If you love soft, buttery cookies that are incredibly easy to make, then Condensed Milk Cookies are the perfect treat for you! These cookies require just a few ingredients and come together in minutes, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.
Why use condensed milk in cookies? This thick, sweet milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the dough while also enhancing the sweetness and softness of the cookies. The result? Perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treats every time!
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a tea-time snack, or a way to use up leftover condensed milk, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in! 🍪
What Are Condensed Milk Cookies?
Condensed Milk Cookies are soft, buttery cookies made with sweetened condensed milk, which gives them a rich texture and a hint of caramel-like sweetness. Unlike traditional cookies that use sugar and eggs, these cookies rely on condensed milk for sweetness and moisture, resulting in a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What Does Condensed Milk Do in Baking?
Sweetened condensed milk plays a unique role in baking by:
- Adding Sweetness – Since it’s already sweetened, you don’t need much extra sugar.
- Enhancing Moisture – It keeps cookies soft and prevents them from drying out.
- Creating a Chewy Texture – The thick consistency makes the cookies dense yet tender.
- Replacing Eggs – In some recipes, condensed milk acts as a binder, making it ideal for egg-free baking.
These cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or milk, and they can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or jam for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Condensed Milk Cookies are a quick, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying treat. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite cookie recipe:
- ✅ Super Easy to Make – No eggs, no chilling time—just mix, shape, and bake!
- ✅ Soft & Buttery Texture – Thanks to condensed milk, these cookies are chewy, tender, and rich.
- ✅ Minimal Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up a batch.
- ✅ Perfect for Customization – Add chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, or a jam center for variety.
- ✅ Great for Using Up Leftover Condensed Milk – If you have an open can of sweetened condensed milk, this is a perfect way to use it up!
💡 Love easy desserts? Try this 3-Ingredient Cheese Ball for another simple yet satisfying treat!
Ingredients Needed For Condensed Milk Cookies
These Condensed Milk Cookies require just a few simple ingredients, making them an easy and budget-friendly treat.
Basic Cookie Dough Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins & Variations:
🍫 Chocolate Chip Version – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
🌰 Nutty Crunch – Stir in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy bite.
🍓 Jam-Filled – Make a small indentation in each cookie before baking and fill with jam for a thumbprint-style treat.
🥥 Coconut Lovers’ Delight – Mix in ¼ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
How to Make Condensed Milk Cookies
These Condensed Milk Cookies come together in just a few easy steps! Follow this simple method for perfect, soft, and buttery cookies every time.
1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using), then mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
2: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls.
- Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- For a decorative touch, gently press down with a fork or create an indentation for jam filling.
3: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
4: Enjoy or Store!
- Serve warm with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Condensed Milk Cookies
Want soft, buttery, and perfectly baked Condensed Milk Cookies? Follow these expert tips:
- Use Softened Butter – Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for the best texture. This helps create a light and tender cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Watch the Bake Time – Bake until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. Cookies continue baking on the tray after removal.
- Chill for Extra Flavor – If you have time, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavor and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Make Even-Sized Cookies – Use a cookie scoop or measure dough evenly for consistent baking.
Serving Suggestions
Condensed Milk Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving ideas:
- With Coffee or Tea – Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or English breakfast tea for a cozy treat.
- As a Dessert Sandwich – Spread Nutella, peanut butter, or vanilla frosting between two cookies for a fun twist!
- With Fresh Fruit – Serve with berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
- Dipped in Chocolate – Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Classic & Simple – Enjoy with a glass of cold milk for the perfect sweet snack.
💡 Want another easy dessert idea? Try this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake for a creamy, fruity delight!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Condensed Milk Cookies, small mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:
- ❌ Using Melted Butter Instead of Softened Butter – Melted butter makes the dough too soft, resulting in flat and greasy cookies.
- ❌ Skipping the Salt – Even in sweet cookies, a pinch of salt enhances the flavor and prevents them from tasting overly sweet.
- ❌ Overbaking the Cookies – These cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking makes them dry and crumbly.
- ❌ Not Measuring the Flour Correctly – Too much flour makes cookies dense and dry. Always use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag.
❌ Overmixing the Dough – Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep the cookies light and tender.
FAQs About Condensed Milk Cookies
1. What does condensed milk do in baking?
Condensed milk adds sweetness, moisture, and a creamy texture to baked goods. It also helps create a chewy and tender consistency in cookies.
2. How to make cookie dough with condensed milk?
To make cookie dough with condensed milk:
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Stir in flour and salt, then mix until a soft dough forms.
3. How to bake biscuits with condensed milk?
Baking biscuits (cookies) with condensed milk follows a simple process:
- Shape the dough into balls, press down slightly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. How do you use up a can of sweetened condensed milk?
If you have leftover condensed milk, try using it in:
- Coffee or tea for a creamy, sweet twist.
- Drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or toast.
- Homemade caramel sauce by heating and stirring.
- Adding to cake batters, frostings, or ice cream recipes.
💡 Want another simple and comforting dessert? Check out this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake for a warm, spiced treat!