It all started a few years ago when my sister-in-law, Julia, invited my family over for a festive cookie exchange. I’ll never forget the moment I first tasted her 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies – the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the sweet, creamy flavor from the condensed milk, and the way they practically disappeared from the plate in the blink of an eye. From that day on, I knew I had to master this recipe and make it a permanent part of my holiday baking lineup.
These 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies have become a beloved tradition in our household. Every December, I can’t wait to whip up a batch (or three!) to enjoy with my family, give as thoughtful homemade gifts, and share at holiday gatherings. There’s just something so special about the simplicity and deliciousness of these cookies that keeps me coming back year after year.
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 irresistible 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies lies in the perfect balance of just a few quality ingredients. By using sweetened condensed milk, you get an incredibly rich, creamy, and sweet base that serves as the star of the show. The all-purpose flour provides structure and stability, while the melted unsalted butter adds a decadent, buttery flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the way the ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s simultaneously crisp on the edges and soft and chewy in the center. It’s a texture that’s absolutely heavenly, and one that’s surprisingly easy to achieve with just three simple components. Plus, the short ingredient list and quick prep time make these cookies a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest of holiday schedules.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient that provides the rich, creamy, and sweet base for these cookies. Condensed milk is thicker and more concentrated than regular milk, giving these cookies their signature flavor and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This basic pantry staple provides structure and stability to the cookie dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds a decadent, buttery flavor while also contributing to the soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the final cookies.
Together, these three simple ingredients combine to create a cookie that’s truly irresistible. The condensed milk delivers the sweetness, the flour gives it structure, and the butter lends a rich, indulgent flavor that’s simply out of this world.
Step-by-Step 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies
With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, a baking sheet, and an oven preheated to 350°F.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk and the 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until a thick, sticky dough forms.
2- Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and continue mixing until the dough is well combined. The butter will help create a rich, tender texture in the final cookies.
3- Once the dough is ready, use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion it into 18 equal-sized balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4- Bake the cookies in the preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
5- Remove the baked 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- Enjoy your freshly baked 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or keeping all to yourself as a delightful holiday treat.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: For an even chewier, more concentrated flavor, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the ingredients meld together and results in a thicker, more substantive cookie.
- Experiment with mix-ins: While the classic 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily customize them by folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Keep a close eye on the cookies during the baking process, as oven temperatures can vary. Adjust the baking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness – you want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers still slightly soft.
- Let them cool completely: Resist the temptation to dive in right away! Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack. This helps them set up properly and develop their signature soft, 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 companion for a cozy mug of hot chocolate, a steaming cup of coffee, or a cold glass of milk. Their rich, sweet flavor also makes them an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters, potlucks, and gift baskets. And with this recipe yielding 18 cookies, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies is that they keep wonderfully, so you can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
To store, simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before enjoying.
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can even prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Just store the unbaked dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and let them thaw for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
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 truly a treat, you can also get creative with fun flavor twists:
- Chocolate Chip 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks before baking.
- Peanut Butter 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies: Swirl in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a delightful peanut butter twist.
- Lemon 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Festive 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies: Dip the baked cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.
Making 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies more diet-friendly, you can try the following substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, in place of the sweetened condensed milk, and substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Low-Carb: Replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb cookie.
Just keep in mind that any substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the final cookies, so be sure to adjust baking times and temperatures as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose?
A: While all-purpose flour is the recommended ingredient, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of whole wheat flour, pastry flour, or even gluten-free flour blends. Just note that the texture and baking times may vary slightly.
Q: How long do these 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 20 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time. The quick and easy preparation makes these cookies a great option for busy holiday baking.
Q: Can I freeze the 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze very well! You can store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies recipe yields 18 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If your cookies are spreading excessively, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. You can also try using a smaller cookie scoop or rolling the dough into tighter balls before placing them on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Condensed Milk Cookies are truly a holiday baking revelation. With their irresistible combination of rich, creamy sweetness and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in my family’s holiday traditions.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy and versatile it is. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress with their simplicity and deliciousness. So why not give them a try this holiday season? I promise they’ll quickly become a new favorite in your household too. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your own holiday cookie creations!
