm as they cool.
Can I add chocolate or flavor variations?
Yes! Cocoa powder, spices, extracts, or dried fruit can enhance the flavor while keeping the signature soft texture.
Conclusion
Milk Snowball Cookies are simple, soft, and delightfully sweet treats that bring warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. With a few pantry staples and easy steps, anyone can create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They’re versatile enough for holiday celebrations, casual snacks, or gifting, and their delicate powdered sugar coating makes every batch feel special. With storage and freezing tips, plus fun variations, milk snowball cookies are the ultimate beginner-friendly cookie recipe that never disappoints. Add these cookies to your recipe collection, and enjoy cozy bites anytime you crave something soft, buttery, and sweet.