Lavender Honey Glazed Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies

These Lavender-Honey Glazed Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies boast a delicate floral aroma and a subtly sweet flavor profile, thanks to the infusion of culinary lavender and the rich sweetness of honey. The use of sweetened condensed milk creates an incredibly tender and crumbly texture, while the glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 115 g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature – not melted – so it creams properly with the sugar. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookies.
• 120 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. It also aids in the creaming process with the butter.
• 1 Large Egg Yolk: The egg yolk adds richness, color, and helps bind the ingredients together. Using just the yolk contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Be sure to use alcohol-free extract if you prefer.
• 60 g (¼ cup) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient for incredibly soft and tender cookies! Sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and a unique sweetness.
• 240 g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately – spoon and level method is recommended – to avoid overly dense cookies.
• ½ tsp (2 g) Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, resulting in a lighter texture.
• ¼ tsp (1 g) Fine Sea Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cookies. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly.
• 80 g (⅓ cup) Honey: Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. The honey contributes to the glaze’s sweetness and floral notes.
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Water: Water helps to thin the honey and create a smooth, pourable glaze.
• 1 tsp (2 g) Dried Culinary Lavender Buds: Culinary lavender is essential for the signature floral flavor. Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender, as other types may have a soapy taste.
• 15 g (1 tbsp) Powdered Sugar (Optional, for thicker glaze): Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, can be added to the glaze to thicken it and create a more opaque finish.
• Pinch of Lemon Zest: A tiny bit of lemon zest brightens the glaze and complements the lavender and honey flavors.
• 2 tbsp (15 g) Toasted Almond Slivers, Roughly Chopped: Toasted almond slivers add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies. Toasting enhances their flavor.
• A Few Extra Dried Lavender Buds for Garnish: These are for visual appeal and a subtle extra burst of lavender aroma.

Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for a specific flavor profile, here are a few substitutions you can consider:

• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
• Almond Slivers: Pecans or walnuts can be used in place of almond slivers for a different nutty flavor.
• Lavender: If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can omit it entirely or substitute it with a different floral extract, such as rose water (use sparingly!).

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, resulting in tender cookies.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is fully incorporated. The sweetened condensed milk adds a delightful chewiness and sweetness.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies.
6. Portion & Shape: Portion the dough by spooning approximately 1 tablespoon (≈15g) onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, then gently press down on the tops to flatten them slightly. This creates the classic snowball shape.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cooling Phase: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
9. Prepare the Lavender-Honey Glaze: While the cookies cool, combine the honey, water, and dried culinary lavender buds in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves and the mixture is uniform (about 2-3 minutes).
10. Adjust Glaze Consistency (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar. Add a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
11. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, brush a generous layer of the warm lavender-honey glaze over each cookie, allowing it to pool and drip slightly around the edges.
12. Add Toppings: Before the glaze fully hardens, sprinkle the toasted almond slivers and a few extra dried lavender buds over each cookie for added texture and visual appeal.
13. Set & Serve: Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before plating and serving.

The Magic of Sweetened Condensed Milk in Baking

Sweetened condensed milk isn’t just a pantry staple; it’s a baking secret weapon! Its high sugar content contributes to a wonderfully tender and chewy texture in cookies. Unlike evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk has a rich, creamy consistency and a distinct sweetness that reduces the need for excessive granulated sugar. In these Lavender-Honey Snowball Cookies, it creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly complements the floral lavender and warm honey.

Lavender & Honey: A Flavor Pairing Through Time

The combination of lavender and honey is a classic for a reason. Both ingredients have been prized for centuries, not only for their delightful flavors but also for their medicinal properties. Honey’s natural sweetness balances the slightly floral and sometimes soapy notes of lavender, creating a harmonious and sophisticated flavor profile. This pairing is particularly effective in delicate pastries like these Snowball Cookies, where the subtle flavors can truly shine.

Tips for the Perfect Glaze

Achieving the perfect glaze consistency is key to these cookies. If your glaze is too thick, it won’t spread easily and may crack. If it’s too thin, it will run off the cookies completely. Start with the recommended amount of powdered sugar and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.

Storing Your Lavender-Honey Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time, but the cookies will still taste delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of honey?

Yes! While a mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower is recommended, you can experiment with different varieties to add unique nuances to the glaze. Just be mindful that darker honeys may affect the glaze’s color.

Can I omit the lavender?

Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can simply omit it from the glaze. The honey glaze will still be delicious on its own.

Can I substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract?

While almond extract would complement the almond slivers, it will significantly alter the flavor profile. Vanilla extract is recommended to maintain the delicate balance of lavender and honey.

These Lavender-Honey Glazed Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

sweetened condensed milk snowball cookies

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• Author: Grace Miller
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Lavender-Honey Glazed Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat, offering a delicate floral aroma and subtly sweet flavor. They feature a tender, crumbly texture thanks to sweetened condensed milk and a beautiful honey-lavender glaze.

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Ingredients

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• 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 120 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp (5 ml) alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 60 g (¼ cup) sweetened condensed milk
• 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp (2 g) baking powder
• ¼ tsp (1 g) fine sea salt
• 80 g (⅓ cup) honey
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) water
• 1 tsp (2 g) dried culinary lavender buds
• 15 g (1 tbsp) powdered sugar (optional)
• Pinch of lemon zest
• 2 tbsp (15 g) toasted almond slivers, chopped
• A few extra dried lavender buds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Portion & Shape: Spoon dough onto baking sheet, roll into balls, and flatten slightly.
7. Bake to Golden: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden.
8. Cool: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Prepare Glaze: Heat honey, water, and lavender buds until honey dissolves.
10. Adjust Glaze: (Optional) Stir in powdered sugar to thicken and lemon zest to brighten.
11. Glaze Cookies: Brush warm glaze over cooled cookies.
12. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with almond slivers and lavender buds.
13. Set & Serve: Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

For a more intense lavender flavor, let the honey-lavender mixture steep for 30 minutes before straining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg