Sweet satisfaction: 3‑ingredient condensed milk cookies

Shortbread cookies are a classic treat that suits any occasion, from an everyday dessert to a coffee accompaniment. But what can you do when you want to bake something really quickly? The recipe for cookies with condensed milk and only two additional ingredients comes to the rescue. They're not only delicious and delicate but so simple that even people without much baking experience can handle them with ease.

This cookie recipe is exceptionally simple. You only need three ingredients that you often have in the kitchen and a few minutes of free time.

Ingredients:

    
• condensed milk (about 7 fl oz)
• all-purpose flour (about 9 oz)
• butter (about 3.5 oz)

Although condensed milk is a tasty addition to many dishes, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar content. In 3.5 oz of the product, there are about 320 kcal and a large amount of carbohydrates. Nonetheless, it also provides protein and some vitamins and minerals found in cow's milk, such as calcium and vitamin B12.

Preparation:

    
1. Start by combining the flour and cold butter. Cut the butter into smaller pieces and mix it with the flour until a crumbly texture forms. Then add the condensed milk and knead the dough until it becomes uniform and smooth. It's important not to over-knead, as this will make the cookies more crumbly.
2. Roll the prepared dough to a thickness of about 0.2 inches. Using cookie cutters or a glass, cut the cookies into any shape. You can also form balls from the dough and gently flatten them.
3. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, keeping space between them. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. After baking, leave them to cool on a rack.

Condensed milk gives these cookies a delicate sweetness and velvety texture. Thanks to it, the cookies are perfectly crumbly, while having a slightly chewy consistency in the center. Moreover, the recipe can be easily modified by adding your favorite extras, such as chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits.

Additional variations:

Although the basic recipe only requires three ingredients, you can add something extra to give the cookies a new character:

    
1. With chocolate: Add chopped pieces of chocolate to the dough or dip the cookies in melted chocolate after baking.
2. With nuts: Add finely chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds to the dough to give the cookies extra crunchiness.
3. With spices: If you like more spiced flavors, add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the dough for a festive character.

Condensed milk cookies are best stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness. They will stay fresh for about a week in a dry and cool place. You can also freeze part of the dough before baking and have fresh cookies whenever you crave something sweet.