Milk Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a rich, buttery, and nutty cookie dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are soft and delicate, making them a festive favorite during the holiday season, or any time you need a sweet indulgence. With their delightful snowball shape and smooth texture, they offer a simple yet elegant cookie option that is sure to impress.

This recipe is quick to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The blend of butter, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts creates a light and crumbly cookie that is then rolled in powdered sugar for that signature snowball look and flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family events, or just as a sweet snack, these cookies are always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Milk Snowball Cookies are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love. The soft, buttery texture combined with the crunch of finely chopped nuts makes these cookies irresistible. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and the powdered sugar coating gives them a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s both delightful and comforting. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a timeless treat that’s sure to bring joy to any occasion.

Ingredients

Butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Salt
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Variations

Nut Varieties: Use different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to change the flavor of your cookies.
Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist on the classic cookie.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise inside.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note to the cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of powdered sugar, roll the cookies in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a spiced flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the salt and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until everything is fully combined. The dough should be thick but manageable.

Step 4: Add Nuts

Stir in the finely chopped nuts of your choice, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned.

Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in additional powdered sugar. This will create the signature “snowball” look and add a sweet coating.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to make it easier to cream with the sugar.
Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be set but not brown.
Add Extra Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm ensures the sugar sticks well to the surface.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

How to Serve

Milk Snowball Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a gift for friends and family. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they also make a great addition to any cookie platter. Their light and delicate texture make them the perfect treat to pair with other baked goods, like brownies or fruit tarts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

Freezing

Milk Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully! Once they’re completely cooled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Butter provides the best taste and texture for these cookies.

2. Can I skip the nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts for a nut-free version. The cookies will still be delicious and soft.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be set and slightly firm to the touch. They should not brown at the edges.

4. Can I use other types of sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the texture of these cookies, especially for rolling them after baking. Other sugars might not give the same effect.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

6. How do I make the cookies fluffier?

To make the cookies fluffier, you can sift the flour before adding it to the dough.

7. Can I use a stand mixer for mixing the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar and mix the dough.

8. What kind of nuts work best for this recipe?

Finely chopped walnuts or pecans are commonly used in Milk Snowball Cookies, but any nut you prefer will work.

9. How long can I store these cookies?

These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

10. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Conclusion

Milk Snowball Cookies are a deliciously simple and elegant treat perfect for any occasion. With their buttery flavor, nutty crunch, and sweet powdered sugar coating, these cookies offer a comforting and delightful bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or just for a cozy snack at home, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe is one you’ll return to again and again for a satisfying and nostalgic cookie experience.