Condensed Milk Cookies
Condensed milk cookies are one of those simple, nostalgic treats that manage to win over hearts without needing fancy ingredients or elaborate techniques. These cookies are made using a can of condensed milk, butter, flour, and a few baking basics, creating a dough that’s wonderfully rich, creamy, and versatile. The condensed milk gives the cookies a naturally sweet and milky flavor, almost caramel-like, while the butter provides tenderness and depth. They are easy enough to whip up on a weekday but elegant enough to bring to a holiday table, cookie exchange, or afternoon tea.
What makes them extra special is their adaptability—you can keep them plain for a melt-in-the-mouth bite, or you can dress them up with nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel. If you’re someone who enjoys recipes that are straightforward yet rewarding, this one will become a staple in your baking rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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3⅓ cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
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1.5 teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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6.3 oz (180 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 can (380 g) sweetened condensed milk
Cooking Directions
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Prepare your workspace: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
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Cream the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Add condensed milk: Pour in the condensed milk and beat again until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
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Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
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Shape the cookies: Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each), roll into balls, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between cookies.
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Flatten slightly: Press down gently with the back of a fork or your fingers to create a flat surface.
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Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still pale.
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Cool: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy: Serve plain, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Nutrients (per cookie, approx. 25 cookies)
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Calories: 140
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Carbohydrates: 19 g
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Sugars: 8 g
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Fiber: 0.5 g
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Sodium: 60 mg
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Calcium: 35 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something universally comforting about cookies, and condensed milk cookies hit the sweet spot between ease and flavor. You’ll love this recipe because it uses pantry staples, takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and produces cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. These cookies are also highly versatile—you can serve them as is for a quick snack, pair them with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or even sandwich them with jam, Nutella, or cream cheese frosting for something extra special. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love both making and eating these cookies, and you’ll appreciate how simple cleanup is compared to more complicated desserts.The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Sweetened condensed milk has been around since the 19th century, when it was first created as a way to preserve milk before refrigeration. It quickly became a pantry hero in many cultures because of its long shelf life and rich sweetness. In places like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, condensed milk found its way into drinks, cakes, candies, and, of course, cookies.
Condensed milk cookies specifically became popular because they required fewer ingredients than traditional cookies that rely on sugar and eggs. During times when sugar was scarce or expensive, condensed milk worked as both sweetener and binder, making it a lifesaver for home bakers. Today, the recipe lives on not only for its practicality but also because of its distinct creamy flavor. It feels nostalgic yet timeless—reminding many of family kitchens, holiday baking traditions, and the joy of simple homemade sweets.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Condensed Milk: The star of the show. It’s thicker and sweeter than regular milk, giving the cookies a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.
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Butter: Provides richness and softness. Using unsalted butter ensures you control the saltiness.
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Flour: All-purpose flour keeps things simple and accessible, but you could experiment with cake flour for an even lighter crumb.
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Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, preventing them from becoming too dense.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These cookies store beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or holiday gifting.
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Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
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Freezing Dough: You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, just adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
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Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: If you like warm cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes to refresh their texture.
Common Variations to Try
This recipe is a canvas—you can personalize it however you like.
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Chocolate Chip Condensed Milk Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
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Nutty Twist: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch.
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Jam Thumbprints: Roll dough into balls, press an indent with your thumb, and fill with jam before baking.
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
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Sandwich Cookies: Spread dulce de leche, Nutella, or frosting between two cookies.
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Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Condensed milk cookies are versatile when it comes to pairing. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
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Tea: Pair with Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea for a cozy afternoon ritual.
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Coffee: These cookies complement espresso, cappuccino, or even Vietnamese iced coffee (which also uses condensed milk!).
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Milk: A classic combo—especially for kids.
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Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness.
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Ice Cream: Sandwich vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a quick frozen treat.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are undoubtedly indulgent, they do bring some benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
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Calcium: Thanks to the condensed milk, these cookies provide a source of calcium for healthy bones.
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Energy Boost: Their combination of carbohydrates and fat makes them a quick energy source, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Mood Lifter: The act of baking and eating homemade cookies often improves mood and reduces stress—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Groceries -
Customizable for Healthier Versions: You can reduce the sugar by substituting part of the condensed milk with unsweetened yogurt or use whole-grain flour for extra fiber.
Conclusion
Condensed milk cookies are proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or a pastry chef’s skills to create something that feels special. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery sweetness, and versatility, they’re a treat that fits any occasion—from weekday snacks to festive celebrations. They connect past and present, reminding us of the timeless appeal of simple, homemade baking.
