If you’re looking for a special treat, these condensed milk cookies are just the thing! They’re soft and lightly sweet, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday table or just a cozy night in.
This recipe tackles dry, crumbly cookies, underdone centers, and lengthy chilling by using condensed milk to yield soft, chewy treats with consistent texture.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled with finding a cookie recipe that isn’t overly sweet. This one hit the spot, and it was a breeze to whip up. With just three simple ingredients, you’re on your way to deliciousness in no time!
Why I love these cookies is their quick prep time of just 10 minutes and baking in only 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll have warm cookies fresh out of the oven before you know it! The buttery flavor makes them a nice contrast to all that other rich and sweet stuff we tend to overdo during holidays.
If you’re in the mood for more sweet treats, give my Strawberry Shortbread Cookies a try! They’re a delightful treat that pairs well with these cookies, too.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture : These cookies have a buttery and soft texture that’s not too crumbly, making them easy to enjoy without creating a mess.
- Flavor : With a lightly sweet profile, they perfectly complement richer desserts without overpowering your taste buds.
- Convenience : This recipe is super simple, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel confident making these cookies in no time.
- Storage : You can easily store these cookies in an airtight container, with wax paper between layers, ensuring they stay fresh for days.
Soft Sweetened Condensed Milk Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 14 - 15 cookies 1x
- Category: cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are delicious, soft cookies perfect for serving alongside coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, for dusting cookies
Instructions
- Scoop & Shape Cookies: Start by scooping your chilled dough into tablespoon-sized portions. Each scoop should feel slightly sticky in your hands as you roll it into a ball. Make them uniform in size to ensure even baking. If the dough feels too dry, check the texture of the butter.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place the cookie balls in a greased mini muffin tin, providing a bit of space between them as they will spread during baking. Proper greasing of the tin is crucial to avoid difficulty in removing the cookies.
- Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the cookies in the muffin tin for 12 to 14 minutes. Watch for a slight golden edge to ensure they are sufficiently baked. Avoid overbaking to keep them from becoming dry.
- Cool & Dust with Sugar: Allow cookies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, dust them lightly with powdered sugar to help it stick. Waiting too long will lessen the effect, so dust them promptly.
- Store or Serve: After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat. Avoid stacking before they are fully cooled to preserve their shape.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Place waxed paper between layers if stacking, especially if you are freezing them.
- Expert Tips: If your cookies feel too dry, ensure the butter is at room temperature and well-creamed for the right consistency. If cookies are spreading too much during baking, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help maintain their shape. Dusting with powdered sugar while the cookies are still warm will assist in it sticking better.
- Reheating Instructions: For best results when reheating, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a glass of milk or coffee. Pair with warm cocoa for a cozy treat. They can also be added to a dessert platter alongside richer cookies.
- Recipe Variations: Add chopped nuts or incorporate cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Ingredient Notes: Select high-quality sweetened condensed milk for the best cookie flavor. If needed, evaporated milk with sugar can substitute in a pinch. For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. You can replace it with a gluten-free blend if you’re keeping it gluten-free.
- Baking powder: This little guy helps the cookies puff up and stay soft. If you’re out, you can use baking soda, but adjust the amounts carefully.
- Unsalted butter: It’s key for a rich texture. Going with room temperature butter makes mixing a breeze. If you need dairy-free, try using coconut oil.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness, making the cookies rich. If you’re in a pinch, evaporated milk with sugar can work in a bind.
- Pure vanilla extract: The aroma and flavor really take these cookies up a notch! Store it properly, and you can also swap it for almond extract if you want a twist.
- Powdered sugar: This is for dusting the cookies and gives that lovely snowy finish. If you want it less sweet, finely ground sugar can substitute in a pinch.
Recipe Tips
- If your cookies feel too dry, butter should be at room temperature and creamed thoroughly for the right consistency.
- When you notice cookies spreading too much, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help them maintain shape while baking.
- For a nice dusting of powdered sugar, it helps to do this while the cookies are still a little warm, so it sticks better.
- If you’re planning to freeze cookies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and taste when serving.
- Before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an appealing touch and enhances the overall presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these condensed milk cookies with a glass of milk or coffee. Pair them with warm cocoa for a cozy treat.
These cookies can add charm to a dessert platter alongside richer cookies. They also work well at holiday gatherings or winter parties for guests.
Consider drizzling a simple icing or chocolate sauce over the cookies. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can provide a finishing touch as well.
Recipe variations
- You can use 2 cups of whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder if you want to create a chocolate version of these cookies that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Either use almond extract instead of vanilla or add 1 teaspoon of coconut extract for a tropical twist.
- If doubling the recipe, use 4 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 2 cups of butter to maintain the texture and flavor. Check out my Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles for another cookie choice!
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How to Store?
To keep your condensed milk cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Use waxed paper for stacking.
Refrigeration: Place cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This helps maintain freshness.
Freezing: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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