There is something irresistibly delightful about these Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe that makes them an instant favorite whenever I bake them. The tender crumb, combined with the subtle sweetness from the condensed milk, creates a cookie that’s both comforting and unique. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a charming dessert to share, this recipe blends simple ingredients into pure joy. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow any guest, making it a must-try gem in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a vital part in the flavor, texture, and appearance, ensuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps achieve that tender, buttery texture.
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient that gently sweetens and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a crispness and balances the sweetness from the condensed milk.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies without making them heavy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just the right lift for a light, delicate crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Amplifies all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
How to Make Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which means perfect edges and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture turns light and smooth. This step is essential because it creates the creamy base that gives these cookies their delightful softness and sweet richness.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing these well ensures an even distribution of leavening and flavor in your dough, which helps avoid any patches of uneven texture or taste.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. It might be a little sticky, but that’s perfect—it means your cookies will stay tender and moist.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then, flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand. This shaping technique helps them bake evenly and get that classic cookie look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see the edges turning a gentle golden color. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this allows them to firm up just enough before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already a treat on their own, but you can elevate them with some simple garnishes. Try rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkling finish, or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies to add a rich contrast. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can beautifully enhance the sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
Condensed Milk Cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages. Whether you enjoy them with a strong cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or even a cold glass of milk, the combination turns snack time into a cozy affair. For a brunch or dessert platter, these cookies complement fresh fruit and creamy spreads flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the cookie jar? Arrange your Condensed Milk Cookies on a pretty platter, interspersed with edible flowers or nuts for a charming display. For gatherings, you can sandwich them with jam or chocolate ganache for a fancy twist. Packaging them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cookies (though that might be a rare occasion), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and delicious for up to five days, retaining their fresh-baked charm so you can enjoy them later without losing any magic.
Freezing
Want to keep them longer? Freeze your baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring a little warmth back to frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft, buttery texture and makes them taste freshly baked once again—perfect for an indulgent treat anytime.
FAQs
Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk lacks the sweetness and thickness of sweetened condensed milk, so it’s not an ideal substitute for this recipe. The charm of these cookies relies on that creamy, sugary texture that only sweetened condensed milk provides.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? Can I use salted butter?
Yes, salted butter can work, but reduce or omit adding any extra salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. The flavor might be slightly different, but your cookies will still be delicious and buttery.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure. The texture might change slightly, but with a bit of testing, you’ll find a version that works wonderfully.
How thick should I flatten the cookie dough balls?
Flattening them to about 1/4 inch thickness works perfectly. This ensures even baking and that crisp-soft balance in every bite. If you leave them too thick, they might bake unevenly or remain doughy inside.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Mixing in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit adds exciting textures and flavors. Just fold them into your dough after combining wet and dry ingredients, keeping portions moderate so the dough maintains its integrity.
Final Thoughts
This Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe offers such a simple yet delightful way to enjoy homemade cookies that feel special every time you bite into one. With everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a sweet moment of happiness that’s perfect for yourself or to share with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
Print
Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Condensed Milk Cookies are tender, mildly sweet, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. With a soft, buttery texture and a hint of vanilla, they are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light in color and smooth in texture, ensuring even incorporation of ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their texture.
Notes
- These cookies have a tender texture and mild sweetness, making them ideal companions to tea or coffee.
- You can roll the cookie dough balls in sugar prior to baking for a sweet crust or dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for added indulgence.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
