Condensed milk cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. These cookies are not only simple to make, but they also require minimal ingredients and time. With this easy guide, you can create a batch of irresistible cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g / ~8.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g / ~0.14 oz)
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk (105 g / ~3.7 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g / 4 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml / ~0.17 fl oz)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (≈1.5 g)
- Optional: sugar for sprinkling
Preparation Steps
Preheat and Prep Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a glass baking dish or cookie tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures the cookies come out perfectly without breaking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step helps your cookies rise evenly and develop a consistent texture.
Cream Butter and Condensed Milk
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to mix, creating a smooth, luscious dough. Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to incorporate the flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold the flour mixture into the butter and condensed milk mixture in small batches. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix, ensuring the dough remains soft and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form small dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking dish, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top to add a subtle crunch and sparkle.
Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and pale. Overbaking can make them lose their melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Cool
Allow the cookies to rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. Transfer them carefully to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures the perfect soft texture.
Tips for Perfect Condensed Milk Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly and can result in dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour with the wet ingredients, fold gently. Overmixing can develop gluten and make cookies tough.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies so they bake uniformly.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- Flavor Variations: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a hint of cinnamon to customize your cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are condensed milk cookies soft?
Yes, these cookies are known for their incredibly soft and melt-in-the-mouth texture due to the combination of butter and sweetened condensed milk.
Can I use brown sugar instead of regular sugar?
You can sprinkle brown sugar on top for a deeper flavor, but the base recipe already uses condensed milk for sweetness, so it’s optional.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is necessary. This dough can be shaped and baked immediately, which makes it convenient for quick baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain soft and delicious for up to 5 days.
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Absolutely. Vanilla is classic, but you can add almond extract, cocoa powder, or even orange zest to create a unique flavor profile.
Is it possible to make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might slightly differ but will still be soft and delicious.
These condensed milk cookies are simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. The melt-in-the-mouth texture combined with the subtle sweetness makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later, they are a delightful treat that anyone can make with ease.