It was the middle of December, and I was standing in the kitchen, surrounded by the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies. The holidays were in full swing, and I was determined to whip up a batch of my famous 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies to share with family and friends.
As I measured out the simple ingredients – a can of sweet, creamy condensed milk, softened butter, and all-purpose flour – I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. These cookies had been a holiday tradition in my family for as long as I could remember, and the process of making them never failed to transport me back to my childhood, when I would eagerly await the moment the first batch emerged from the oven.
There’s just something so special about these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies. They’re easy to whip up, require minimal effort, and yet they always manage to elicit ohs and ahs from everyone who tries them. It’s like magic in a cookie tin, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking and sharing them with your loved ones.
Why This 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
The secret to these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies lies in the unexpected combination of just a few simple ingredients. By using sweetened condensed milk as the base, you end up with a cookie that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with caramelized sweetness. The butter adds a delectable richness and tender texture, while the all-purpose flour brings everything together into a perfectly soft and chewy cookie.
What really sets these cookies apart, though, is the way the condensed milk caramelizes as it bakes. The sugars in the milk concentrate and develop a deep, almost toffee-like flavor that’s simply irresistible. The result is a cookie that’s simultaneously gooey, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet – a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the star of the show, providing the cookies with their signature creamy, caramelized sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The butter adds richness, tenderness, and a delectable mouthfeel to the cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The flour binds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture.
These three humble ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. The condensed milk brings the sweetness, the butter adds the richness, and the flour provides the structure – it’s a flavor and texture trifecta that’s sure to delight.
Step-by-Step 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
Preparing these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies couldn’t be easier. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a batch of fresh, homemade cookies ready to enjoy in a total of 20 minutes.
All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a baking sheet. Simply cream the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, pop it in the oven, and voila – delicious cookies in no time!
1- Start by creaming the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk together in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend the two ingredients until they’re smooth and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Once the butter and condensed milk are creamed together, gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 24 equal-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4- Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
5- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Once cooled, the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them on their own or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect sweet treat.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Use room-temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the condensed milk. This will help the ingredients blend together smoothly and prevent the dough from being too firm.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is incorporated, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Scoop the dough evenly: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet, ensuring each cookie is the same size for even baking.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking and adjust the time as needed. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely: It’s important to let the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies cool completely on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack. This will allow the cookies to firm up and develop their perfect chewy texture.
Serving and Storing Your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
Perfect Pairings for 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are the perfect treat to serve up anytime, whether it’s a cozy afternoon at home, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together with friends. With 24 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share.
For a classic pairing, serve the cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, caramelized flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with the warmth and bitterness of the beverages. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a seasonal hot chocolate or a cold glass of milk.
If you’re looking to impress, try serving the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread, snowball cookies, or classic chocolate chip. They’ll add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to the spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies is that they keep well and can be made in advance, making them the perfect go-to recipe for the busy holiday season (or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat).
To store the cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll maintain their soft, chewy texture and rich, caramelized flavor throughout.
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can also freeze the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, and they’ll be as fresh as the day you baked them.
For best results, reheat the cookies in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes just before serving. This will help them regain their soft, fresh-baked texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
Creative 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Variations
While the classic 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this versatile recipe. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Condensed Milk Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Coconut Condensed Milk Cookies: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair.
- Spiced Condensed Milk Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.
- Lemon Condensed Milk Cookies: Zest one lemon and add it to the dough for a bright, citrusy spin on the classic.
Making 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Diet-Friendly
While the original 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies recipe is indulgent and delicious, there are a few ways you can adapt it to suit dietary restrictions or preferences.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to mix the dough gently to prevent the gluten-free flour from becoming tough.
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can replace the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter. And instead of using sweetened condensed milk, opt for a plant-based condensed milk alternative.
For a lower-carb take, you can use a low-carb flour like almond flour or coconut flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Just be aware that the texture and baking time may vary slightly.
No matter which dietary adaptation you choose, the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies will still deliver the same rich, caramelized flavor and chewy, irresistible texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose?
A: While all-purpose flour works best for the texture and structure of these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat, oat, or almond flour. Just keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different texture and baking time.
Q: How long do the cookies take to bake?
A: The total baking time for these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies is 12-15 minutes in a 350°F oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers are still slightly soft.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the cookies later?
A: Absolutely! The 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the instructions. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies recipe yields 24 cookies. The recipe calls for portioning the dough into 24 equal-sized balls, so you’ll end up with two dozen delicious, chewy cookies.
Q: What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
A: If your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies tend to spread out too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before scooping it onto the baking sheet. This will help the cookies hold their shape better. You can also try using a smaller cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into smaller balls.
3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are a delightfully easy and buttery treat that come together in just minutes. With a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the perfect simple cookie for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown on the edges.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more festive look, you can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or sprinkle them with powdered sugar before baking. These cookies also store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are the ultimate in easy, delicious baking. With their rich, caramelized flavor and perfectly soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to become a new holiday (and anytime!) favorite in your household.
What are you waiting for? Gather your three simple ingredients and get baking! I can’t wait to hear how your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies turn out. Be sure to share your photos and feedback – I love seeing the delicious creations my readers come up with. Happy baking!
